Foreclosure Auction Residue Dispute

Summary

An interpleader action resolves disputes over leftover funds from a foreclosure auction. In Massachusetts, if you dispute a debt within 30 days, creditors must stop collection and provide validation, including all documents with your signature. Both mortgage servicers and their attorneys must validate if disputed separately. All documents includes both paper and electronic forms. A good faith determination involves verifying the right to enforce a debt, especially if time-barred. If a creditor lacks enforcement rights, they may violate statutes beyond 940 CMR 7.07(24). Consider statutes on debt validation or improper collection practices if enforcement rights are in question.

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when legal letter says (emphasis added) what does that mean?
When a legal letter says "emphasis added," it means the author has highlighted or italicized certain words or phrases to draw attention to them. This is done to stress the importance or meaning of those specific parts.
Is there anything else you need clarification on?
what is the layman meaning of the following statute from * CMR *.*(*):
The statute * CMR *.*(*) generally addresses advertising and marketing regulations to prevent unfair or deceptive practices. In layman's terms, it means businesses must ensure their advertising is truthful, not misleading, and transparent about terms and conditions.
Is there a specific part of this statute you need help with?
I need clarification of * CMR *.*(*) language: "If the debtor, or any attorney for the debtor, notifies the creditor in writing within the *-day period described in * CMR *.*(*), that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, the creditor shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the creditor verifies the debt and provides the debtor, or any attorney of the debtor, by first class mail, the following materials: (a) All documents, including electronic records or images, which bear the signature of the debtor and which concern the debt being collected;"
In layman's terms, this statute means:
- If you (the debtor) or your attorney tell the creditor in writing within 30 days that you dispute the debt, they must stop trying to collect it.
- They must provide proof of the debt, including signed documents, before they can resume collection.
Is there a specific part you're unsure about?
If I disputed the debt with the mortgage servicer and separately with their attorneys do they both have to send me validation of debt
If you disputed the debt with both the mortgage servicer and their attorneys, each party is required to provide you with validation of the debt. This means both the mortgage servicer and their attorneys must send you proof of the debt, including any documents bearing your signature.
Is there anything else you need help with regarding this issue?
Does the statement: All documents, including electronic records or images, which bear the signature of the debtor and which concern the debt being collected, mean that original documents must be provided?
The statement does not necessarily require original documents to be provided. It means that any document, whether in electronic form or as an image, that bears the debtor's signature and relates to the debt must be provided. It includes copies or electronic versions, not necessarily the originals.
Is there any other specific concern you have regarding this matter?
However, "all documents, including" would imply paper and elertonic documents, am I correct?
Yes, you are correct. The phrase "all documents, including" implies that both paper and electronic documents are included. This means the creditor must provide any relevant records, whether they are in physical or electronic form, as long as they relate to the debt and bear your signature.
Do you need any further clarification or assistance with this topic?
And "all" emphasizes that all such documents in creditors possession that bear the signature of the debtor should be provided? Correct?
Yes, that's correct. The term "all" means that every document in the creditor's possession that bears your signature and relates to the debt must be provided to you, whether paper or electronic.
Is there any other aspect of this issue you need help with?
In * CMR *.*(*) statement: "Collecting or attempting to collect from any person payment of any debt that the creditor knows, or has reason to know based on a good faith determination, is a time-barred debt.." what does it mean to make a "good faith" determination?
A "good faith determination" generally means an honest and reasonable effort to assess whether the debt is time-barred. This involves reviewing records, checking the date of the last payment, and considering any relevant laws on the statute of limitations.
Do you have a specific concern about how this might apply to your situation?
Should determining whether the party has right to enforce the terms of the debt be part of such good faith determination?
Yes, determining whether the party has the right to enforce the terms of the debt should be part of the good faith determination. This means verifying that the party trying to collect the debt actually has legal standing to do so.
Do you have any specific doubts about the party's right to enforce the debt in your situation?
Could I claim that the service of the debt violated * CMR *.*(*) in re to time-barred debt if they have no right to enforce?
