On May 9, 2017, the United States filed an amended complaint in United States v. The Home Loan Auditors (N.D. Cal.), a HUD election/pattern or practice case. The amended complaint alleges that the defendants violated the federal Fair Housing Act by intentionally discriminating against Hispanic homeowners by targeting them for predatory mortgage loan modification services and interfering with their ability to receive financial assistance to maintain their homes. The defendants named in the lawsuit are: The Home Loan Auditors LLC, Century Law Center LLC, SOE Assistance Center Inc., Spieker Law Office and the principals of these entities: Omar Alcaraz, Araceli Castro, Oralia Gutierrez, Hortencia Leon, Raul Luna, Elena Ramirez and David Spieker. As alleged, defendants told the homeowners that "forensic home loan audits" were essential for a loan modification, but in fact the audits had no impact on the loan modification process and provided no financial benefit. As part of their advertised loan modification service, the defendants encouraged their clients to stop making mortgage payments and instructed them to cease contact with their lenders. This conduct resulted in many homeowners defaulting on their mortgage payments and ultimately losing their homes.
Overview:
Case Open Date:
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Case Name:
United States v. The Home Loan Auditors (N.D. Cal.)
Topic:
Civil Rights
Industry Code:
None
Component:
Civil Rights - Housing and Civil Enforcement Section
Updated July 18, 2017