COLUMBIA, S.C. - A Grand Jury indicted the founders of Kingdom Connected Investments, LLC (KCI), on one count of mail fraud and one count of equity skimming. The indictment accuses Michael J. Roush and Dana Q. Roush of defrauding consumers through foreclosure rescue and rent-to-own scams. In total, the couple allegedly obtained over one million dollars through their scheme.

To date, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has received 24 complaints from consumers against KCI and the Roushes. Some consumers paid money to the couple in hopes of preventing foreclosure. They were led to believe KCI had purchased their home, freeing them from the responsibility of making payments. Others entered into rent-to-own agreements with KCI, believing they were building equity and securing an opportunity to purchase the home. Ultimately, both sets of consumers were misled as KCI failed to make mortgage payments and the homes went into foreclosure.

SCDCA shared complaint information with the FBI Office in Greenville County, who is prosecuting the case. Consumers affected by KCI's actions are encouraged to contact SCDCA at (800) 922-1594 or the FBI Greenville Office at (864) 232-3807.

To prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes, SCDCA urges consumers to avoid any business that:

• Guarantees they can stop the foreclosure process - no matter what the circumstances.
• Discourages consumer contact with a lender, lawyer, or housing counselor.
• Asks for an upfront fee.
• Accepts payment only by cashier's check or wire transfer.
• Pressures a consumer to sign papers hastily; with blank sections; or that the consumer hasn't has ample time to review.
• Tells the consumer to make mortgage payments directly to it, rather than the lender.
• Tells the consumer to transfer their property deed or title to it.

Consumers having difficulty making their mortgage payments can visit SCDCA's “Help for Homeowners”page. Consumers can also call SCDCA toll-free at 800-922-1594 to request a copy of “Having Trouble Paying Your Mortgage?”guide.

About SCDCA
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs aims to protect consumers from inequities in the marketplace through advocacy, complaint mediation, enforcement and education. File a Complaint or call toll-free, 1-800-922-1594, to get information on consumer issues.