A statewide task force arrested five people for racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketerring, among other charges, in connection with mortgage fraud.  Investigators say the companies involved include Advanced Mortgage Solutions, Consumer Lending Resources, Premier Quality Renovations and Florida Beautiful Construction - all based in Hillsborough County.

Most cases started with a consumer’s desire to renovate their home, or needing home repair.  Before doing business with a contractor or a company for this type of work, make sure the individual and company are licensed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  Some counties also require occupational licenses - so check with your individual county. 

Three Bay area counties have consumer protection departments that can offer advice and complaint history on companies that operate within those counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco.  Pasco county’s consumer protection office can be reached at (727) 847-8110.

The home repairs and renovations consumers contracted for were to be paid by home loans, or mortgages.  Make sure to check up on a
mortgage broker license before sharing personal information and taking out a home loan.