Indiana AG Begins Distribution Of $67.2K In Restitution Payments To 29 Hoosier-Homeowners Victimized By Scammers Running Loan Modification Ripoffs

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, The Journal Gazette reports:

• Foreclosure fraud victims have started receiving payments from Indiana's Consumer Protection Assistance Fund, the Indiana attorney general's office said today.
  
  The 29 victims will each receive more than $67,200 in total payments, with each one receiving an equal amount of their loss up to $3,000, it said. Administration will be by the attorney general's office.
  
  The victims are from Allen, Adams, Hamilton, Marion, Fountain, St. Joseph, Henry, Grant, Lake and Dearborn counties.
  
  The victims were targeted by foreclosure-rescue fraud, in which scammers charge customers who are already late on their mortgage payments, or are in foreclosure, a large upfront fee in exchange for help in reducing monthly mortgage payments. The victims pay the fee, but don't get the services or a refund.
  
  The money used in the fund comes from companies sued by the attorney general alleging they violated consumer protection laws.
  
  Homeowners who are facing foreclosure should contact the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network at 1-877-GET-HOPE for free foreclosure prevention counseling, the statement said. Homeowners may qualify for help from Indiana's Hardest Hit Fund. This state program offers foreclosure assistance at no charge.
  
  If you think you may be victim of foreclosure-relief fraud, file a complaint with the attorney general’s office at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 800-382-5516.

Source: Foreclosure fraud victims get relief.