Rackets Peddling 'Contingency Fee' Help For Homeowners Seeking Share Of Nat'l Mortgage Settlement Surface On State AGs' Radar

From the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General:

• Attorney General Darrell McGraw warns West Virginia borrowers who lost their homes to foreclosure to avoid scammers offering help with the National Mortgage Settlement. McGraw reminds all consumers never to pay anyone to file a claim in a case brought by his office. Help from the Consumer Protection Division is always free.

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• Unfortunately, unscrupulous organizations soon began offering "help" to eligible borrowers. For a hefty "contingency fee" of up to 20% of the expected payment, fringe companies offer to help consumers submit simple claim forms, but this is unnecessary according to the Attorney General’s office. "It’s not complicated," said McGraw. "The claims process is simple and easy, so don’t be fooled by outfits claiming you need their help with a settlement resulting from my office’s enforcement efforts."

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• McGraw’s office recently learned that a San Antonio, Texas, company called Murray LLP ran TV and Internet ads directing consumers to its website, www.bringaclaim.com to charge eligible borrowers a 20% fee to submit a one-page claim form in the National Mortgage Settlement.
  
  Attorney General McGraw warns all homeowners to be aware of settlement-related scams. Do not provide personal information or pay money to anyone who advertises, calls or emails you claiming that they are providing settlement related assistance. If you believe someone is conducting a settlement related scam, contact the West Virginia Attorney General at 1-800-368-8808.
  
  For more information about eligibility and filing a claim:
  
  www.NationalMortgageSettlement.com
  
  Email: administrator@nationalmortgagesettlement.com
  
  Call toll free: 1-866-430-8358 (hearing impaired: 1-866-494-8281).

For the press release, see Attorney General McGraw Darrell McGraw Warns Against Mortgage Settlement Related Scams.

For a similar warning issued by the Office of the New Hampshire Attorney General, see Attorney General Delaney Warns Against Mortgage Settlement Related Scams - Consumer Alert.

Thanks to Mike Dillon at Stellionata Consulting, LLC for the heads-up on the press releases.