Consumer Center

Predatory Lending Tactics Used by Your Lender to Watch Out For

April 16, 2017 by Consumer Center

Predatory lending happens when a lender uses an unfair or deceptive lending practices to trick borrowers into accepting a loan. There have been many cases where mortgage lenders acted unethically, deceptively or fraudulently. These practices frequently target borrowers that are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with poor credit. Predatory lenders also prey on people that have an immediate need for cash, such as those paying for medical bills or that have just lost a job.

Predatory mortgage lending has become quite prevalent in home mortgages over the past couple of years. Since mortgages are backed by collateral, the unscrupulous lender profits even if the home is foreclosed.

If you believe that your lender acted unfairly or fraudulently when you took out your home mortgage, you may be able to challenge a foreclosure action in court.

Predatory Lending Practices

Predatory lending is a practice where a lender takes advantage of a borrower. Here are some of the most common types of predatory lending practices.

Balloon mortgages – A lender uses balloon payments to hide the actual cost of financing. A buyer might be convinced to refinance a mortgage that offers lower monthly payments initially but has an excessive balloon payment later. These types of predatory loans are often refinanced over and over again when the borrower can’t pay the balloon payment. These repeated refinances drive up the cost of the mortgage.
Abusive prepayment penalties – Severe penalties for paying off the loan early.
Negative amortization – These types of loans allow borrowers to make minimal initial payments, which causes the outstanding balance to grow over time instead of getting smaller as the monthly payment is usually not even enough to cover the interest. Negative amortization loans are often impossible to repay because they keep growing.
False or inadequate disclosure – The lender misrepresents or hides the actual risks and costs of a loan.
Encouraging a homeowner to strip their equity by refinancing a loan multiple times
Loan packing – Packing a loan with expensive products that the homebuyer does not need or want.
Discriminatory lending – Imposing a higher interest rate based on a person’s marital status, age, sex, race or religion.

Signs That You Might Be The Victim Of Predatory Lending

The best defense against predatory lending is to be aware of the signs. Many homeowners are not aware that they have been victimized. Here is a list of some of the things to watch out for. You should consult with an experienced mortgage attorney if your mortgage lender engaged in any of the following:

Encouraged you to lie about your income or expenses to get a loan.
Asked you to leave signature lines unsigned when completing paperwork for a mortgage or refinance.
Rushed you to sign loan papers without reading them.
Approved you for a loan even if you don’t have a steady job or income of some kind.
Tacked on hefty fees to the cost of your mortgage or refinance.
Imposed costly penalties for paying off your mortgage early.
Promised a mortgage no matter how bad your credit.
Not telling you in advance that your mortgage would not include taxes and insurance

Predatory Lending Laws

Predatory and unfair lending practices often cause borrowers to get behind on mortgage payments. This can lead to a foreclosure. There are several predatory lending laws in place that prohibit predatory lending, including the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act or HOEPA and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

These laws protect consumers against excessive interest rates and fees and discriminatory lending. If you are the victim of a predatory lender, you can sue the lender. The court will examine the transaction to determine if it constitutes predatory lending. If the court determines that a loan is predatory, it could order the lender to cancel or modify the terms of the loan.

The offenses in this article are just a few of the unethical practices that lenders have been known to commit. If you have been the victim of a predatory loan, you should speak to a mortgage attorney who has experience in mortgage litigation and can advise you about what to do in your particular case.

Talk to a Mortgage Attorney to Discuss Your Options

If you believe you are or have fallen victim to any predatory lending tactics devised by your lender, contact a mortgage attorney immediately to find out what your best options are.

We have a network of dedicated and experienced mortgage attorneys who are able to speak with you to come up with the best options for your specific situation.

Call us at (818) 697-4295 to be connected with a mortgage attorney. The consultation is free!

Wrongful Termination Lawyers Los Angeles – Unlawful Termination

March 27, 2017 by Consumer Center

Call For FREE Legal Advice: (818) 697-4295

Los Angeles Sanitation Worker Awarded $17.4 Million Dollars in Anti-Gay Discrimination Lawsuit After Being Falsely Perceived as Being Gay

This is a guest blog post featured by one of our member law firms – Consumer Action Law Group in California (also appears on their site)

As reported in June 2016 by the Los Angeles Times, former sanitation worker James Pearl won a $17.4 million dollar lawsuit against the city for receiving unlawful termination by his supervisors for being gay.

