Idaho Settles With Foreclosure ‘Rescue’ DMer

The Idaho attorney general has banned a Florida company that allegedly offers mortgage foreclosure rescue services through direct mail from doing business in the state.

State Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said that Mortgage Assistance Solutions LLC has entered into a settlement agreement that prohibits the company from advertising or engaging in any transaction involving an Idaho consumer or property.

According to Wasden, Idaho residents filed complaints against Mortgage Assistance Solutions alleging that they were sent a direct-mail advertisement that stated, in bold, red letters: “FORECLOSURE COMPLAINT NOTICE.” The advertisement stated that the consumers’ homes were “scheduled to be sold at auction.” In order to avoid foreclosure, the consumers were instructed to call Mortgage Assistance Solutions.

The advertisement also contained false property recording information and identified “National Bank” as the financial institution associated with the foreclosure, according to Wasden. Idaho residents who complained to the Attorney General indicated that their homes were not in foreclosure and that the consumers had never done business with “National Bank,” according to Wasden.

Under the settlement agreement, if Mortgage Assistance Solutions is found doing business in Idaho, it is subject to a $10,000 civil penalty. The company reimbursed the Attorney General $1,700 in attorney fees and costs, Wasden continued.

The company did not admit any liability under the agreement