San Jose Cops, DA's Office Probe Outfit Suspected Of Masquerading As Loan Modification Law Firm; 100+ Homeowners Get Stiffed, File Complaints

In San Jose, California, KGO-TV Channel 7 reports:

• Police in San Jose are investigating a business that claims to be a loan modification company but is suspected of preying on more than 100 homeowners. "Legal Support Services" says on its website that it is a law firm specializing in loan modifications, but police question whether it's a law firm at all.

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• Both [Adam] Bajaras and [Kenneth] Relloma hired Legal Support Services in San Jose in hopes of rescuing themselves from foreclosure. Bajaras said he paid $3,200. Kenneth said he paid $7,500. Both also said they did not get much for their money.

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• The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office says more than 100 complaints have been received about the company. San Jose police have launched an investigation. "It's mortgage rescue fraud. It's obviously portraying to do something or provide a service and then somehow fraudulently defrauding victims," explained Sgt. Ronnie Lopez with the San Jose Police Department. Police say many of those who complained hired Legal Support Services thinking they were hiring an attorney.(1)

For more, see SJ 'law firm' accused of mortgage fraud.

(1) According to the story, the company's website says it was founded by attorneys Russell Koch and Leo Kolligian. However, records from the California Bar Association show a Russell Milton Koch who is not eligible to practice law and Kolligian's license has been inactive since 2003. Police do not know if Koch and Kolligian are victims of identity theft or knowing participants with the company. A search warrant filed by police and obtained by 7 On Your Side also indicates that Kolligian is dead. That search warrant was served on the offices of Legal Support Services back in February. The office closed shortly after.