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SAN DIEGO – Authorities asked for the public’s help Wednesday in locating additional victims of a San Diego foreclosure fraud scam in which victims were falsely told that “land patents” would protect their properties from foreclosure.
District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said 61-year-old Larry Smith and five alleged accomplices sold the bogus “land patents” to homeowners, claiming the victims could pay only 10 percent of their mortgage payment each month and could force lenders to “re-contract” the loan amounts.
The defendants — Smith, Maria Candida Capa, Margarita Gaviola, Jessica Refuerzo, Julita Whittingham and Edgardo Orcino — are accused of defrauding homeowners out of more than $100,000 in 2007 and 2008.
Smith is charged with conspiracy to commit grand theft and deceitful practices in acting as a mortgage foreclosure consultant and faces 37 years to life in prison if convicted.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled June 15.
So far, more than 20 victims have come forward saying they lost tens of thousands of dollars in the real estate scam, Dumanis said.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim in the case was asked to call (619) 531-4475.
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