Mr. Pearl, who is not homosexual, was falsely perceived as being gay and endured constant ridicule, suggestive remarks, verbal harassment and hazing by supervisors and others at his workplace. A photoshopped image of Mr. Pearl circulated at his place of work. The image was photoshopped to appear that he was involved in a homosexual relationship with his subordinate.

An attorney for Mr. Pearl said that Los Angeles Sanitation managers and supervisors have a long history of harassing and discriminating against homosexual employees. Even though Mr. Pearl is not homosexual, he suffered psychological and physical damage from the abuse that he endured while employed with the city.

The trouble began for the plaintiff, Mr. Pearl, back in 2011. It was at that time that he was transferred to another office. The transfer came days after he complained about harassment at his current office. He then made a formal complaint, alleging that he was moved because of his initial complaint. Just days after he made the formal complaint, the city recommended that he be fired.

Pearl immediately complained to state regulators—alleging that he was fired for making the initial complaint and because of his perceived sexual orientation. The city eventually determined that Pearl was unjustly fired. He was reinstated to his former position after being off from work for more than one year.

As soon as he returned to work, Mr. Pearl was once again the victim of discrimination. A supervisor passed around edited photos that depicted him in a homosexual relationship with a coworker. Also, supervisors, managers, and employees referred to Pearl using derogatory names, they circulated offensive messages about him and left objects on his desk that were suggestive of homosexual sex.

When a manager with the sanitation department was notified that the harassment was taking place, they did not take any action, according to the lawsuit. Mr. Pearl was once again later terminated from his position with the city’s sanitation department after he complained.

Jurors only deliberated for approximately two hours before handing down the verdict—that Mr. Pearl was the victim of discrimination.

Discriminating against a worker because of their sexual orientation is illegal, which is why the plaintiff in this case so easily won the lawsuit.

Discrimination in the Workplace

So, what are your rights if you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation? There are federal labor laws that protect workers from workplace discrimination. If your employer treats you differently than other employees because of your sexual orientation—whether actual or perceived—then you may have a discrimination lawsuit.

Can I Sue My Employer for Firing Me Because of My Sexual Orientation?

You might be able to sue your employer if you were fired from a job because of your sexual orientation. Federal laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the following reasons for termination are illegal under federal legislation.

Gender identity
Sexual Orientation
Gender

If you believe that you did not get hired or was fired or disciplined because you are gay, lesbian or bisexual, talk to an attorney who is knowledgeable in California labor laws- wrongful termination.

What If I Am Harassed Because of My Sexual Orientation?

According to the United States Equal Opportunity Commission, harassment is considered to be discrimination and violates federal law. If you are harassed because of your sexual orientation by your co-workers, supervisors or managers or even customers, then you may be a victim of discrimination at work. Examples of harassment include:

Jokes about your sexual orientation
Hostile comments
Leering
Obscene gestures
Requests for sexual favors
Photographs or drawings that are sexual in nature

What If My Employer Retaliates Against Me for Reporting Discrimination?

You should not be afraid to report discrimination to your employer. It is against federal law for an employer to retaliate against an employee for reporting discrimination. If you complain to your employer that you are being harassed and they fire you or lay you off, then the best course of action is to speak to an experienced employment attorney to learn how you can assert your rights to fair treatment in a court of law.

Steps to Take If You the Victim of Discrimination

If you are being discriminated against at work for your sexual orientation or gender identity, you probably feel angry, sad and frightened. You might be reluctant to speak up to someone for fear of losing your job. However, it is important to talk to an experienced employment law attorney about what you are experiencing. They will help you get the clarity you need to take action against your employer.

You can also take the following steps if you believe that you have experienced discrimination in the workplace:

Understand your company’s policies – Obtain and read your employer’s manual and policies to learn about your rights and what the procedure is for making a complaint.
Document the harassment or discrimination – Try to record each time your co-workers, supervisors, managers or customers say or do something discriminatory at work. Keep a record of the date, time, location, witnesses present and what exactly what was said or done.
Keep copies of offensive material – Although your first instinct might be to rip up offensive images or materials, resist the urge to do so. Instead, keep all copies for proof of discrimination.
Report the harassment or discrimination to managers – Immediately report any instances of harassment to your superiors. Make sure that you document the date of each report that you’ve done, what you reported and to whom.
Seek legal advice – Talk to an attorney that is an expert in discrimination and harassment lawsuits. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights when it comes to wrongful termination California.

