Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/88269621/Bac-Home-country-complaint-Ftc
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 08:24:44+00:00

Document:
Attorney Steve's overview of California Homeowner's Bill of Rights.
SENATE HEARING, 110TH CONGRESS - POLICING LENDERS AND PROTECTING HOME- OWNERS: IS MISCONDUCT IN BANKRUPTCY FUELING THE FORECLOSURE CRISIS?
8 or practices in violation of Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C.
9 § 45 (a) .
15 1391(b) and (c), and 15 U.S.C. § 53(b).
27 ill-gotten monies. 15 U.S.C. §§ 53(b) and 56(a) (2) (A).
CHL transacts or has transacted business in this district.
15 the acts and practices alleged below.
14 and they do not have the option to shop for those services.
14 brand name of "Bank of America Home Loans."
26 with a servicing portfolio of over $2.1 trillion.
13 Countrywide and do not operate at arms length with Defendants.
securing and/or repairing the property.
21 to mark up the actual cost of those services to make a profit.
4 the property and rights under the security instrument.
24 ("LandSafe") and ReconTrust Company, N.A. ("ReconTrust").
4 trustee in non-judicial foreclosure states, such as California.
9 substantially marked up from the actual cost of the services.
10 Defendants then pass on these marked-up fees to borrowers.
18 mortgage loans that are false or lack a reasonable basis.
25 escrow deficiencies and shortages have accrued on their loan.
2 those amounts, including in some cases through foreclosure actions.
5 "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce."
12 consumers or competition. 15 U.S.C. § 45(n).
19 inspections, title reports, and foreclosure trustee services.
27 unreasonable services, in violation of the mortgage contract.
4 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 4S(a).
9 authorized to assess and collect pursuant to the mortgage contract.
13 benefits to consumers or competition.
16 of Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(a) and 45(n).
22 and delinquency status of post-petition payments.
26 representations at the time the representations were made.
4 the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(a).
8 escrow deficiencies and shortages have accrued on their loan.
11 those amounts, including through foreclosure actions.
15 benefits to consumers or competition.
18 of Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 45(a) and 45(n).
25 consumers, reap unjust enrichment, and harm the public interest.
10 enforced by the FTC.
24 to be just and proper.
c. § 45(a). the refund of monies paid. 15 U. §§ 53(b) and 56(a) (2) (A). and the disgorgement of 27 ill-gotten monies.C. 19 enforces Section 5(a) of the FTC Act.S. Venue is proper in this district under 28 u. § 53(b). which 20 prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting 21 commerce.C. and other equitable relief for Defendants' acts 8 or practices in violation of Section 5(a) of the FTC Act. and 1345. 14 3. 13 53(b).S. the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC U ). §§ 15 1391(b) and (c). The FTC brings this action under Section 13(b) of the U ). restitution. § 53(b).1 Plaintiff. . 9 § 45 10 11 2. 16 17 4. 22 5. disgorgement of 7 ill-gotten monies.s. for its 2 Complaint alleges: 3 1. The FTC 18 Government created by statute. 28 2 15 U.S.S.C.S. to 5 obtain permanent injunctive relief.C. and 15 U. §§ 41 58. and 15 U.C.C. 15 U.S.S. The FTC is authorized to initiate federal district court 23 proceedings.C. §§ 45(a) and 12 U. (a) . 1337(a). the refund of monies paid. PLAINTIFF The FTC is an independent agency of the United States 15 U. 26 restitution. rescission or reformation of 6 contracts. JURISDICTION AND VENUE This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 1331.C. by its own attorneys. including rescission or reformation of contracts.S. 4 Federal Trade Commission Act ("FTC Act 15 U. to enjoin violations of the FTC 24 Act and to secure such equitable relief as may be appropriate in 25 each case.
