MORTGAGEFRAUDSTRIKEFORCE

ATTORNEYGENERALKAMALAD.HARRIS
http://oag.ca.gov/consumers

CONSUMER ALERT
Beware the latest fraud: Lawyers advertising that homeowners can join a so-called Mass Joinder lawsuit for loan modification and mortgage rescue. Vulnerable homeowners are tempted in these scams to pay lawyers to add them to mass lawsuits against lenders. Homeowners bewarethis is a scam. Do not pay up-front fees to anyone promising to modify your loan. Thats illegaland unlikely to work. No one can guarantee you a reduction in principal or a settlement with a bank. Watch out for people making extravagant claims and alluring offers about mortgage relief, or asking to pay a retainer without talking to an ABAlicensed lawyer and checking their reputation with the Better Business Bureau. You can research any lawyer by searching their record at the State Bars website: www.calbar.ca.gov If you have questions about how to proceed with your current mortgage situation, please consult a non-profit counselor certified by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. A list of certified counselors can be found at www.hud.gov .

IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE A VICTIM OF THIS SCAM:

The CA State Bar has created dedicated, confidential hotlines for potential victims. Clients of Philip A. Kramer, call: 213-765-1672; of Mitchell J. Stein, call: 213- 765-1639; of Paul W. Petersen, call: 213-765-1641; of Christopher J. Van Son, call: 213-765-1658

For Additional Assistance, Call: 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) or Visit: www.hud.gov/preventloanscams