FTC Returns Nearly $3 Million to Consumers Deceived by Mortgage Relief Scheme

The Federal Trade Commission is returning nearly $3 million to consumers deceived by the Golden Home Services, also known as Home Matters USA, mortgage relief scheme, which falsely promised to reduce homeowners' mortgage payments and prevent foreclosures.

In response to a lawsuit from the FTC and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, a federal court found that the scheme-which did business under names including Golden Home Services, Home Matters USA, Academy Home Services, Amstar Service Group, Atlantic Pacific Service Group, Home Relief Service of America and Westwood Advocates-took millions of dollars from struggling homeowners seeking mortgage relief. The court banned these companies and their operators from the telemarketing and debt relief businesses and required them to pay millions of dollars.

The FTC is mailing checks to 1,821 affected homeowners. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check.

Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 1-833-674-0067, or visit the FTC website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a payment.