Jon Coats Law Blog

by Kim Miller | Palm Beach Post

“Three Delray Beach companies accused by the state of bilking hundreds of homeowners in a foreclosure rescue scam have agreed to settle the complaint for $59,000.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office announced the settlement with Home Owner Protection Economics, Inc. DC Financial Group, and Deleverage America, Inc., on Tuesday. The owners of the firms are Christopher S. Godfrey, 43, of Delray Beach and Dennis Fischer, 40, of Highland Beach.

According to the settlement, about 430 people contracted with the companies and are due an estimated $234,217 in restitution after being illegally charged upfront fees for foreclosure-rescue services that were never provided.

The fees charged by the three companies ranged from $495 to $2,000, according to an investigation by the attorney general’s economic crimes division.

Also, the companies allegedly told homeowners they would reduce their debt and prevent foreclosure, when in reality lender banks were never contacted on the homeowners’ behalf.

“Any homeowner who seeks the help of a foreclosure-related rescue service and is asked for an up-front fee should report that business to our office immediately,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi in a press release announcing the settlement. “This practice is prohibited by state law, and my office will continue to crack down on these illegal actions.”

The state sued the companies in May and they were ordered temporarily shut down by Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Robin Rosenberg. The settlement permanently shutters the businesses and bars Godfrey and Fischer from operating any loan modification services in the future.

Homeowners who think they were scammed by the companies need to fill out a claims form with proof of payment to the firms by March 12. The claims form can be found here, or at the attorney general’s website, www.myfloridalegal.com.”

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