Free Lawyer Consultation for Wrongful Termination

If you believe that you are being harassed or discriminated against because of your gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, you should discuss your concerns with an experienced wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles.

At Consumer Action Law Group, we are committed to helping our clients get treated fairly by employers. We believe that no employee should have to endure harassment or discrimination at work. Our team of dedicated attorneys will help safeguard your career, reputation, and rights. We will review your case and help you explore your options at no cost.

wrongful termination lawyers los angeles If you have been discriminated against by your employer, you need to talk to an experienced employment law attorney. A skilled employment law attorney can help you determine if your company’s actions violate federal or state laws on discrimination.

Call (818) 697-4295 to talk to Consumer Action Law Group today. We will help you explore your options and hold your employer responsible for any illegal actions. Call and speak with us today to schedule your free consultation.

Types of Bankruptcy You can File to Eliminate Debt Immediately

March 17, 2017 by Consumer Center

Types of Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a lifeline for people that can no longer pay all of their debts. Bankruptcy allows individuals to repay—or in some cases—discharge some or all of their debts under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court.

Once you have decided to file bankruptcy, you will need to decide which chapter or type of voluntary bankruptcy is best for you. There are two types of bankruptcy for consumers:

Chapter 7 – This bankruptcy, called a liquidation bankruptcy, allows consumers to discharge most of their debt. However, the trustee may seize and sell the debtor’s property to pay back creditors.
Chapter 13 – During a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debtors repay some or all of their debt based on a payment plan that is set up by the court. Typically the debt is repaid over a period of three to five years.

How Do I Declare Bankruptcy?

To declare bankruptcy, you must file a petition with the federal court. For a successful bankruptcy, it is best to consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney. Although you can file without a lawyer, the United States bankruptcy court advises against this. Bankruptcy has long-term legal and financial outcomes. The United States bankruptcy code is complicated. A successful case requires knowledge of detailed laws and procedures. It is easy to make a mistake if you are not familiar with the bankruptcy rules.

Here are some common mistakes that people make when declaring bankruptcy without an attorney:

Filing the wrong chapter of bankruptcy – Each type of bankruptcy has benefits and consequences. Filing the right chapter bankruptcy is critical.
Not filing incorrect forms – This could result in your bankruptcy case getting dismissed.
Not completing required debtor education and credit counseling requirements.
Failing to follow bankruptcy rules.
Not using the correct bankruptcy exemptions – Exemptions are critical as these allow you to keep certain types of property in a bankruptcy case.
Failing to show up at your meeting of creditors – If you don’t show up to this meeting, your bankruptcy case might be dismissed.
Filing a Chapter 13 plan that is not feasible – A Chapter 13 is very complicated. It involves submitting a viable plan to pay back your debts over a period of several years. If your plan is not feasible, then the trustee or your creditors could object to your plan.

An attorney can help guide you through the bankruptcy process. They can advise you on which chapter would be the best to resolve your financial difficulties and help you get a fresh start.

What Happens If I Declare Bankruptcy?

I know what you’re thinking, “what does bankruptcy do?” Well, what happens when you declare bankruptcy depends upon which chapter you file.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

This type of bankruptcy is called a liquidation bankruptcy because your assets are liquidated to pay back your debts. After your assets are sold, then the rest of your debts are forgiven.

Do I Lose Everything If I File Chapter 7?

Many consumers are afraid that they will lose everything that they own by filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, that is not necessarily the case. The court allows you a certain number of exemptions, which enables you to keep certain assets. The number of exceptions that are allowed depends on state law.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

During a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you make payments on your debts through a court-approved plan. Your debts are paid over a period of time—usually three to five years. This bankruptcy is often used by individuals that don’t qualify for Chapter 7 because they make too much money. It is also used when the person has non-exempt assets that they would like to save, such as a house or a car.

Can I Claim Bankruptcy?

To file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must meet certain income requirements. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you determine if you qualify to file bankruptcy.

Should I File Bankruptcy or Choose Debt Settlement Instead?

