Florida To Launch Campaign Against Mortgage Fraud

South Florida Foreclosure & Real Estate News
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ― State investigators are concerned that as foreclosures rise, scams by people claiming to rescue homes from foreclosures will rise as well, so Tuesday the Florida Attorney General's Office is expected to make a big announcement that will help many homeowners to keep their homes.

Investigators say they are looking at some 20 cases right now, one of which CBS4 News was first to alert you to several months ago.

Every day that Coconut Creek resident Kayhlene Gainer gets to cook in her kitchen is a blessing. She says she almost lost her home to a mortgage rescue company.

"They took a lot of equity out of the house that I did not know about," said Gainer.

Gainer says National Foreclosure Management contacted her after she fell behind on her mortgage. Gainer says National Foreclosure brought in a straw buyer to purchase the home, and allow Gainer to make the monthly payments. Gainer trusted the company that promised she would own the home again in a year.

"They said to me they were a Christian organization," said Gainer.

And as we first reported last May, lawyers and victims say National Foreclosure targeted several homeowners at a Broward County church. Now the State Attorney General's office wants answers.

"We're investigating a particular South Florida company, National Foreclosure Management, who has allegedly defrauded more than 80 homeowners out of their home equity more than $1.7 million in home equity to be exact," said Sandi Copes, Florida Attorney General Press Secretary.

The office is coming to the rescue of homeowners such as Gainer, and Tuesday the state AG's office will announce a new task force dedicated to stopping mortgage fraud across the state.

"If someone's in a foreclosure situation, they're desperate. They're seeking help. They're looking for anyone who can potentially rescue them and unfortunately scam artists and con men are using this to their advantage," said Copes.

Gainer is still praying she'll be able to keep her home.

And as for the people she trusted at National Foreclosure, "I'm a Christian, and I'm a firm believer that whatever they've done at some point they'll get their just rewards." she said.

National Foreclosure is out of business, so CBS4 News was not able to speak with the owner of the company about these allegations. The attorney general's office says if you think you've been a victim of mortgage fraud, there are several places you can go for help.

If you think you've been victimized contact: The Florida Attorney General's Office 1-866-966-7226 or their website myfloridalegal.com. Or Office of Financial Regulation www.flofr.com

Article Source http://cbs4.com/consumer/Foreclosure.Fraud.Florida.2.634946.html