Feds Seize Business Records Of Baltimore-Area Foreclosure Rescue Operator

In Baltimore, Maryland, WBAL-TV Channel 11 reports:

• The WBAL TV 11 News I-Team has learned that state and federal investigators have seized property of a Maryland man who claims he can help reduce your debt. Michael K. Lewis advertises on television, and he said in his ads that his mission is to help people get you out of financial debt. But he's currently under investigation, and one of his former network members said that she recruited others but quit because she didn't make any money. Court records show that federal agents seized documents, papers and computers from Lewis last week. Lewis was accused of illegally filing bankruptcies for clients -- an accusation he denies.

• In July, 11 News aired a story about Claretta Taylor and her fight to keep her home. She said she called Lewis after seeing his TV ad, and she got on his MKL financial diet that includes paying bills on time and monitoring spending. To stay out of foreclosure, Taylor said she agreed to sell her Baltimore city home to Lewis' brother, Earnest. Lewis told her that in a year, when her cash flow improved, she was to buy back the house. That didn't happen.

For more, see Feds Seize Alleged Shoddy Businessman's Belongings (Former Network Member Says She Made No Money).

Go here to view WBAL-TV Channel 11 video report (link no longer available).

Go here for other posts on Michael. K. Lewis.

For more on equity stripping scams, generally, see DREAMS FORECLOSED: The Rampant Theft of Americans' Homes Through Equity-stripping Foreclosure 'Rescue' Scams (4.61 MB approx.).