Loan Modification Scam

ComplaintsScamsConsumer First Legal Group

Complaint

0
Bobby Braddy
Country: United States
In May we contacted Consumer First Legal Group or Network (They called themselves both Group and Network) in May of 2012 for help with our mortgage.  We had a telephone interview, gave all of our information, and were told that Consumer First Legal could definitely help modify our mortgage and drop our payment significantly.  We were told that we had to put down $1330.00 and were told that it would be $600.00 per month for no more than three months to process all of the paperwork to get the loan modification.  We were sent a list of papers to send, which we did send.  This process repeated itself several times with weeks going by without returned calls, answered emails only to finally be told that things were being held up because they were still waiting on paperwork, which had been faxed over as soon as it was requested and sometimes multiple times!!!!  We were told that we were not to have any contact with our Mortgage Company.  We were told from the beginning to send any correspondence from our Mortgage Company right away, which we did.  We started getting letters from foreclosure lawyers representing our Mortgage Company.  We sent those letters and tried to get in contact with someone at Consumer First Legal to express our concerns with no success.  For several weeks we tried to get in touch with Luisa Martinez and Ana Gomes, whom we were told we needed to talk to.  Through this whole process we have been treated unprofessionally, have been given the run around, have seen no progress and were lied too.  We were told a few weeks ago by Consumer First Legal that they were in negotiations with our Mortgage Company, Wells Fargo, and that “the package” was being submitted.  
The final red flag was raised when we were contacted by Ana Gomes stating that she still needed some papers.  We therefore called Wells Fargo and found out that Consumer First Legal Network or Legal Group (which sometimes they called themselves one and sometimes the other; very confusing!), has never contacted them.  We were told that our home was in foreclosure and they were getting ready to set a sale date!  We told Wells Fargo about the paperwork that Consumer First Legal Network had sent us to fill out.  The representative at Wells Fargo told us that the paperwork was bogus.  We were sent by Consumer First Legal Network paperwork to fill out for Making Homes Affordable which Wells Fargo told us that those were easily printed off of the internet, and that program a consumer would first have to qualify for.  We are now trying to get something worked out with our mortgage company on our own now that we have been wasting time and money with the fraud that Consumer First Legal has committed.  We are not the only ones that have fallen victim.  We have found many other cases on the internet with the exact same circumstances.  Because of what they have done we our out of $3130 in money drafted out of our account paid to Consumer First Legal, and we are $10,000 behind in our mortgage.  We want our money back from Harold E. Stafford, Consumer First Legal Network, 8253 May Drive, Suite 309, Madison, Wisconsin 53719.  Telephone number 561-494-0208.   They took advantage of our hardship and we do not want anyone else falling victim to this scam.

Comments

  • 0
    Chris
    | 4 replies
    I was contacted by them also which led me check them out luckily I landed here first. But does anyone know of some one who can really help? I tried the HOPE but all they did was set up a deal to make my original payments added on another 600$ a month to get caught up.
    • 0
      DONNA replies to Chris
      | 3 replies
      I want to know why IF there are so many bad things being said about Melanie Emery, she has no complaints with either SC or NY State Bar. Surely, if it was a LEGITIMATE complaint, it would be on her record. Everything gets investigated. What I don't understand is why people who get themselves into foreclosure, how they don't blame themselves and want to blame everyone else. I got my modification and it was better than what was quoted. I also stay in touch with the agent that called me because she is my angel! I have referred this company to people I know that are behind on their mortgage.

