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| Illinois AG Files Lawsuits Against Mortgage Rescue Companies |
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed seven lawsuits Tuesday against "mortgage rescue" companies that allegedly prey on those facing home foreclosure. The suits were filed in Cook, Sangamon, and Winnebago counties. Her office is seeking a permanent injunction preventing the companies from operating in Illinois.
"Consumers need to resist offers of a rescue," Madigan said. "These scam artists prey on desperate homeowners who are struggling to save their homes."
Madigan says in most cases the companies obtain a list of foreclosure filings from the courts and approach the victims with promises of saving their home. She says they often ask for a payment upfront, a practice that is illegal in Illinois. Madigan says the companies then fail on their promise of representing the homeowner in court.
Madigan urged homeowners to contact their lenders if they fall behind on payments. She says those who are facing foreclosure should contact a HUD-certified counselor for help. If homeowners feel they were scammed, they should contact Madigan's Homeowners' Referral Helpline at 866-544-7151, or by CLICKING HERE.
Companies named in the lawsuit:
Cook County:
* National Foreclosure Counseling Services, Jacksonville, Fla.
* Foreclosure Solutions, Burlington, Wis.
* Homestead Protection Services, Maitland, Fla.
* Home Foreclosure Solutions, Plainfield, Ill.
* Foreclosure Experts, Chicago
Sangamon County:
* Mason Capital Group, Tarzana, Calif.
Winnebago County:
* StopMyForeclosure.net, Rockford, Ill.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 11 18 08 by Newsroom |
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