Banks and mortgage service providers have become ruthless in filing foreclosure claims against Florida property owners. In some instances, the banks and mortgage service providers have fraudulently foreclosed upon homeowners. Mistakes and fraud affect real people who face losing their homes unjustifiably.

Recently, Bank of America made a huge mistake in filing an action to foreclose upon a Florida couples' home. The trouble was that the couple did not even hold a mortgage on their home. They owned it free and clear. They had purchased the home from Bank of America in 2009. However, one year later they were forced to hire a lawyer to defend themselves and attempt to stop foreclosure on their home.

With the help of a foreclosure defense attorney, the Florida couple was able to defend against the foreclosure action. However, they spent more than $2,500 in legal fees to protect themselves from losing their home. A judge ordered Bank of America to reimburse them for their expenses, but the bank did not pay them.

Last week, the couple finally received some closure. They turned the tables on Bank of America. Along with their attorney, two sheriff's deputies and a moving company, the couple confronted the local bank manager. They demanded payment for the money owed to them by Bank of America or else they would take possession of furniture in settlement of the debt. The bank manager quickly wrote a check for $5,772.88 to satisfy its debt, along with other fees.

Thankfully, it appears that the nightmare is over for this Florida couple. However, this situation is only a symptom of the larger problem concerning banks and mortgage service providers who are not thoroughly and accurately documenting cases of foreclosure before filing.

To make matters more frustrating, Florida homeowners are forced to spend countless hours making phone calls and writing letters trying to defend themselves. No homeowner should have to be placed in this situation. Florida homeowners in such a situation should seek help to stop foreclosure from happening

Source: Fox News, "Bank of America to Pay Florida Couple in Mistaken Foreclosure Case," Joshua Rhett Miller, 6 June 2011