SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) — Three people are facing charges in what California authorities are saying was a fraud scheme that used the Internet to target struggling homeowners.
In a 57-count complaint alleging theft, forgery and other charges, California Attorney General Kamala Harris on Monday announced the arrests of 58-year-old Ronald Cupp, 69-year-old Randall Heyden and 38-year-old Angelle Wertz.
Authorities say the three lured the struggling homeowners using six websites, including "wekillyourmortgage.com" and collected thousands of dollars in upfront fees.
Harris says through Cupp's mortgage company —North Bay Trust Services — the three created fraudulent documents that only delayed a homeowner's foreclosure, but did not satisfy the preexisting mortgage debt to the original lender.
Cupp, Heyden and Wertz did not enter pleas during their appearance in Sonoma County Superior Court on Monday.
Their lawyers could not be reached for comment.
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