What can I do to go after a company that scammed me for $4000 to do a home loan modification?

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1. Licensed in CA

   

   Richard BoyerPro

   Del Mar Real Estate Attorney

   Contributor Level 12

   

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   Answered July 12, 2012 11:10. Loan modification companies are not permitted to charge up front fees. It is a violation of Civil Code Section 2944.7, and carries penalties of up to $10,000. Call the San Diego County District Attorney's office and report this company. They should help you get your money back.

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2. Licensed in CA

   

   Frank Chen

   San Marino Real Estate Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered July 12, 2012 12:07. Attorney Boyer gives sound advice.
   
   After the passage of Senate Bill 94 in 2009, the law in California is that it is illegal for any person, including attorneys, real estate brokers, corporations, partnerships, or any licensed or unlicensed person to charge or collect any advance, up-front, or retainer fee, or any type of pre-payment compensation, for loan modification work or services.
   
   You might also want to file a small claims court lawsuit, but the chances of actually recovering money from a judgment is likely very small.

   Frank W. Chen has been licensed to practice law in California since 1988. The information presented here is... moreFrank W. Chen has been licensed to practice law in California since 1988. The information presented here is general in nature and is not intended, nor should be construed, as legal advice for a particular case. This posting does not create any attorney-client relationship with the author. For specific advice about your particular situation, consult with your own attorney. less

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3. Licensed in CA

   

   Michael SalanickPro

   Culver City Foreclosure Attorney

   Contributor Level 13

   

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   Answered July 12, 2012 15:21. Great answers already posted from my colleagues.
   
   Additionally, included here are a couple practical steps to finding help:
   
   Call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) for loan modification guidance from a HUD-approved counseling agency or to REPORT A SCAM (yes?)....
   
   You may also visit the website: www.loanscamalert.org
   
   Best of luck!

   NOTE: This answer is made available by the lawyer for educational purposes only. By using or participating in this... moreNOTE: This answer is made available by the lawyer for educational purposes only. By using or participating in this site you understand that there is no attorney client privilege between you and the attorney responding. This site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney with whom you have established an attorney client relationship. The law changes frequently and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance described in the question. less

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   Keith HalpernPro

   Tallahassee Foreclosure Attorney

   Contributor Level 12

   

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   Answered July 13, 2012 11:31. In my view, you are most likely a crime victim, and I would contact the Attorney General's Office. In Florida, if an entity does that, it's a violation that subjects the ultra vires party to action by the Attorney General.
   
   I had this happen with 2 CA firms and I contacted both the CA Attorney General and the CA Department of Corporations where the investigation started.
   
   I would report that firm and person in every single state.
   
   Just sayin,
   
   I'm sorry that happened to you. Let your accountant know in case you can write any of that off as a "casualty loss."

   NOT LEGAL ADVICE--FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. We don't know the facts and this is not legal advice. Seek the... moreNOT LEGAL ADVICE--FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. We don't know the facts and this is not legal advice. Seek the advice of licensed property law attorneys immediately so they can secure your rights. Hiring an attorney is a serious and important decision. Please ensure that you take the time necessary to evaluate and interview more than one attorney to determine whom to hire. less

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