Woman Accused of Loan-Fee Swindle

A Woodland Hills woman was accused Friday by the Los Angeles city attorney of swindling 17 people out of more than $13,000 by charging to help them obtain loans, then pocketing the money without performing a service.

Named in the 66-count complaint filed in Los Angeles Municipal Court was Renee Conner, 32, who also used the names Judith Johnson and Gwendolyn Conner in her operation of three Woodland Hills-based businesses, Royal Financial Consultants, Royal Financial Counseling and Beneficial Financial Funding, said City Atty. James K. Hahn.

“We’re seeing a sharp increase in this type of scam, where con artists have created the facade of legitimate businesses and advertise their services in major newspapers,” Hahn said. “One thing they all have in common is that they charge their victims fees in advance of providing any service.

“That should be the alarm bell for anyone dealing with a credit consultant, since no reputable one will ask for such a fee. In fact, it is against the law for a consultant to accept any fee before a loan is secured for a client.”

Conner, who was being held in Van Nuys Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail, is charged with 17 counts of grand theft, one count of making a false and misleading statement and 48 violations of the Credit Services Act.

The maximum penalties for making a false and misleading statement is six months in jail and $2,500 fine; for each count of grand theft a year in jail; and for each violation of the Credit Services Act six months in jail.