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New Jersey - State Attorney General Anne Milgram announced today two separate lawsuits charging 10 defendants with mortgage-related fraud. According to the lawsuits, filed on Friday, the companies promised to help modify mortgages for people struggling to keep their homes. But instead of providing assistance, they pocketed the fees paid by homeowners.

"It is some of the most egregious conduct we've seem," Milgram said. "They're trying to profit off someone's misery."

She said the state has identified 42 victims so far, for a minimum of $80,000 in losses. The defendants were charged with violating New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act, the Debt Adjustment and Credit Counseling Act and state advertising regulations.

One of the lawsuits was filed in Mercer County against Best Interest Rate Mortgage Company, located in Haddon Township.

State officials said the company solicited distressed homeowners in the mail, sending a form that appeared government authorized.

The other lawsuit was filed in Essex County against nine defendants, including Newark attorney Ejike Uzor and Stephen Pasch of Green Brook Township. Also charged are seven corporate and nonprofit entities, including New Day Financial Solutions in Newark.

Including the two lawsuits announced today, the state has filed 11 civil mortgage fraud complaints since June 2008, naming 102 individual and corporate defendants.