September 10, 2010

8 Companies Banned from Marketing Loan Modification Services

FTC Headquarters

Image via Wikipedia The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a ban on eight companies marketing loan modification services. The FTC’s statement alleges that “the marketers charged up-front fees and falsely claimed they could get their mortgage loans modified or prevent foreclosure on their homes.” The following defendants and settlements were named in the FTC’s recent press release: Federal Loan Modification Law Center - Steven Oscherowitz and other associates settled with the … [Read more...]

Debt Relief Marketers Ordered to Pay $1.5 Million by FTC

Credit Cards

Image via Wikipedia Marketers peddling a “Rapid Debt Reduction” program and false promises to reduce consumers’ credit card interest rates have been fined $1.5 million by the FTC. Under court order the principals have agreed to pay the fine in restitution for their debt relief scheme, which claimed interest rate reductions in exchange for an up-front fee of up to $899. The fines will go to refund defrauded consumers. This FTC action is just one of several filed as part of a collaboration … [Read more...]

FTC Warns (Free) Credit Report Websites

FTC Seal

The Federal Trade Commission has issued warnings to 18 websites offering "free" credit reports. The FTC expects each to more clearly disclose the consumer's right to a free annual credit report under federal law. According to a press release these warnings were in response to the recent FTC's amended Free Credit Reports Rule (effective April 2, 2010). This amendment requires that credit report providers more clearly distinguish between "free" credit reports that require the buying of additional … [Read more...]