National servicer to pay $63 million to settle FTC, CFPB charges

The company allegedly “mistreated borrowers” who were attempting to save their homes from foreclosure.

A national mortgage servicing company will pay $63 million to resolve Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) charges that it harmed homeowners with illegal loan servicing and debt collection practices.

The FTC and CFPB alleged that Green Tree Servicing LLC made illegal and abusive debt collection calls to consumers, misrepresented the amounts people owed, and failed to honor loan modification agreements between consumers and their prior servicers, among other charges.

Under the proposed settlement, Green Tree will pay $48 million to affected consumers and a $15 million civil penalty. The company also will stop its alleged illegal practices, create a home preservation plan for some distressed homeowners, and take rigorous steps to ensure that it collects the correct amounts from consumers.

“It’s against the law for a loan servicer to lie about the debts people owe, or threaten and harass people about their debts,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Working together, the FTC and CFPB are holding Green Tree responsible for mistreating homeowners, including people in financial distress