FBI probes foreclosure scam targeting Hawaiians

Hawaii Foreclosure News

HONOLULU (AP) — The FBI is investigating several companies that allegedly bilked Native Hawaiian homeowners out of more than $300,000 by offering bogus foreclosure rescue bonds.

The homeowners were charged between $2,500 and $10,000 to attend seminars or counseling sessions on avoiding foreclosure. They were told they would receive bonds worth $1 million that could be used to pay off the outstanding balance of the mortgage.

Officials said the bonds were bogus and no mortgages were paid off.

"These scams have cost homeowners and lending institutions hundreds of thousands of dollars and have led to foreclosure proceedings affecting many families in Hawaii," said FBI Special Agent Brandon Simpson.

He said the FBI has confirmed several dozen victims and more may come forward. He said some of them may be able to avoid foreclosure but didn't give specifics.

Several of the companies pushing the bogus bonds claimed to be affiliated with Native Hawaiian sovereignty movements.

As part of the scheme, "mortgage counselors" told their clients to ignore letters from banks that threaten foreclosure because they were monitoring the situation and would respond on their behalf.

No arrests have been made, but the FBI said the culprits could face mail and wire fraud charges.

One local lending institution has been forced to foreclose on five loans after mortgage holders stopped sending payments.

The FBI has contacted the mortgage divisions of local banks about the scheme.

Information from: The Honolulu Advertiser, http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com

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