S. NATURE OF ENFORCEMENT ACTION This enforcement action is brought to remedy unlawful 23 acts and practices by Defendants in servicing mortgage loans for a 24 particularly vulnerable class of consumers: borrowers in financial Many of the loans 25 distress who are struggling to keep their homes.1 2 6. 12 as a common enterprise while engaging in the unlawful acts and 13 practices alleged below. BAC Servicing transacts or has transacted business 9 in this district. Defendants have 18 maintained a substantial course of trade in or affecting commerce. 6 formerly doing business as Countrywide Home Loans Servicing. 19 as "commerce" is defined in Section 4 of the FTC Act. 7. Defendant BAC Home Loans Servicing. 26 serviced by Defendants are risky. LP. § 20 44. CA. Inc. ("CHL") is a New 3 York corporation with its principal place of business in Calabasas. DEFENDANTS Defendant Countrywide Home Loans. 21 22 10. is 7 a Texas limited partnership with its principal place of business in 8 Calabasas. 15 U. each of them is jointly and severally liable for 15 the acts and practices alleged below. Countrywide 28 3 .C. 4 CA. 16 17 9. high-cost loans that had been 27 originated or funded by Defendants' parent company. COMMERCE At all times material to this Complaint. Because Defendants have operated as a 14 common enterprise. LP ("BAC Servicing"). 5 CHL transacts or has transacted business in this district. 10 8. Defendants operate a mortgage servicing business that Defendants have operated 11 services millions of home loans annually.
Defendants and the subsidiaries add a 7 substantial mark-up to their actual costs for the services and then 8 charge the borrower the marked-up fees. 27 28 4 . In addition. Defendants 25 unfairly seek to collect those amounts. Defendants' marked-up fees As a 9 violate the mortgage contract because they exceed the actual cost 10 of the services and are not reasonable and appropriate to protect 11 the note holder's interest in the property and rights under the 12 security instrument. In connection with these bankruptcy cases. including through 26 foreclosure actions. 14 and they do not have the option to shop for those services. When borrowers fall behind on their payments. (collectively. and its subsidiaries 2 "Countrywide"). this action is brought to remedy unlawful 16 acts and practices by Defendants in servicing loans for borrowers 17 who are seeking to save their homes through a Chapter 13 18 bankruptcy. After the bankruptcy cases have closed and borrowers 24 no longer have the protection of the bankruptcy court. Defendants also 21 have failed to disclose to borrowers during their bankruptcy case 22 when fees and escrow shortages and deficiencies have accrued on 23 their loan. (such as 3 Defendants obtain a number of default-related services 4 property inspections and foreclosure trustee services) by funneling 5 the work through a panoply of Countrywide subsidiaries.1 Financial Corporation ("CFC"). Defendants 19 have made various representations to borrowers about their mortgage 20 loans that are false or lack a reasonable basis. Borrowers do not have any choice in who 13 performs default-related services or the cost of those services. 6 matter of practice. 15 11.
Defendants now do business under the 14 brand name of "Bank of America Home Loans. 19 Countrywide produced an increasing number of such loans. and 20 Defendants' loan servicing portfolio grew significantly. and Defendants have serviced these loans 10 pursuant to servicing agreements with the investors." 15 13. Prior to July 1. Defendants have continued to service millions of mortgage 12 loans. when Countrywide was acquired by 2 3 Bank of America Corporation.4 24 trillion. prior to being acquired by Bank of America Corporation. have been the mortgage servicer for many 6 of these loans.1 trillion. In many instances. countrywide often retained the right to service 9 loans it securitized. 18 little or no income or asset documentation. In March 21 2008. including tens of thousands of loans involving borrowers in 13 bankruptcy and foreclosure. after its acquisition of Countrywide. Countrywide produced hundreds of 4 billions of dollars in mortgage loans each year. 11 2008. 25 Bank of America was ranked as the nation's top mortgage servicer 26 with a servicing portfolio of over $2.1 DEFENDANTS' BUSINESS PRACTICES 12. Many of the loans serviced by Defendants are subprime or 16 "nontraditional" mortgages such as pay option adjustable rate 17 mortgages ("ARMs"). interest-only mortgages. 22 Countrywide was ranked as the top mortgage servicer in the United 23 States and had a servicing portfolio with a balance of over $1. as 5 Countrywide subsidiaries. Countrywide packaged its loans 7 into mortgage-backed securities and sold them to investors on the 8 secondary market. Defendants. In September 2009. and loans made with In recent years. 27 28 5 . After July 1. 2008.