Many consumers who are considering filing Chapter 13 consider debt settlement instead. Both have pros and cons. It is best to talk with a bankruptcy attorney to determine which is right for your situation.

Life After Bankruptcy

Many people that are considering bankruptcy worry that they might have trouble getting a car or house again. However, this is not the case. Most people feel a sense of relief after filing as the burden of crushing debt is no longer upon them. Although a bankruptcy does stay on a credit report for seven to 10 years, filers can buy a car or even a house in as little as a year or even less if they work hard at maintaining their credit.

Reach out to us at (818) 697-4295 to be connected with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer for free!

We connect consumers to professionals for free legal advice.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 – Which Bankruptcy Should You File?

March 17, 2017 by Consumer Center

If you have overwhelming debt, unpaid medical bills, judgments or wage garnishments, bankruptcy can help you eliminate these things and get a fresh start. Consumers have two choices when it comes to the type of bankruptcy to file —chapter 7 vs. chapter 13. It can be hard to know which type of bankruptcy is right for you. So, what is the difference between chapter 7 and chapter 13?

Chapter 7 – This is the most common and quickest type of bankruptcy. Here is how Chapter 7 works—it allows you to discharge or eliminate most debts, including credit card, collections, and medical debt. This bankruptcy is best if you don’t have very many assets. You must also meet certain income requirements to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 – This type of bankruptcy is best for you if you have expensive assets that you want to keep, such as a car or house. With a Chapter 13, bankruptcy, you repay your creditors some of your debt under a 3 to 5-year plan. Some debts, such as credit card bills, may be completed eliminated under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy while others may need to be paid back. A Chapter is also ideal if you don’t qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy because you make too much money.

There are different eligibility rules and benefits to each type of bankruptcy. We’ll go over each type of bankruptcy to help you decide which one is right for you.

When To File Chapter 13

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a powerful tool that allows debtors to get a fresh financial start. It is particularly useful for borrowers that do not qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Here are some other instances where a Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be ideal.

You have debts that are not dischargeable under a Chapter 7, such as taxes.
You have expensive assets, such a car or house that you have equity in and that you want to keep.
You and behind on your mortgage and you want to stop foreclosure.
You don’t qualify for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy because your income is too high.

When to File a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, also called a liquidation bankruptcy, allows you to discharge most of your debts. In Chapter 7, a court-appointed trustee will liquidate or sell any assets that you own to pay off your debt. Any debt that is left after your assets are sold will be discharged, meaning that you won’t have to pay it back. Chapter 7 is ideal if:

You don’t own expensive assets.
Your mortgage payment is current, you have very little equity in your home, and you want to keep your house. If you don’t have very much equity in your home, you may be able to keep your home by reaffirming the debt or agreeing to continue making the payments on the home after the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy—as long as you are not behind on your mortgage.
You don’t make a lot of money.

What Happens After Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Even if you are drowning in debt, you might be reluctant to consider bankruptcy as you’ve probably heard many bankruptcy myths. Don’t worry—you are not alone. Many people who are thinking about filing are worried about what will happen after they file. Bankruptcy laws were made to help people not hurt them.

Here is what will likely happen after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:

You’ll experience a sense of relief at having your debts eliminated.
You can begin to rebuild your credit – Many people that file bankruptcy have better credit scores after their discharge. This is because a bankruptcy immediately and drastically reduces your debt-to-income ratio, which is partially used to determine credit scores. You might even find it easier to get credit post-bankruptcy than before.
You can start to save money. Now, that you’ll have room in your budget, you can focus on saving money so that you are prepared for unexpected events like medical illness.

Free Consultation from Top Bankruptcy Lawyers in Los Angeles

If you want to get started on a new financial life and get financial freedom today, it is best to contact an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

If you need help filing bankruptcy, reach out to Consumer Center for Resources at (818) 697-4295. We will connect you with one of the top bankruptcy lawyers in Los Angeles.

The consultation is FREE!

