NY police: Fake lawyer scammed homeowners

Police in Peekskill say a fake lawyer scammed distressed homeowners by falsely promising them help with mortgage refinancing and foreclosures. More from WAMC’s Dave Lucas

Anthony Vecchio is charged with felony grand larceny, misdemeanor scheming to defraud and petty larceny.

Lt. Eric Johansen tells Newsday that the allegations are "reprehensible."

He says victims were left in an even worse financial position than they were before.

Johansen says the alleged crimes occurred over several years.

He says some people paid in cash. Johansen advises consumers to always pay with a check or, even better, a credit card to create a paper trail.

Vecchio's attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

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