Golden West Escrow, Inc. (Glendale, CA) completely botched my escrow (No. 24-016975-CH, closed…read moreMarch 2024) for a loan on my primary residence, enabling a predatory setup that disguised a consumer refinance as a "business purpose" loan to evade protections and charge massive fees ($32,845 origination). Escrow officer Jennifer Fong admitted in emails (which I have) that she doesn't check lender licenses, proceeds as long as docs "match," and created amendments (e.g., page 31) listing co-lenders KGKF, LLC and Prominence Capital Partners, LLC with the exact same CFL No. 60DBO-77638--ignoring obvious red flags like shared licensing, which violates California Financial Code (entity-specific requirements).
The property transfer from my family trust to a corporation (F68) was rushed solely for this loan, without my prior authorization or understanding of detriments (lost homestead exemption, higher taxes, capital gains exclusion). All docs were signed in bulk on March 26, 2024, in one sitting--no explanations from the notary (who left no copies), no loan officer present, and immediate funding with no review time. Fong claims the transfer "was agreed upon between you and the lender" but provided zero proof (no signed amendments, emails, or instructions showing my consent). When I inquired post-closing, she deflected to the lender and refused to provide records, despite my entitlement under California Escrow Law (Financial Code §17000 et seq.).
This negligence/complicity has led to wrongful foreclosure threats, re-assessment taxes, and financial harm. Fong's responses were evasive, admitting "I have no idea about the lender's license number" and "as for the re-assessment that is out of my control," while failing to raise alarms on compliance issues. Their involvement with biased firms like Fortra Law (who drafted the docs and now acts as conflicted trustee, rejecting my AB 2424 postponement without explanation) screams unethical practices.
I've filed complaints with CFPB, DFPI, and others--avoid this escrow company; they prioritize closing deals over client protection and legal compliance.