More out-of-state scammers who profited off of Hoosiers desperate to keep their homes now face lawsuits by Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller.

Five lawsuits were recently filed against Freedom Equity Savings of Ohio, Integrity Mortgage and Credit Solutions of Florida, Provident Law Group Inc. of California, Nationwide Mediation Services of California and Global Equity Solutions also known as Peachtree Consultants of Georgia.

“Homeowners who may be facing foreclosure or who are just beginning to get behind on payments should seek out legitimate help and not succumb to unsolicited and too good to be true offers,” Zoeller said. “As long as companies like these continue to operate in our state the Attorney General’s office will aggressively pursue and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

The companies are all accused of violating Indiana’s consumer protection laws and taking more than $11,300 total from six customers living in Hamilton, Lake, Marion, Parke and Union counties. In all cases, the businesses promised to reduce homeowners’ interest rates or monthly payments in exchange for an upfront fee.

Consumers made payments ranging from $791 to $3,000 before little or no progress had been made on their home loans. The state seeks an injunction, restitution and civil penalties against the companies.

The lawsuits allege the defendants violated the Credit Services Organization Act, the Mortgage Rescue Protection Fraud Act, the Home Loan Practices Act and Deceptive Consumer Sales Act. The companies did not register a $25,000 surety bond with the Attorney General’s Office to conduct business as foreclosure consultants in Indiana.