Information and Alerts

Government Actions

USA v. Buckner et al

The following describes a pending government action that has been formally brought by a government agency but has not yet been resolved. We are providing a summary of the government's allegations, which have not yet been proven.

A federal grand jury has charged 11 people, including Mr. Garrett Stevenson, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in a scheme to defraud distressed homeowners by falsely representing that they could help the victims save their homes. It is alleged that defendants were involved in a multilevel marketing scheme, which promised affiliates commissions by recruiting distressed homeowners. 

According to the indictment, from 2013 through 2018, the defendants solicited homeowners in foreclosure to save their homes, but provided no negotiations on behalf of the homeowners, did not successfully purchase any mortgage notes or provide new, lower-cost mortgages, remove any mortgage liens, or perform short sales as advertised. The indictment, returned on March 6, 2019 and unsealed on March 20, 2019, includes one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, 12 counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Alert

BBB first learned of this business as Home Rescue Team, LLC in February, 2018 when we received information indicating they were advertising foreclosure help and/or assistance with a home once it has entered into the sheriff's sale process. According to consumers, the business purported to be able to postpone and/or delay the sale for a fee. BBB opened an investigation on the business on February 28, 2018 in an attempt to learn more about the business.

BBB found the address on file for the business is listed as a UPS Store located in downtown Cincinnati. We reached out to the business twice by phone and reached an unidentified person, but were not able to gather any information or receive a returned call. On April 16, 2018 a letter was sent to the business requesting information. As of May 22, 2018 we have not received a response to the letter, the business’s website is no longer active, and most recent consumer information has indicated the business is currently operating as Home Retention Association.

Garrett Stevenson is also listed in BBB files as the owner of Equity Max Network, LLC.

BBB released an alert on this business on June 5, 2018.

BBB also offers the following tips for consumers who are facing foreclosure:

When faced with financial difficulties, some people seek foreclosure consultants. The BBB urges you to explore every alternative to keeping your home and avoid falling victim to "easy" solutions. The BBB advises that your first call should be to your lender. Some lenders will set up a new payment plan to assist your financial situation. When you begin choosing a consultant be sure to ask for references and do not fall victim to high-pressure tactics, and if a solution sounds too simple or too good to be true, it probably is. Before making any payments or signing a contract the BBB suggests contacting a HUD approved counseling agency. You can reach the Cincinnati HUD office at (513)684-3451. You may also want to contact legal aid or the United Way. Be aware that there are other alternatives to selling your house to a foreclosure consultant and a HUD approved agency can determine your eligibility for these alternatives. Consider all your options BEFORE giving up your home and potentially damaging your credit. Before signing a contract, make sure you have all promises in writing and that you understand everything fully. Never sign a contract under pressure and never sign away the ownership of your property. Be wary of people that instruct you to not contact your attorney or mortgage company.
For additional questions concerning sheriff's sale procedures, please contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Execution Section at 513-946-5340.