September 3, 2010 · Texas consumers who owe money to American Home Mortgage, Inc., may have reason to contact the attorney general. The Better Business Bureau has taken action against the company, giving it an “F” rating. That’s the lowest rating a company can receive from the BBB. The Texas Attorney General filed suit last week against the Texas-based mortgage company, alleging it is in violation of the Texas Debt Collection Act.
Better Business Bureau spokesperson Erin Dufner said customers complained that their on-time payments were recorded as late and then the company charged late fees.
Dufner: "Basically consumers are frustrated, at least they're telling BBB. Because they're claiming that the company is using aggressive tactics to collect payments from homeowners and the homeowners don't believe they actually owe these payments."
That’s what happened to Margareta Johnson, who has been in her home for 19 years. In addition, Johnson said after American Home Mortgage purchased her mortgage, she started getting bills for higher taxes than what she legally owed.
Johnson: "The taxes, but, almost three times as much as what they actually were. My husband is disabled. Our taxes will never go up."
Johnson said she paid the legal amount, but for the last year and a half, American Home has reported her as a late-payer and has threatened foreclosure.
Dufner says consumers in this situation should contact the attorney general, the BBB, and the three crediting reporting agencies.
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