Attorney General Cordray Takes on “Rescue Scams”

MVOC and its statewide partners met with AG this summer

In July, over 250 leaders from across the state cheered as Attorney General Rich Cordray announced further plans to pursue legal action against “rescue scam” companies that promise to help people in foreclosure, charge fees of up to 1,800, and then do not deliver. “If this is happening to someone you know, we want to hear about it,” said Cordray, who has been working with members of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), a network of ten organizations across the state including the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative (MVOC).

Cordray has been meeting with neighborhood leaders from the Mahoning Valley since the spring; discussing issues ranging from rescue scams to criminal justice reform to foreclosure prevention dollars for non-profits. “We are building a strong working relationship with his office and all of Mahoning Valley has been impacted by the housing crisis – the cities and the suburbs,” said Pastor Michael Harrison, chairperson of the MVOC Sponsoring Committee.

Cordray’s office has responded well to this crisis. They have already filed 23 cease-and-desist notices to companies carrying out fraudulent foreclosure rescue practices, and have worked to support free and effective programs such as Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP) – which has an office in Warren with two foreclosure prevention specialists.

MVOC is a founding a member of the OOC, which is composed of faith-based organizing groups like the Ohio Baptist State Convention, labor unions including UFCW 75 and SEIU Local 1, and community organizing groups such as AMOS. “Through our statewide coalition, we have a more significant voice in the state and are able to address larger issues more effectively,” said Harrison.

To report a scam, consumers should contact Attorney General Cordray’s office at
800-282-0515. If you or someone you know are facing foreclosure or are currently in the process of a foreclosure, call ESOP at 330-469-5426.

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