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The Federal Trade Commission, through an administrator, is mailing checks totaling nearly $3 million to over 6,300 consumers who were victims of a mortgage relief scheme. Using names such as Prime Legal Plans and Reaching U Network, the defendants allegedly made false promises that they could help consumers save their homes from foreclosure or lower their mortgage payments.

The checks must be cashed on or before July 21, 2014. The amount consumers will receive varies depending on how much they lost. Consumers who have questions should call 1-877-291-8511 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.