Three Arrested in $3.4 Million Home-Improvement Loan Scam Targeting Homeowners

The alleged scam orchestrated by Norbertas Sinica, Selena Garcia, and Kelliams S. Chavistad has shocked the Los Angeles community, with prosecutors claiming the trio bilked lenders out of $3.4 million through an elaborate identity theft and home-improvement loan scheme.

The victims, many of whom were elderly and non-English speakers, were promised energy-efficient upgrades at little to no cost, only to have their identities stolen and used to apply for fraudulent loans. These loans resulted in assessments on the victims’ property tax bills, leaving them in fear of losing their homes.

The charges against Sinica, Garcia, and Chavistad include a total of 352 felony counts, highlighting the severity of their alleged crimes. The District Attorney’s office has vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable and send a strong message to others considering similar schemes.

The Eco Technology company, owned by Sinica, operated out of Encino and marketed its services through its website, www.ecotechnology.us. The sales associates, Garcia and Chavistad, reportedly used deceptive tactics to collect personal information from homeowners and exploit it for financial gain.

As the case unfolds, the 32 homeowner victims are left grappling with the aftermath of the scam, unaware of the loans taken out in their names until they received inflated property tax bills. The impact of this fraudulent scheme serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and consumer protection in the face of such deceitful practices.

With the arraignment of the three suspects scheduled for Friday, the community awaits justice for the victims and a clear message that such exploitation will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County.