which in turn 16 obtain the services from third-party vendors. and the 19 Defendants. 2 mortgage servicers order various default-related services that are 3 intended to protect the lender's interest in the property. a mortgage servicer may order a property inspection for 5 the purpose of verifying the occupancy status of the home. Countrywide follows a so-called 7 "vertical integration strategyu to generate default-related fee 8 income. As stated by Countrywide in an 24 October 2007 Earnings Call. Countrywide formed subsidiaries to act as middle11 men in the default services process ("default subsidiaries U ) The 12 default subsidiaries exist solely to generate revenues for 13 Countrywide and do not operate at arms length with Defendants. in turn. As a result. The default 17 subsidiaries then charge Defendants a fee significantly marked up 18 from the third-party vendors' fee for the service. For 4 example. Countrywide 22 earned substantial profits by funneling default-related services 23 through its default subsidiaries. 14 15. even as the mortgage market collapsed. Rather than obtain default-related services directly from 9 third-party vendors and charge borrowers for the actual cost of 10 these services.1 14. The scheme works as follows. When a borrower becomes delinquent on a mortgage loan. Defendants order default- 15 related services from the default subsidiaries. the company's strategy was to profit 25 from default-related services in down times such as the current 26 mortgage crisis: 27 28 6 . assess and collect these marked-up fees from 20 borrowers. In its 6 mortgage servicing operation. and 21 more borrowers fell into delinquency in recent years.
is that increased operating expenses in times like this tend to be fully offset by increases in ancillary income in our servicing operation. to: 27 28 7 . as I will now. The 20 typically consists of two documents: the promissory note 21 and the mortgage or deed of trust ("Security Instrument") 22 mortgage contracts serviced by Defendants are substantially similar 23 to the standard Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac form contracts and contain 24 form language regarding what occurs if a borrower defaults on his 25 or her loan.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 NOw. and importantly from in-sourced vendor functions that represent part of our diversification strategy.) 19 16. a counter-cyclical diversification strategy such as our businesses involved in foreclosure trustee and default title services and property inspection services. The mortgage contract between a lender and borrower ("Note"). And what we point out is. The Security Instrument authorizes the servicer. Chief Operating Officer. in 26 cases of default. greater fee income from items like late charges. and what happens to costs. we are frequently asked what the impact of our servicing costs and earnings will be from increased delinquencies and [loss] mitigation efforts. 18 and Director of Countrywide Financial Corporation. (See Statement of David Sambol. President.
In charging marked-up fees for default services. 3 4 5 6 7 The Security Instrument further provides that any such amounts 8 "disbursed by" the servicer shall become additional debt of the 9 borrower secured by the Security Instrument and shall bear interest 10 at the Note rate "from the date of disbursement. and to be 20 reimbursed by the borrower. 12 provides that the note holder: 13 14 15 16 17 18 Thus. reasonable attorneys' the mortgage contract allows the servicer to pay for default- 19 related services when necessary or appropriate. but it does not authorize the servicer 21 to mark up the actual cost of those services to make a profit. Those expenses include. will have the right to be paid back by me for all of its costs and expenses in enforcing this Note to the extent not prohibited by applicable law. 23 Defendants have violated the mortgage contract by charging 24 borrowers for default services that exceed the actual cost of the 25 services and that are not reasonable and appropriate to protect the 26 note holder's interest in the property and rights under the 27 security instrument. for example." Regarding the the Note 11 payment of foreclosure fees in the event of default. Defendants have charged . 22 17.1 2 pay for whatever is reasonable or appropriate to protect the note holder's interest in the property and rights under the security instrument. 28 8 In addition. rncluding protecting and/or assessing the value of the property. fees. and securing and/or repairing the property.
Until at least July 1.A. 19 19. Defendants then charge the Defendants collect these marked-up 16 fees from borrowers through various means. such as property 2 inspections and title reports. Inc. 15 marked-up fees to the borrower.. which 13 prices CFSC then marks up in numerous instances by 100% or more 14 before "charging" them to Defendants. the borrower is billed for it. 25 Defendants order pre-foreclosure title reports from LandSafe at the 26 very beginning of a foreclosure referral. and Defendants send the 28 9 . ("ReconTrust"). reinstatements. also known as LandSafe National Default. including in connection 17 with repayment plans. These other default subsidiaries are 23 LandSafe Default. payoffs. 11 in turn orders the services from third-party vendors. 5 18. bankruptcy plans. that in some instances were not 3 reasonable and appropriate to protect the note holder's interest in 4 the property and rights under the security instrument. such as lawn cuts. N. which The vendors 10 property preservation services. is one of the 7 default subsidiaries used by Defendants in servicing borrowers' 8 mortgage loans. 9 of Defendant CHL. As soon as the report is 27 completed. now 6 doing business as BAC Field Services Corporation. 12 charge CFSC prices for the performance of these services. 18 and foreclosures. countrywide Field Services Corporation ("CFSC"). Defendants obtain services through other default 20 subsidiaries in similar fashion and then charge borrowers fees for 21 default services that are substantially marked up from the actual 22 cost of the services. 24 ("LandSafe") and ReconTrust Company. CFSC was a subsidiary Defendants order property inspections and from CFSC. 2008.1 borrowers for the performance of default services.
