The Huffington Post Investigative Fund has launched an investigation into what it calls "Hard Times Profiteers," scammers who post signs throughout metropolitan areas offering help with foreclosures, home sales, etc. Reporters headed to D.C. first, but now have posted a video by Robert Strupp, director of research and policy at the Community Law Center.
Here's an excerpt:
"Drive through most any city in America and the offers will leap out at you: "Repair Your Credit!" "Modify Your Loan!" "Sell Your House Quick!"
The creators of these signs -- Hard Times Profiteers, as we at the Huffington Post Investigative Fund have dubbed them -- are moving to capitalize on the financial troubles of others. They are posting advertisements on walls, street lamps and bus shelters. The ads range from handwritten cardboard cutouts to printed plastic signs.
In Baltimore, Robert Strupp, director of research and policy at the Community Law Center, says he has collected about 1,200 signs posted throughout the city since 2006. "People were actually calling the numbers on the signs and falling victim to some of these scams," Strupp said in a recent interview."
Read the full article
here.
Watch the video: