Author Archives: Jay Butchko
CFPB Finds Tuition Payment Plans Violate Consumer Laws
A recent report released by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) found that college tuition payment plans can place student borrowers at risk; that some payment plans are so confusing, and carry such expensive fees, that they lead students further into debt. The report also found that a number of institutions choose to withhold… Read More »
What Is Loss Mitigation? Options To Avoid Foreclosure
Certain loss mitigation options can help you keep your home, such as Loan Modification and Forbearance. Sometimes also referred to as “retention,“ Loss Mitigation describes the process of lenders assisting borrowers who are struggling to make monthly mortgage payments by providing them with repayment or relief options in order to avoid foreclosure. As a… Read More »
Appliance Supply Businesses Targeted in Consumer Fraud Case
Three Cincinnati-area appliance supply businesses and their owners are accused of accepting $4,900 in payments from consumers but failing to provide any appliances or services. Additionally, the businesses failed to register with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office which is required by Ohio law. The lawsuit, filed by the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost,… Read More »
Attorney General Files Suit Against Used Car Dealership Accused of Rolling Back Odometers
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against a fourth Columbus, Ohio used car dealership accused of rolling back odometers and selling salvaged vehicles without telling customers. The latest lawsuit was filed against Ohio Mega Group, LLC in Whitehall, Ohio. The attorney general’s office reported that it had received seventeen (17) complaints… Read More »
What Constitutes Creditor Harassment in Ohio?
Thousands of Ohio residents are struggling with debt and facing creditor harassment. If you count yourself among them, there are remedies at your disposal. Several state and federal laws prohibit specific tactics used by creditors and collections agencies to recover a debt. There is a process for filing complaints against creditors and debt collectors… Read More »
What are the Elements of a Breach of Contract Claim in Ohio?
If you are a business owner, you probably have dealt with another business that hasn’t upheld their end of the bargain. There are numerous challenges that arise from proving a breach of contract claim in Ohio. In this article, the at Kohl & Cook Law Firm, LLC will discuss the elements of a breach… Read More »
Fraud & Deception Against Ohio Consumers In Connection with Imposter Websites
There is a horrifying consumer protection violation practice occurring known as imposter websites, including here in Ohio, whereby websites are created to mimic legitimate businesses and cause many consumers to lose thousands on merchandise that is fictitiously sold under the premise of a “going out of business sale,” and never delivered. These websites collect… Read More »
Investigation Into HomeVestors of America Franchise Reveals Horrifying Predatory Real Estate & Consumer Practices
Unfortunately, there are very few laws or regulations protecting homeowners from certain types of predatory real estate tactics, short of elder abuse or fraud. Recently, in an investigation into the real estate practices of the “We Buy Ugly Houses” HomeVestors of America franchise, a company that purchases real estate far below its market value,… Read More »
RESPA Violations Found in Connection with Mortgage Companies & Real Estate Agents
In August, one mortgage corporation (“Freedom”) was found providing illegal incentives – such as cash payments, catered parties, and paid subscription services – to real estate agents and brokers in exchange for mortgage loan referrals to homeowners (who were specifically then referred back to Freedom). This conduct violates the Real Estate Procedures Act (RESPA)… Read More »
When Contractors Cause Danger By Leaving Work Unfinished
When contractors start, but refuse to finish a project, it can leave a family in difficult – and sometimes even dangerous – circumstances. Take for example one family here in Ohio, who contracted with A-1 Concrete and Waterproofing, LLC. They had an agreement in place that the company would remodel the family’s driveway for… Read More »