Woman fined in mortgage rescue case
Woman fined in mortgage rescue case
A Maui Circuit Court judge this week found Edna A. Franco in civil contempt for violating a preliminary injunction obtained by the state Office of Consumer Protection against Franco and her business Francha Services, LLC, and imposed a fine of at least $252,000.
The preliminary injunction bars Franco and her business from directly or indirectly offering to perform mortgage rescue services and asking for, demanding or receiving advance fees for such services. State officials offered the judge evidence that showed Franco violated the injunction by continuing to offer mortgage rescue services to distressed homeowners and requesting payment of upfront fees from the homeowners.
The Office of Consumer Protection sued Franco and her business last year, claiming that she violated Hawaii’s Mortgage Rescue Fraud Prevention Act, which, among other things, prohibits collection of fees before services are performed and requires a written contract spelling out the services and fees to be charged for such services. The suit also alleges Franco’s company engaged in a pattern and practice of unfair and deceptive conduct.
Franco and her business targeted homeowners on Maui, Oahu and the Big Island, state officials said. The homeowners were asked to pay Franco a “substantial” advance fee before she would help them and then she did little if anything to complete any of the services she promised, officials said.
Highway 11, Highway 190 lanes to close
Alternating single lane closures are planned this week in both directions on Highway 11, between mile marker 102 in Hookena and mile marker 109 in Kealakekua, for roadway pavement reconstruction, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
Alternating single lane closures are also planned in both directions on Highway 190, between Uluoa Street and Old Kona Village Road, for pavement striping and guardrail installation, according to the department.
Crews will be working from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. All work is weather permitting.
By local sources