The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a series of public service announcements targeting consumers who were harmed by Siringoringo Law Firm, Stephen Lyster Siringoringo, Clausen & Cobb Management Company, Inc., and Joshua Cobb.
Eligible consumers for redress include all consumers who paid the Siringoringo Law Firm fees from July 22, 2011, through July 26, 2013.
The payments to consumers are being made through the CFPB’s Civil Penalty Fund. The fund is used to make payments to consumers who were harmed by a violation for which civil penalties were imposed, and who aren’t otherwise expected to get full compensation for their compensable harm, the CFPB said in a release.
The CFPB alleged that the defendants, who offered home-loan modifications, asked for and received fees from consumers before the consumers had entered into loan-modification agreements with their lenders or loan servicers. The defendants misrepresented aspects of their services including the likelihood that they would obtain loan modifications on behalf of consumers, and defendants failed to make disclosures required by law.
The notice reminded consumers that if they believe they are eligible for redress and did not receive a check, or if they believe they are eligible for additional refunds of fees, consumers have the option to file a claim.
To file a claim, the CFPB said consumers should visit www.stoploanscams.org, or download a copy of the claim worksheet and return it to Epiq, the third-party administrator with which the CFPB has contracted, via U.S. mail to the address below, or call 855-963-0389 to request a form be mailed to you.
Letters should be addressed to: CFPB v. Siringoringo, Civil Penalty Fund Third-Party Administrator, P.O. Box 3474, Portland, OR 97208-3474.
Claim worksheets must be submitted online or postmarked by Dec. 31, 2020, the bureau stated.
The CFPB added that refunds received from the bureau do not prevent consumers from pursuing other legal claims, if any, against Siringoringo, d/b/a Siringoringo Law Firm, Clausen & Cobb Management Company, Inc, and Joshua Cobb.
“While the bureau cannot give you individual legal advice, you can speak with an attorney who can provide legal advice specific to your situation,” the release stated.