May 8, 2009
Media Contact: Sandi Copes
Phone: (850) 245-0150
Attorney General Sues Orlando Loan Modification Company for Foreclosure Fraud
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against an Orlando loan modification company alleging the company was committing foreclosure rescue fraud. Three Angels Community Action Network and company president Sherrard A. Haugabrooks are named in the lawsuit filed today in Seminole County Circuit Court. The lawsuit specifically alleges violations of Florida’s Foreclosure Rescue Law, §501.1377.
Members of the Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division, working as part of the Attorney General’s Mortgage Fraud Task Force, began investigating Three Angels Community Action Network in February 2009. The company allegedly charged homeowners an up-front fee generally equal to a monthly mortgage payment prior to providing loan modification services. The lawsuit further states the company’s client contracts did not contain the contractual disclosures required by Florida’s Foreclosure Rescue Law, a 2008 legislative priority of the Attorney General.
The Attorney General’s Office has received over 15 complaints about the company, which also does business as 3ACN; US Loss Mitigation Services of FL, Inc.; Appraisal Technology and Valuation Inc.; and 3ACN Loss Mitigation Services, Inc. The lawsuit alleges violations of Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, violations of Florida’s Foreclosure Rescue Act, and misleading advertising.
Florida Statute §501.1377, protects homeowners who are in foreclosure or nearing foreclosure from companies offering potentially fraudulent foreclosure “rescue” services. Specifically, the statute governs companies providing foreclosure-related rescue services including loan modification and short sale services. These companies are prohibited from charging homeowners an up-front fee for these services and must provide homeowners with a written agreement.
The Attorney General’s office continues to review the practices of many companies providing foreclosure-related rescue services to ensure that they are in compliance with the new law. Homeowners should exercise caution when seeking help to prevent mortgage foreclosure. Homeowners should first attempt to negotiate with their lender before turning to outside help.