FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2016
Contact: James Hallinan (505) 660-2216
This action is part of AG Balderas’ Operation Holiday Home Protection.
Santa Fe, NM – Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that he filed a federal civil action against a group of individuals and businesses, located in California, who were taking advantage of New Mexicans facing foreclosure. The complaint alleges that the group violated state and federal consumer protection laws by sending deceptive mass mailings to over 4,400 New Mexico homeowners offering foreclosure relief and loan modification. These mailers were intended to look like official governmental communication and included a logo which used the name “Keep Your Home New Mexico” to induce homeowners into believing the program was official.
“Preying on the desperation of New Mexican families who are struggling to stay in their home is unconscionable and my office will not stand for it in our state,” said Attorney General Balderas. “We will hold scammers and fraudulent businesses accountable for harming New Mexicans who are simply trying to keep families in their homes this holiday season.”
The actual “Keep Your Home New Mexico” program is run by the Office of the Attorney General to help distressed New Mexican homeowners avoid foreclosure. In addition to deceptively marketing their services, the California group also charged up-front fees, which is illegal in New Mexico unless charged by a New Mexico
licensed attorney. This action is part of Attorney General Balderas’ Operation Holiday Home Protection. If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments please contact the Office of the Attorney General toll free at 1-844-255-9210.
See attached for a copy of the federal civil action.
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