More Assistance Available for Scam Victims

I applaud your article (“Front-Porch Scams,� Feb. 7), which served to educate the public about the myriad schemes used by unscrupulous individuals and companies to defraud homeowners. These schemes involve the sale of unusable products and contracts which result in a lien on an unsuspecting homeowner’s property.

I also commend you for including a list of phone numbers victims can call to complain or seek assistance. I would like to add our phone numbers to that list for those victims living in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope or Santa Clarita Valleys.

San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services Inc. provides free legal assistance to low-income persons who live in our service area, which includes the valleys above, Burbank and Glendale. We have assisted numerous victims of these types of scams and our clients’ stories mirror the scenarios mentioned in your article. Among our clients are families who were sold unusable water “conditioners� by the same company. These homeowners, too, unknowingly signed contracts that put liens against their homes. We are fighting to clear the titles to their property.

Unfortunately, these scam artists are alive and well in our service area as well. Please add us to the list of phone numbers people can call for assistance: (818) 896-5211, (213) 875-2854.

ROBERT STOVITZ

Staff Attorney,

San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services Inc.