fees to Defendants for those services that are 7 substantially marked up from the vendors' prices. such as California.1 report with the foreclosure referral to a foreclosure attorney or 2 trustee. 5 LandSafe hires vendors to perform pre-foreclosure title services 6 and then "charges". 4 trustee in non-judicial foreclosure states. 26 After the bankruptcy case has closed and borrowers no longer have 27 28 10 . the purpose of 13 which is to allow consumers to keep their homes and emerge from 14 bankruptcy with a "fresh start. including in bankruptcy 16 filings such as proofs of claim and motions for relief from stay. In many instances. 8 ReconTrust provides foreclosure trustee services that have been 9 substantially marked up from the actual cost of the services. Defendants service tens of thousands of mortgage loans 12 for borrowers who are in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. including payment posting errors and 23 the assessment of unauthorized fees. Defendants send foreclosure referrals ReconTrust acts as the Defendants' foreclosure 3 to ReconTrust. and they used 21 antiquated technology that led to numerous inaccuracies in 22 servicing loans in bankruptcy. Likewise. 11 20. 17 Defendants have made representations to borrowers about their 18 mortgage loans that are false or lack a reasonable basis." In connection with these 15 bankruptcy cases and in numerous instances. Defendants also have failed 24 to disclose to borrowers during their bankruptcy case when fees and 25 escrow deficiencies and shortages have accrued on their loan. 19 Defendants failed to adopt adequate policies and procedures to 20 ensure the accuracy of their representations. 10 Defendants then pass on these marked-up fees to borrowers.
Count I: Misrepresentation of Amounts Owed In the course and conduct of their loan servicing and 15 collection. Defendants include in the amounts they represent as owed 25 fees that have been marked up beyond the actual cost of the 26 services and/or fees that are for the performance of unnecessary or 27 unreasonable services. in numerous instances. prohibits 5 "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.1 the protection of the bankruptcy court. 3 4 including in some cases through foreclosure actions. and foreclosure trustee 24 services.S. VIOLATIONS OF THE FTC ACT 21. Section 5(a) of the FTC Act.C. and foreclosure trustee services. § 45(a). 20 24.C. Defendants in numerous instances have represented. 16 directly or indirectly. consumers 21 are not obligated to pay the amounts that have been specified in 22 Defendants' communications for default related services such as 23 property inspections. In truth and in fact. in violation of the mortgage contract. Defendants seek to collect 2 those amounts. that consumers 17 are obligated to pay the amounts specified in Defendants' 18 communications for default-related services such as property 19 inspections. 13 14 23. 28 11 . title reports. Misrepresentations or deceptive omissions of material 7 fact constitute deceptive acts or practices prohibited by Section 8 5(a) of the FTC Act. title reports. Acts or practices are unfair under Section 5 9 of the FTC Act if they cause or are likely to cause substantial 10 injury to consumers that consumers cannot reasonably avoid 11 themselves and that is not outweighed by countervailing benefits to 12 consumers or competition. § 45(n). 15 U.S. expressly or by implication. 15 U." 6 22.
§ 45(a) and 45(n). 5 Count II: Unfair Assessment and Collection of Fees 26.S. Defendants' actions cause or are likely to cause 11 substantial injury to consumers that consumers cannot reasonably 12 avoid themselves and that is not outweighed by countervailing 13 benefits to consumers or competition.C. Count III: Deceptive Claims in Bankruptcy Servicing In the course and conduct of servicing loans in 19 bankruptcy.1 25. 17 18 29. 15 U. Defendants' representations as set forth in 2 Paragraph 23 of this Complaint are false or misleading and 3 constitute deceptive acts or practices in violation of Section 5(a) 4 of the FTC Act. Therefore. 10 27. In the course and conduct of their loan servicing and 6 7 collection. Defendants in numerous instances have made 20 representations about different aspects of consumers' loans. Therefore. 21 including amounts owed for pre-petition arrearage and the amount 22 and delinquency status of post-petition payments. In truth and in fact. 15 U. in numerous instances. Defendants in numerous instances have assessed and 8 collected default-related fees that they were not legally 9 authorized to assess and collect pursuant to the mortgage contract. 14 28. the 24 representations set forth in Paragraph 29 are false or misleading 25 or Defendants did not have a reasonable basis for the 26 representations at the time the representations were made.S. 23 30. Defendants' practices as described in 15 Paragraph 26 above constitute unfair acts or practices in violation 16 of Section 5 of the FTC Act.C. 27 28 12 . § 4S(a).