Yes, you may claim that the service of the debt violated * CMR *.*(*) if the creditor has no right to enforce the debt and it's time-barred. The creditor must make a good faith determination about their right to collect the debt before pursuing it.
Do you have any more details about the creditor's actions or the debt's timeline?
However, technically it is not about enforcing time-barred debt, rather it is about not being able to enforce the debt at all. so they may have violated different statute not specifically * CMR *.*(*)
If the issue is not about enforcing a time-barred debt but about the creditor’s inability to enforce the debt at all, you might be looking at a different statute. You could consider statutes related to the validation of debts or improper collection practices.
Are you facing any specific actions from the creditor that seem unlawful or improper?
The servicer attempts to enforce a promissory note but they shared with me two different versions of the promissory note. one endorsed to them and one that is not endorsed at all. The notes differ even not just by the fact of endorsement but also in features. They are plain different. What Massachusetts and Federal statutes talk address the fact that as bearer instrument there couls only be one version of the promissory note.
In Massachusetts, the relevant statute for the enforcement of promissory notes is the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), specifically:
- Massachusetts UCC Article *-*: This addresses who may enforce a negotiable instrument.
- Massachusetts UCC Article *-*: This addresses enforcing lost, destroyed, or stolen instruments.
- Federal Law * U.S.C. § 1692g: This pertains to debt validation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Do you have any other specific questions about these statutes or how they might apply to your situation?
Yes. Given situation I described which implies some fraudulent tampering of the promissory how can i make the servicer liable for this situation either in civil or criminal proceedings
You might consider the following actions:
- Civil Proceedings: File a lawsuit for fraud or violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 93A).
- Criminal Proceedings: Report potential fraud to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.
Do you have any more questions about the process?
How can the Massachusetts AD's office help me to stop enforcement of the potentially fraudulent note.
You can contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office for assistance in stopping the enforcement of the potentially fraudulent note. They can investigate and take action against unfair or deceptive practices.
Would you like information on how to file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office?
In these situations what role does the office of the District Attorney plat?
The District Attorney's office typically handles criminal matters. In this situation, they could:
- Investigate and prosecute any criminal fraud related to the promissory note.
- Work with law enforcement to gather evidence.
- Potentially bring charges against the responsible parties.
Do you have specific concerns or details about the fraudulent activity?
Since the note is likely not enforceable, what is the best possible course of action I can take to (*) keep the real estate property, (*) recover money I paid with mortgage payments, either to the wrong party, or to party that cannot enforce the note, (*) to collect punitive and other damages for wrongful foreclosure attempts, emotional distress etc (*) and possibly cause criminal prosecution
To address your situation, here are some potential actions:
- Keep the Property: File a lawsuit to challenge the foreclosure and assert your right to the property based on the invalid promissory note.
- Recover Payments: File a claim to recover payments made to a party without the legal right to enforce the note.
- Damages: File a lawsuit for wrongful foreclosure and claim damages for emotional distress.
- Criminal Prosecution: Report the fraudulent activity to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the District Attorney.
Would you like more detailed steps on any of these actions?
yes
Sure, let's break down the steps for each action:
*. Keep the Property:
- File a lawsuit: Obtain a real estate attorney to file a lawsuit challenging the foreclosure based on the invalid promissory note. Ensure you have all evidence of the discrepancies between the notes.
*. Recover Payments:
- File a claim: Consult with an attorney to file a claim to recover payments made to a party that had no right to enforce the note.
*. Damages:
- Wrongful foreclosure lawsuit: File a lawsuit for wrongful foreclosure and claim damages, including emotional distress. Your attorney will help quantify and document your losses.
*. Criminal Prosecution:
- Report Fraud: Contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the District Attorney to report the fraudulent activity. They can initiate an investigation and potential criminal prosecution.
Would you like more detailed guidance on contacting the Attorney General’s Office or finding a suitable attorney for your case?
Will Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and/or the District Attorney initiate start of an investigation help me to stop wrongful foreclosure?
