Purported Forensic Loan Auditor Impersonating Lawyer Peddling Foreclosure Rescue Services Gets Year In Jail, 5 Years Probation, $35K Restitution Order

In Marin County, California, the Contra Costa Times reports:

• A loan auditor who impersonated a Mill Valley lawyer in a foreclosure scam was sentenced to a year in jail []. Nicolas Moscouplos, 54, of Sacramento was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims, said Deputy District Attorney Leon Kousharian. The restitution amount is approximately $35,000, said Moscouplos' public defender, Michael Schroettner.

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• The case began in May after the Mill Valley lawyer, Mohamed Salem, contacted the sheriff's department to report that someone had opened an Internet site using his name. The website, www.canwinforeclosure. com, appeared to offer Salem's legal services in helping residents fend off foreclosure actions. Salem reported that he became aware of the site after receiving complaints from lawyers regarding paid services that were not being provided.

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• Investigators identified at least 12 victims. Moscouplos eventually pleaded guilty as charged to false impersonation and identity theft. He was sentenced by Judge Kelly Simmons in Marin Superior Court. The judge also sentenced Moscouplos to five years of probation.

For the story, see Scammer sentenced for impersonating Mill Valley lawyer.