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The Federal Trade Commission, through an administrator, is mailing checks totaling approximately $800,000 to 1,305 consumers who fell prey to two related mortgage relief scams.

In one scheme, using the name Precision Law Center, the defendants allegedly made false promises to consumers that if they sued their lenders along with other homeowners in so-called “mass joinder” lawsuits, they could obtain favorable mortgage concessions from their lenders or stop the foreclosure process. In the other, using names such as FreeFedLoanMod.org, HouseHoldRelief.org, and MyHomeSupport.org, the defendants charged consumers for “forensic loan audits,” and allegedly misrepresented that they could use the results to force lenders to give them better mortgage terms.

 The checks must be cashed on or before October 7, 2014. The amount consumers will receive varies depending on how much they lost. Consumers who have questions should call 1-855-294-0136 or visit www.FTC.gov/refunds. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide information before redress checks can be cashed.

Consumers should carefully evaluate offers of help in lowering their mortgage payments or saving their homes from foreclosure. Consumers should also know that it is illegal for anyone to collect money up-front for loan modification or foreclosure rescue services. For more information see: Mortgage Relief Scams.

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 in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.