August 29, 2013
Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez is urging the public to report information related to a Las Vegas man recently charged with defrauding Northern Nevadans in real estate and mortgage scams. George Christo George, 54, was arrested Aug. 14 in Las Vegas on a warrant issued in Reno charging him with theft, obtaining money under false pretenses and mortgage fraud.
“We urge those who may be a victim in this case or any other mortgage fraud case to report the issue to our office,” said Masto.
The former San Bruno, Calif. man was booked into the Washoe County Jail on Aug. 27. He remains jailed on $380,000 bail.
Nevada Attorney General Investigators believe there could be more victims who may not have made prior reports to law enforcement. George is thought to be a chronic gambler who met the six victims at local casinos, or through casino employees.
The alleged victims in this case range from a single mother and a disabled man; to business owners and a recent widower.
George is accused of taking upfront fees for mortgage and real estate services that he never performed. The total loss to victims is nearly $300,000.
The criminal complaint alleges that George represented that he is the owner of a San Bruno, Calif., consulting and investment firm and has local and overseas connections in the financial industry. George claimed he frequently purchased homes and then flipped them for profit. He also misrepresented that he held various professional licenses that are legally required to perform mortgage and real estate services. In one case, he claimed to be working for an Arab sheik.
The alleged crimes occurred between 2011 and 2012 in Reno and Sparks.
If you have been defrauded by George, or have information about him, contact Nevada Attorney General Investigator Jaclyn O’Malley at 775-850-4106 or submit a mortgage fraud complaint. The complaint form can be found on the AG’s website: http://ag.nv.gov/Complaints/File_Complaint/.
The AG’s office reminds the public to be aware of mortgage modification services that demands upfront fees and includes guarantees to lower monthly payments and loan principles. These professionals must be licensed in Nevada to facilitate mortgage services. Only your lender can modify your home loan. Home Again Nevada, a no-fee homeowner relief program initiated by AG Masto, can facilitate the application process for existing state and federal assistance for which one may be eligible. The Home Again program is designed for those seeking credit restoration, households working toward home ownership, homeowners seeking loan modification, and those who are facing foreclosure. The single point-of-contact service is available for all Nevadans simply by calling toll-free 1-855-HLP4-NEV (1-855-457-4638) or by visiting HomeAgainNevada.gov.
Senior Deputy Attorney Generals Ronda Clifton and John McGlamery are the prosecuting attorneys on this case.
Click here to read the criminal information.
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(Photo courtesy of Washoe County Jail)
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