As part of his ongoing effort to combat mortgage and foreclosure fraud, Kansas Attorney General Steve Six has joined the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and state attorneys general to announce “Operation Stolen Hope” the latest in the nationwide effort to crack down on bogus mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification operations. [Press Release]

“Last summer, we launched Operation Homestead, our effort to combat mortgage and foreclosure fraud in Kansas,” Six said.  “In continuing these efforts, I am pleased to join this nationwide group that has the common goal of putting these scammers out of business for good.” 

“Operation Stolen Hope” includes 112 state actions in the form of lawsuits and enforcement actions filed by 20 states and the FTC.

Six recently filed two additional lawsuits against modification companies.  He alleges that these companies find consumers that are in trouble with their mortgage payments and contact them directly, either through internet advertisements or by phone.  Despite promising to negotiate lower rates for the consumers, they either do nothing at all or provide services the consumers could obtain for no cost. 

The companies being sued are Home Loan Modification Advisors in California and Infinity Funding Group in New York.  Both lawsuits were filed in Shawnee County District Court on November 19, 2009.  The law suits are included in the nationwide effort, as well as the Attorney General’s ongoing Operation Homestead.

To learn more about “Operation Stolen Hope” visit:
http://www.ftc.gov

To learn more about mortgage fraud and scams, visit:
http://www.ksag.org/content/page/id/552