The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the District Attorney can help stop wrongful foreclosure by investigating and taking action against fraudulent practices. Here are some steps you can take:
- Contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office to file a complaint.
- Provide all evidence of discrepancies and fraudulent activity.
- The Attorney General can investigate and potentially halt the foreclosure process.
Would you like more detailed guidance on how to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office?
what are the respective responsibilities of Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the District Attorney offices in matters as desribed
- The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office handles consumer protection issues, investigates unfair or deceptive business practices, and can initiate civil actions.
- The District Attorney's Office handles criminal prosecutions and investigates fraudulent activities, potentially leading to criminal charges.
Would you like guidance on how to file a complaint with either office?
Does filing complaints with these offices and possibly causing civil and or criminal investigations prevent me from pursuing civil remedies in court
Filing complaints with these offices and potentially causing civil or criminal investigations does not prevent you from pursuing civil remedies in court. You can simultaneously seek civil remedies while the investigations are ongoing.
Do you need any assistance with how to proceed with filing a complaint?
could I expect possible financial compensation as a result of criminal prosecution
Criminal prosecution itself typically does not result in financial compensation for victims. However, you might receive compensation through:
- Restitution: Ordered by the court for the offender to pay the victim.
- Civil Remedies: You can file a separate civil lawsuit for damages.
Would you like more information on filing a civil lawsuit for compensation?
I am 67 years old. Does this situation potentially qualify as elder financial exploitation
Yes, this situation could potentially qualify as elder financial exploitation, as it involves the manipulation of financial instruments and potential fraud against you, an elder. In Massachusetts, elder financial exploitation laws protect individuals aged * and older from such abuses.
Would you like more detailed information on how to pursue this under elder financial exploitation laws?
yes
To pursue this under elder financial exploitation laws in Massachusetts, you can take the following steps:
- Contact Adult Protective Services: Report the situation to Massachusetts Adult Protective Services (APS). They investigate cases of elder abuse and exploitation.
- File a Complaint: With the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, specifying financial exploitation.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Find an attorney experienced in elder law to help you file a civil lawsuit and navigate the legal process.
Would you like guidance on contacting Adult Protective Services or finding an elder law attorney?
yes
To contact Adult Protective Services (APS) and seek legal counsel, here are the steps:
*. Contact Adult Protective Services:
- Phone: *-*-*-*
- Website: [Massachusetts APS](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/adult-protective-services)
*. File a Complaint:
- Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office:
- Phone: (*) *-*
- Website: [AG’s Office](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-attorney-general-maura-healey)
*. Seek Legal Counsel:
- Search for an elder law attorney through the Massachusetts Bar Association.
Would you like any assistance with specific forms or more details on any of these steps?
It appears that Mass AG office also has a criminal complaint division. How does it differ from the District Attorney?
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the District Attorney's Office have distinct roles:
- Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office: Focuses on civil enforcement, consumer protection, and can handle both civil and criminal complaints, including fraud and exploitation.

- District Attorney’s Office: Primarily handles criminal prosecutions, investigating crimes, and bringing charges against offenders.
Would you like guidance on how to file with the AG's criminal complaint division?
If i file complaints with AG and DA could I use those as a basis for obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order from the Superior court
You can use the complaints filed with the AG and DA as supporting evidence to demonstrate that there is active investigation into your claims. This can help strengthen your case for obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from the Superior Court.
Would you like more details on how to file for a TRO?
Do I need to file a complaint or is there a way to file for TRO without the complaint
In Massachusetts, you generally need to file a complaint or a petition to request a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). The complaint outlines the basis for your request and the relief you are seeking.
Would you like guidance on how to file the complaint and TRO?
Can I file a complaint that focuses on lack of standing to enforce and later amend complaint with additional counts including damages
Yes, you can file a complaint focusing on the lack of standing to enforce and later amend it to include additional counts such as damages. Under Massachusetts law, you may amend your complaint to include new claims or damages as long as it relates to the same transaction or occurrence.