      The real devil in all this, is the BANKS. If it weren't for the banks lying and refusing to help people, we wouldn't have to go through this procedure. It's sad when people don't want to pay for a place to live, then when expect the attorney to perform miracles. Why don't you look up the lawsuits and claims against the bank, then you'll see who is the bad guy in all this
      • 0
        YOUR HIGH replies to DONNA
        | 1 reply
        Donna...smoke another one!
        • 0
          DONNA replies to YOUR HIGH
          Do your research. That's all I'm saying. Go ahead and call the Bar Association and you will find nothing. Try finding more reliable sources rather hearing through the grape vine from people who don't feel like paying for a place to live. Obviously nobody likes to blame themselves for getting into the situation in the first place and you expect other people to perform miracles and clean up the mess you made.
      • 0
        I maybe another victum replies to DONNA
        I was mailed a offer with Avista Home Retention from LA, California and Emery Law Firm in Myrtle Beach, SC to lower my monthly payment as through a modification for $2,995.00. I am still seeking information from both companies. My mortgage company does not modify nor refinance, so how does these companies get my mtg company to change their minds and policies. You are right about the banks. They are a mess and don't want to help us. I hope and pray Emery Law Firm is legit. I live in SC and can take a trip to myrtle beach to visit them.
  • 0
    boblewis
    | 1 reply
    they are scammers take money and do nothing for you they are so rude and not to helpful these people are total cons
    • 0
      Marice replies to boblewis
      You would be surprised how much work and effort these people put into their clients files.
  • 0
    lisa york
    | 2 replies
    Huge scam. They use to be Brunty law, then they were Bacon Law now magically their attorney is Melanie Emery... call the SC bar and the attny general and report you have been ripped off
    • 0
      FILE A COMPLAINT replies to lisa york
      Contact the South Carolina Bar Association, file a complaint. Contact your state's Attorney General's office & file a complaint. I did and there is strength in numbers, especially when we all have the same complaint!
    • 0
      Luke replies to lisa york
      Funny how you want to blame everyone, but yourself! You got your self into this mess and she does not have any complaints with the bar.
  • 0
    Linzi
    | 6 replies
    Dangit... I talked to Jeanie (843)548-4118 today... I've searched and searched the Attorneys name she used and it really wasn't adding up with locations, addresses, and phone numbers. She told me she was with Emery Law Firm... Attorney Melanie Emery in NY...
    • 0
      Do NOT USE BACON LAW replies to Linzi
      | 1 reply
      AS YOU CAN SEE WE ALL HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINTS.  Promise you a Home Loan Modifiacation, take your money, dont do what they were hired to do, quit taking & returning your calls, quit talking with your lender, fail to update you, and when you cause a stink, you got to fight like hell to get a refund.

      Bacon Law & First Legal Net  SUCKS.  I hope all the complaints pan out, we all get a refund for services paid for but not done.  Hope the Bar Assoc. slaps them with heafty fines or suspends license and everyone that is involved with this company(s) lose thier jobs and have to struggle making thier payments.....then they might have to think about all the people that they screwed out of money.  Shoe will be on the other foot.
      • 0
        From the SC Bar Assoc replies to Do NOT USE BACON LAW
        Since the complaint involves the ethical conduct of the attorney, you should file with the Commission on Lawyer Conduct.  A letter, identifying the attorney and outlining the problems, should be sent to the Commission.  It must be signed by the person making the complaint.  Attach copies of any documents – letters, emails, etc. – that support your claim.  Do not send your originals.  They do not take complaints via email or phone.  Send the letter to:



        Commission on Lawyer Conduct

        1015 Sumter Street, Suite 305

        Columbia, SC  29201







        Cindy Coker

        Public Services Director

        S.C. Bar

        P.O. Box 608

        Columbia, SC  29202

        803-799-6653

        803-799-2750 – fax

        cindy.coker@scbar.org

        www.scbar.org
    • 0
      Steven replies to Linzi
      They have two offices one in Myrtle Beach and one in Florida they have nothing to do with NY.
    • 0
      Sue replies to Linzi
      | 1 reply
      I have been reading up on "Emery Law Firm" before deciding to move forward and found that the phone numbers listed on the "website" are indeed NY area codes but go do a Google Maps search for the address and you'll be surprised by the storefront appearance of this majorly successful NY lawfirm!  No signage, next to a used car lot?, dilapitated building...I'd say it's a sure sign of a scam! Anyone can make websites these days and post whatever pictures of random people and crap info they want...  I'm so glad I checked in online before taking the next step. I say to those that have invested with them , keep calling the whistle blowers and authorities and hopefully someone will shut this sad operation down.
      • 0
        I maybe another victum replies to Sue
        I was mailed a offer with Avista Home Retention from LA, California and Emery Law Firm in Myrtle Beach, SC to lower my monthly payment as through a modification for $2,995.00. I am still seeking information from both companies. My mortgage company does not modify nor refinance, so how does these companies get my mtg company to change their minds and policies.
        PS. google the location in Myrtle Beach SC and let me know what you think. Wow, this is interested.
    • 0
      Hollie Marie replies to Linzi
      You're a dummy. The home office is in NY. They have office's in NY, SC, and FL. They are a huge law firm and have a lot of accreditation. You're stupid...besides if you kept up on your mortgage payments I suppose you wouldn't be in this situation now would you.
  • 0
    Here's the info u need
    If you have been scammed by Robert Bacon Law Firm / First Legal Net / Group

    Contact the following:  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau   1-855-411-2372


    They are a Federal Agency and look into all compalints!  Pick up the phone & make the call!  They can also help you get your money back!!!

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