Alleged Foreclosure Scam Hits Mid-South

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - "They asked initially for $2,000 over the phone," Glenda Peete says following a meeting with a representative with "Commercial Solutions Consulting Agency" at this Bartlett office that price was later talked down to $750.

"They required I give it to them in cash. No debit. No check payment," Peete said.

Even without extra money on hand, Peete says she complied. Believing she says that the company would follow through on its advertised service of consolidating her debt so she could keep her family home in Tipton County.

"I've lived here 30 plus years. It's got a lot of sentimental value," she said.

But weeks later Peete says she got a letter stating her home had fallen into foreclosure. She says she called "CSCA", still believing they were working to help resolve her problems.

"They actually made things worse," she said.

Already strapped and facing foreclosure Peete says "CSCA" wanted $1700 more. She says she told them "no" and was left to fend for herself. The Better Business Bureau says others have been in Peete's shoes and report having to make additional payments to the same company in strange places.

"One of the consumers, complainants, talked about meeting her local representative at a Walgreens," said Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South President, Randy Hutchinson.

Hutchinson says the company is also operating under the name "Taurian Worldwide." He says in all the cases reported to them the complaint is the same, pay hundreds or even a $1,000 upfront for consolidation services or foreclosure rescue and see nothing in return.

"These people, at least if the allegations we've heard are correct, appear to be a scam," Hutchinson said.

Peete says she wasn't going to sit by and watch her house be taken after being "taken" by "CSCA" so she called the mortgage company herself. They were able to work out a payment plan and today she has her house and advice to those in dire financial straits.

"Do not jump at the first thing that sounds promising."