Consumers get $2.3 million in foreclosure rescue refunds

The Federal Trade Commission has mailed 1,410 refund checks amounting to $2.3 million to consumers allegedly defrauded by Home Assure LLC, a so-called mortgage foreclosure rescue service.

The FTC alleged that the company charged consumers an up-front fee and falsely claimed its special relationships with lenders would enable it to get favorable loan modifications or stop foreclosure. A settlement order imposed a monetary judgment and banned the company from selling mortgage loan modification and foreclosure relief services.

The amount of each check will vary based upon the amount each consumer paid. Consumers who receive the checks should cash them by early June, 2011.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).