Mass. Man Charged In Alleged Foreclosure Rescue Scam; Allegations Include Collecting Rents From Victims' Properties, Failing To Make Mortgage Payments

In Fall River, Massachusetts, The Herald News reports:

• City businessman Joseph Pereira is facing more larceny charges after two victims told police they were swindled in a scam that resulted in the loss of their homes. Pereira, 44, [...] has been charged with two counts each of larceny over $250 by a single scheme and unauthorized practice of law, subsequent offense.(1) [... Authorities say they were] recently approached by two alleged victims claiming Pereira said he could help the men avoid foreclosures on their properties.

In the first instance, according to authorities, a Fall River man reached an agreement with Pereira for assistance, after which he began receiving delinquency notices. He said the matter was brought to Pereira’s attention and was told it would be taken care of. But soon after, the victim learned his two properties were being foreclosed. The victim reported losing a $22,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle and an estimated $110,000 after Pereira collected rent from tenants at the Fall River property and allegedly pocketed the money.

In the second instance, according to authorities, a Rhode Island man who said that he feared losing him home said he contacted Pereira, and was told that for $2,000 cash, Pereira would take care of the mortgage problems. A short time later, the victim reported he was notified his house was going into foreclosure and that no payments had been made since he made the arrangement. The man reported losing his home and the $2,000 given to Pereira.

For the story, see Pereira arrested on new fraud charges.

(1) Reportedly, Pereira has been charged multiple times since January, including larceny by false pretense, larceny greater than $250 by single scheme, unauthorized practice of law, embezzlement, employer failing to pay wages in a timely manner and possession of ammunition without a FID card. See:

• Pereira arraigned on fraud charges (06/29/09)
  Pereira faces more fraud charges (02/05/09)
  Pereira faces another larceny charge (03/27/09)
  Pereira's bail hiked after latest charge (02/11/09)

According to the story, these charges later led to a Superior Court indictment in June on 12 felony counts of larceny by a single scheme greater than $250 and one count of unauthorized practice of law. He’s also been arraigned 38 times since 1982, with 34 of those charges larceny related. He spent 15 months in jail in 1996 and 1997 for similar charges, the story states.