C. the making of the representations as set forth 2 in Paragraph 29 of this Complaint constitutes a deceptive act or 3 practice in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of 4 the FTC Act. Therefore. Defendants have been unjustly enriched as a Absent injunctive 23 result of their unlawful acts or practices. and harm the public interest. Defendants are likely to continue to injure 25 consumers. 5 Count IV: Unfair Collection of Hidden Bankruptcy Fees 32.S. 9 After the bankruptcy case has closed and borrowers no longer have 10 the protection of the bankruptcy court. §§ 45(a) and 45(n). reap unjust enrichment. including through foreclosure actions. In addition. Defendants' actions cause or are likely to cause 13 substantial injury to consumers that consumers cannot reasonably 14 avoid themselves and that is not outweighed by countervailing 15 benefits to consumers or competition. 15 U. Therefore.C. 24 relief by this Court. In numerous instances. 16 34. Defendants have failed to disclose 6 7 adequately to borrowers during their bankruptcy case when fees and 8 escrow deficiencies and shortages have accrued on their loan. Consumers have suffered and will continue to suffer 21 substantial injury as a result of Defendants' violations of the FTC 22 Act. 12 33.1 31. Defendants seek to collect 11 those amounts.S. § 45(a). 26 27 28 13 . 15 U. Defendants' practices as described in 17 Paragraph 32 above constitute unfair acts or practices in violation 18 of Section 5 of the FTC Act. 19 CONSUMER INJURY 20 35.
restitution. 9 to prevent and remedy any violation of any provision of law 10 enforced by the FTC. § 53(b). 14 requests that the Court: 15 A. the refund of monies paid. Section 13(b) of the FTC Act.C. 17 B. the 8 refund of monies paid. 15 U. in the exercise 6 of its equitable jurisdiction. as 23 well as such other and additional relief as the Court may determine 24 to be just and proper. 11 12 PRAYER FOR RELIEF Wherefore. 15 U.1 THIS COURT'S POWER TO GRANT RELIEF 36. 7 including rescission or reformation of contracts. may award ancillary relief. restitution.S.S.C. empowers 2 3 this Court to grant injunctive and such other relief as the Court 4 may deem appropriate to halt and redress violations of any 5 provision of law enforced by the FTC. 25 26 27 28 14 . pursuant to Section 13(b) of the FTC 13 Act. Award such relief as the Court finds necessary to redress 18 injury to consumers resulting from Defendants' violations of the 19 FTC Act. rescission or reformation of 20 contracts. The Court. § 53(b). and the Court's own equitable powers. Plaintiff FTC. and the disgorgement of ill-gotten monies. Enter a permanent injunction to prevent future violations 16 of the FTC Act. Award Plaintiff the costs of bringing this action. including but not limited to. and the 21 disgorgement of ill-gotten monies. and 22 C.
134154 Federal Trade Commission 10877 Wilshire Blvd. lhotchkiss@ftc. ov Ca ifornia Bar No. N.gov Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue.. 2 2010 Respectfully submitted. Jaco s (Local Counsel) . hallen@ftc.gov. Ste. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ~~~Jo n D. " cobs@ftc. D.W.qov.4 3 8 0 Attorneys for Plaintiff Federal Trade Commission 15 . WILLARD K. Washington. 700 Los Angeles.C.1 Dated: June 7. CA 90024 Tel: (310) 824-4343 Fax: ( 31 0 ) 8 2 4 . TOM General Counsel 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Heather Allen Lynette Hotchkiss lmorris@ftc. 20580 Tel: (202) 326-3224 Fax: (202) 326-3768 Lu~orris ~~~.

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