Illinois AG Files Civil Suit Against Firm For Allegedly Pocketing Upfront Fees, Failing To Deliver Services In Running Loan Modification Ripoff

In Chicago, Illinois, The Herald News reports:

• A Crest Hill business is among those targeted in Operation Stolen Dreams, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice and state attorney generals targeting mortgage-related fraud. [... Illinois Attorney General Lisa] Madigan filed her complaint[] in Cook County Circuit Court against: Opportunity Consultants Inc. of Crest Hill. The lawsuit also names as individual defendants Juan C. Rodriguez of Crest Hill and Mirta Deus aka Mirta Tomlinson of Joliet, who are corporate officers and are alleged to have participated in the rescue scheme.

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• [The charges] allege defendants target at-risk homeowners and, for an upfront fee, promise to save their homes by negotiating lower mortgage payments with lenders. However, after the defendants collect the fees, they fail to negotiate or perform any services on behalf of the homeowners.(1)

Source: Crest Hill business accused of fraud.

For the lawsuit, see People v. Opportunity Consultants Inc., et al.

(1) The Illinois AG alleges violations of the state's Mortgage Rescue Fraud Act, the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, and the Credit Services Organization Act.