TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:

- MORTGAGES – BANKING – CONSUMER FINANCE – SECURITIES – E-COMMERCE

- PRIVACY/DATA SECURITY – FEDERAL ISSUES

Excerpt from Federal Issues:

CFPB Exercises Enforcement Authority Against Alleged Mortgage Modification Scheme. On July 18, the CFPB filed suit against a group of California companies and individuals alleged to have orchestrated a mortgage modification scam in violation of the Consumer Financial Protection Act and Regulation O. According to the CFPB, the defendants engaged in deceptive acts by promising loan modifications in exchange for an advance fee and misrepresenting affiliation with government entities, while taking little or no action to assist borrowers. This is the first known instance in which the CFPB has brought an enforcement action in court. The CFPB is seeking preliminary and permanent injunction, as well as rescission or reformation of contracts, refund of moneys paid, restitution, and disgorgement or compensation for unjust enrichment.

OCC and Federal Reserve Board Extend Independent Foreclosure Review Program Deadline. On August 2, the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC announced that the deadline for borrowers to seek review of their mortgage foreclosures under the Independent Foreclosure Review program has been extended to December 31, 2012. Under the program, an eligible borrower can have his or her foreclosure reviewed by independent consultants to determine whether the borrower was financially injured due to errors, misrepresentations, or other deficiencies in the foreclosure process. An injured borrower may be eligible for compensation or other remedies. The program originally was scheduled to close April 30, 2012, but has been extended numerous times over the past year.

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