Officials announced that over 1,800 victims of a Southern California mortgage fraud scheme will receive nearly $3 million in refunds. - The scheme, run by Golden Home Services and other names, falsely promised mortgage relief during COVID-19.
- A federal judge banned the operators and ordered penalties and restitution. - The FTC is mailing refund checks, which must be cashed within 90 days.
- The fraud targeted distressed homeowners, especially elders and veterans, nationwide. This restitution marks a victory for consumer protection and interagency cooperation.