Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Avoiding Post-Disaster Mortgage Scams
When a disaster like wildfires strikes a region, including areas here in Ohio, homeowners not only often experience severe stress, but also financial issues in the form of lost income and an increase in expenses if they suffered damages from the disaster. It is in this setting that homeowners will sometimes experience issues (or… Read More »
When An HOA Dispute Threatens to Take Away Your Home
Many people do not realize that, in a number of circumstances, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) have the power to foreclose on homeowners’ property, including for what may seem like small infractions, such as, for example, the installation of the wrong type of windows that do not conform with community requirement. HOAs will, in a number… Read More »
Consumer Lawsuit Filed Against Brita for Deceptive & Unfair Business Practices
In August, a consumer class action lawsuit was filed against the popular water filtration manufacturer Brita, claiming that the company misled consumers regarding the effectiveness of its water filter products; specifically alleging that the water filters do not remove potentially hazardous substances from drinking water or reduce the levels of those contaminants, as… Read More »
How Does the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Protect Me, As A Consumer?
The debt collection industry relies almost entirely on threats of intimidation with the hopes that consumers can be tricked into providing them with funds that they likely aren’t entitled to and the consumers are not legally required to provide them with, and medical bills are one of the most common subjects of debt collection… Read More »
Are Fish Oil Supplements Violating Consumer Protection Laws?
Fish oil is one of the most popular dietary supplements in the U.S. However, a new study indicates that there may be consumer claims associated with fish oil products and misleading labels; specifically, a number of the products also make a number of health claims on their labels, especially when it comes to preventing… Read More »
Options For Those Who Cannot Afford Their Mortgage
As Columbus foreclosure defense lawyers, we are well-versed with providing clients with options when they can no longer afford their mortgages any longer. There is no question that when hard times hit, keeping up with your mortgage payments can be a challenge, especially if other financial burdens – such as medical bills and debt… Read More »