InfoBytes Blog
DOJ Reaches Settlement with National Bank Over Bankruptcy Practices
On March 3, the DOJ’s U.S. Trustee Program announced a $50 million settlement with a national bank to resolve allegations that the bank engaged in improper actions during bankruptcy proceedings. Under the terms of the settlement, the bank will provide relief in the form of cash payments, mortgage loan credits, and loan forgiveness to over 25,000 homeowners who are, or were, in bankruptcy. Additionally, the bank will acknowledge that (i) the bank’s former employees and the employees of an outside vendor improperly signed more than 50,000 payment change notices filed in bankruptcy courts around the country; (ii) the bank failed to file timely, accurate payment change notices; and (iii) the bank failed to provide timely, accurate escrow statements. The bank further will agree to enhance its technology, policies, procedures, internal controls and other oversight systems. Finally, the parties will agree to engage an independent reviewer to confirm the bank’s adherence to the terms of the settlement. The settlement is pending court approval.