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Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Nick Brown

State, federal sweep slams loan-mod scams

Firms operating in Washington state in government crosshairs for taking advantage of homeowners facing foreclosure

SEATTLE – In the aftermath of the mortgage industry shakedown, a new type of bottom-feeder is chomping at homeowners struggling to keep up with their loan payments. Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna announced today that his office joined the Federal Trade Commission and other states in a nationwide crackdown on foreclosure rescuers and loan modification businesses that charge hefty upfront fees and often provide no help.

Washington Attorney General to announce major crackdown on mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams

SEATAC – The Washington Attorney General’s Office will hold a press conference at SeaTac Airport on Wednesday, July 15, at 12:30 p.m. to announce five new cases concerning loan modification and foreclosure rescue businesses that have solicited Washington homeowners, as well as additional initiatives that are part of a nationwide federal/state enforcement initiative.

At-risk Washington homeowners to get help in Countrywide settlement

Attorney General McKenna says today’s settlement will offer mortgage relief to nearly 10,000 Washingtonians, helping themavoid foreclosure

SEATTLE--Attorney General Rob McKenna Monday announced a landmark settlement brokered by  Washington  and other states requiring sub-prime lender Countrywide Financial Corp. to provide loan modifications for as many as 395,000 borrowers nationwide. As a result, nearly 10,000 Washington homeowners will receive about $200 million in payment relief.

McKenna warns consumers about debt-relief scams

Attorney General praises FTC for shutting down Tacoma company

OLYMPIA – Attorney General Rob McKenna today praised the Federal Trade Commission for tackling a Tacoma company that preyed on financially strapped consumers. He urged consumers to take advantage of low-cost credit counseling services.

“When you’re drowning in debt, you’re desperate,” McKenna said. “But if you’re not careful, your chosen rescuer may toss you an anvil instead of a life preserver.”

Stumped Spokane seniors told they didn’t own their homes

Mobile-home park owner changes sales terms after Attorney General’s Office steps in

SPOKANE -- Residents of a Spokane mobile home park were bewildered to learn they didn’t own the homes they live in. When an investigation by the Washington Attorney General’s Office revealed that the owner of West Prairie Village never properly transferred the titles, the business agreed to make things right.

CONSUMER ALERT: Pierce County businesses claiming to help homeless aren’t charities

JOINT CONSUMER ALERT:
Office of Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna
Office of Secretary of State Sam Reed
Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington

TACOMA – The telemarketers’ pitch seems innocent enough: They want you to buy trash bags, light bulbs or gift cards at jacked-up prices. They claim your cash will help the homeless or support employment for those with disabilities. But state officials and consumer advocates are warning residents not to be misled by these sales calls.