In the following press release the San Jose Police Department announnced that on 1/29/09, employees of Legal Support Services, [of 2055 Junction Ave., Ste. 115, San Jose, CA] along with fifteen victims, reported to the San Jose Police Department that the suspects [Amir Rashidifar (below left) and Mary Delvecchio (below right) ] had been operating a fraudulent real estate loan modification business. Investigation revealed the suspects opened their business in September 2008 andofferedto modify real estateloans for homeowners facing default and forclosure. The suspects ran an elaborate operation and charged $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 to modify a loan; these fees were charged per property. The suspects convinced victims that Legal Support Services was working in tandem with real estate attorneys who were knowledgeable and experienced in the real estate loan modification business.

Pictures courtesy of San Jose Mercury News

Investigation revealed the suspects were not working with licensed attorneys. In February 2009, the suspects fled the San Jose area after learning they were being investigated by the San Jose Police Department for fraud. Further investigation revealed the suspects had fled into Canada on May 26, 2009. Once in Toronto, the suspects opened anew, fraudulent real estate loan modification businessunder new, fraudulent identities. The San Jose Police Department coordinated its investigative efforts with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the RCMP Immigration Task Force, and the Canadian Border Services, who were able to locate and arrest both suspects at their residence in Toronto, Canada, on July 10, 2009.

The suspects are being held in Canada, pending extradition proceedings, where they will be returned to the United State of America to face criminal charges in San Jose, California. To date, the San Jose Police has identified 129 victims in this case, and it is believed the suspects may have defrauded many more victims. Anyone having been victimized in this case, or having information about this case, is urged to contact Detective Dave Solis of the San Jose Police Department’s Fraud Unit at (408) 277-4521. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP (7867).