Would you like more information on how to file and amend the complaint?
How much time would I have to amend the complaint
In Massachusetts, you can amend a complaint once without the court's permission within 21 days after serving it. After that, you need the court's permission or the opposing party's written consent.
Would you like more details on the amendment process?
Does the complaint need to be served
Yes, the complaint needs to be served to the defendant(s) according to Massachusetts rules. This ensures they are officially notified and given an opportunity to respond.
Do you need guidance on how to properly serve the complaint?
under 93A I believe i can demand treble damages for the value of the property that has been wrongfully foreclosed. Can I demand 3x damages prior to foreclosure based on the fraudulent attempts to essentially steal my property
In Massachusetts, under M.G.L. c. 93A, you can demand treble damages for unfair or deceptive acts. However, treble damages are generally awarded after proving the wrongdoing in court. Pre-foreclosure demands may strengthen your case but are often resolved through litigation.
Would you like guidance on how to draft a demand letter under Chapter 93A?
so if I file criminal complaints and the foreclosure is halted because of those, I may not be able to ask for 3x damages under 93A in acivil complaint?
You can still ask for treble damages under Chapter 93A in a civil complaint even if the foreclosure is halted due to criminal complaints. The criminal proceedings and civil remedies operate independently.
Do you need guidance on how to proceed with a Chapter 93A demand letter?
yes
Sure! Here's how you can draft a Chapter 93A demand letter:
Steps to Draft a Chapter 93A Demand Letter:
*. Header:
- Your name and contact information.
- Date.
- Recipient's name and contact information.
*. Introduction:
- State that this is a demand letter under M.G.L. c. 93A.
- Briefly describe the unfair or deceptive act.
*. Detailed Description:
- Provide a detailed account of the fraudulent activity and attempts to enforce an invalid promissory note.
- Highlight the discrepancies in the promissory notes.
*. Damages:
- Explain the damages you have suffered, including emotional distress and wrongful foreclosure attempts.
- State the amount of treble damages you are seeking.
*. Resolution:
- Request a resolution to the matter within 30 days.
- State that you will pursue legal action if the matter is not resolved.
*. Closing:
- Sign the letter.
Would you like a template to get you started?
So I can ask for 3x damages however since i have not loss the property through foreclosure those likely could not be based on 3x value of the house, rather on other specified damages. Am I correct
Yes, you are correct. Since you haven't lost the property through foreclosure, you can demand 3x damages based on other specified damages such as emotional distress, legal fees, and any financial losses incurred due to the fraudulent attempts.
Would you like a template to draft your Chapter 93A demand letter?
Can the servicer foreclose based on the mortgage without valid promissory note
In Massachusetts, a servicer generally cannot foreclose on a mortgage without a valid promissory note. The promissory note proves the debt and the servicer's right to enforce it. Without it, the foreclosure may be challenged.
Would you like more information on how to challenge an invalid foreclosure?
Who should i ask to be criminally investigated:, the bank as trustee, the servicer, servicer's attorneys, foreclosing attorneys, or all of the above because this may be a conspiracy to defraud?
You might consider asking for a criminal investigation of all parties involved if you believe there is a conspiracy to defraud. This includes:
- The bank as trustee
- The servicer
- The servicer's attorneys
- The foreclosing attorneys
Would you like guidance on how to file these complaints?
yes
To file complaints for criminal investigation, follow these steps:
*. Massachusetts Attorney General's Office:
- Phone: (*) *-*
- Website: [AG’s Office](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-attorney-general-maura-healey)
- Include detailed information on all parties involved.
*. District Attorney's Office:
- Contact your local District Attorney for your county.
- Provide the same detailed information for consistency.
Would you like a template or more specific steps for these complaints?
would these be separate complaints for each of the involved partys'?
You can file one comprehensive complaint detailing the involvement of all parties, or separate complaints for each party involved. One detailed complaint might be more efficient and provide a clearer overview of the alleged conspiracy.
Would you like a template for a comprehensive complaint?