Mortgage Fraud – How to Identify and Stop Mortgage Fraud and Wrongful Foreclosure

February 27, 2017 by Consumer Center

Call For FREE Legal Advice:(818) 697-4295

We provide help to stop mortgage fraud and save homes from wrongful foreclosure.
Call now to be connected to Mortgage Lawyers (818) 697-4295

You Might Have a Mortgage Fraud Claim If You Experienced Any of the Following

Your lender sends you a notice of foreclosure sale while you applied for a loan modification.
You are a victim of the “dual-tracking”, your lender led you to believe they were working on your loan modification request and then sent notices of foreclosure for your home.
You were denied by the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) or Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) while you were current on your mortgage payments.
Your loan has a very high-interest rate, with an upward adjustment or balloon payment that was not disclosed in writing.
You were stuck in an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), or Negative Amortization or Interest Only loan with a severe prepayment penalty.
Your loan was sold and/or transferred one or more times without your knowledge.

If any of the examples or conditions listed above apply to you, call us for immediate help. We connect you to top-rated Mortgage Lawyers with a record of success in fighting claims against mortgage fraud and wrongful foreclosure.

Don’t be a victim of mortgage fraud! Call us today for immediate help.
The best defense is offense! (818) 697-4295

Do You Have One of These Mortgage Servicers or Banks as Your Lender?

We often get calls from homeowners who want to report the following banks and mortgage servicers for mortgage fraud:

Ocwen
Quality Loan Service (QLS)
Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc. (SPS)
Nationstar
Wells Fargo
Seterus Inc.
Bank of America (BofA)

The Process

To determine if you have a case, you will be asked to answer a few questions related to your case. After answering a few simple questions, you will be transferred to Mortgage Attorneys who can evaluate your case. The mortgage attorneys will take the time to go over your case and let you know if you have a case against your lender. The first consultation is always free, you will not be billed for any attorney fees until you agree to hire the law firm to represent you.

If it so happens to get to a point where charges become criminal and you are considering a criminal defense attorney – https://www.dattanlaw.com/ would be an attorney worth considering.

You are a call away from speaking to mortgage fraud lawyers
Call Now (818) 697-4295

How to start over in life – Your Choice

February 19, 2017 by Consumer Center

How to start over

There comes a time in your life when you will need to make some life altering decisions. The notion of starting over in life can be commonly perceived as hitting rock bottom, but I would like to offer an alternative way of looking at what it means to truly starting over.

When is the best time to start over? How do I start over? Do I need to start over? What are ways I can start over? These and other questions might seem trivial, but they are very real and very practical questions to ask. The important thing to consider is that you are not alone in this process. Although bankruptcy might have a negative connotation, and it is an unfortunate situation to be in, it can actually be a blessing in disguise when you view it from a glass half full perspective.

Bankruptcy can be the fresh start you’re looking for

As we already know, declaring bankruptcy is the result of having too much debt owed to creditors and lenders. There are enough websites and articles that speak to the disadvantages of bankruptcy, which is something to be aware of. But that is not the direction we want to take article. Rather than harping on the disadvantages I’d like to explore the different ways to start over in life and how you can get back on your feet.

It must be noted, however, that the goal of encouraging a positive perspective despite the reality of bankruptcy is to help people who really need a new start. I understand that there are people who take advantage of the system and run up their credit cards then file for bankruptcy despite their frivolous spending. This is NOT for those with that type of irresponsible spending habits. My hope is that the folks who have fallen on hard times such as an injury, death in the family, divorce, illness, etc…these folks are given the relief they need and can be given a fresh start to begin over again with a clean slate.

According to legalmatch we see 4 very specific advantages to bankruptcy:

Filing for bankruptcy will trigger the automatic stay, preventing creditors from taking action to collect their debts, prevent creditors from repossessing property such as cars, including calling you, suing you, or sending you letters.
You may be able to discharge your obligation to repay any of your dischargeable debts.
By using the bankruptcy exemptions, many debtors can go through the bankruptcy process without losing any of their property.
While a bankruptcy filing will remain on your record for 7-10 years, because many debts can be discharged in bankruptcy, many debtors begin improving their credit rating after filing for bankruptcy.

Reference: https://goo.gl/NDN5wU

Bankruptcy is a very emotional, complicated, and stressful process and can have serious effects on your financial life moving forward. Deciding to file is an extremely personal decision, so it must be made after much research and pondering. It’s important to review as much information as possible about what Bankruptcy entails then see if it’s a choice that will be helpful for your situation.

If you feel like you’re in need of starting over but are not sure if you should file for bankruptcy, please contact an attorney to help you assess your situation then go from there.

Give us a call and we’ll be able to help you locate an attorney in your state.

Best of luck and be relieved that there is help for you in this time of need.

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