Watch Out For Loan Modification Scams Using Forged Documents Simulating The Letterhead Of Lenders, Government Agencies

From the Office of the California Attorney General:

• California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. [Thursday] warned that scam artists have "sunk to a new low" and have used the forged letterhead of major lenders to con worried Californians into paying thousands of dollars for non-existent loan modification services.

• "Scam artists have sunk to a new low and are using the forged letterhead of lenders to con worried Californians into handing over their hard-earned money," Attorney General Brown said. "Californians should be deeply skeptical of anyone who demands money up front and makes extravagant promises that they can save their home."

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• [Thursday]'s warning comes on the heels of the arrest Wednesday of Anna Santos, 22, of North Hills - a key player in a loan modification scam using forged letterhead - on charges of money-laundering, conspiracy, and four-counts of grand theft. Ms. Santos joined with members of the defunct First Gov loan modification ring in a separate criminal enterprise with a disturbing twist. They used forged mail and envelopes that appeared to be from victims' lenders.

• Ms. Santos obtained a fictitious business permit through the City of Los Angeles for "Payment Processing Department." She opened several bank accounts and two post office boxes under that name. She and other members of the ring mailed flyers that appeared to be from victims' lenders or a government entity. The flyer used a large, bold header that read "Final Notice" and advised homeowners that they qualified for a special program to save their home from foreclosure.

For more, see Brown Warns Homeowners that Scam Artists are Using Forged Letterhead of Lenders to Con Californians.

Go here for more on the alleged First Gov loan modification scam.

For more from the California AG on its criminal action against the First Gov group, see:

• Felony Complaint: People v. Santos, et al.,
• Affidavit in Support of Arrest Warrant: People v. Santos, et al.,
• Felony Complaint: People v. Amador, et al.