Disbarred Lawyer Moses Hall Swindled 75 Homeowners Out of $1.4M

SANTA ANA, California – Moses S. Hall, a 60-year-old disbarred California attorney, has been arrested and charged with running a massive mortgage modification scheme that defrauded over 75 homeowners in Orange County.

According to a 16-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Hall, a resident of Blackwood, New Jersey, operated his scheme from 2008 to 2012 through his law offices, as well as businesses called “Salva Casas” and “Loan Modifications of America.”

As alleged in the indictment, Hall told distressed homeowners to stop making their mortgage payments and instead direct them to him, claiming he would use the money to negotiate with the banks. However, Hall used the victims’ money for personal expenses, including $25,000 to purchase a Mercedes Benz.

One married couple entrusted Hall with $400,000 to help them modify their mortgages. According to the indictment, Hall spent that $400,000 on personal expenses in just six months, and the couple subsequently lost their home to foreclosure.

“This defendant allegedly used his position as a licensed attorney to persuade victims that he could help them with their financial problems,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Instead of working for his clients, the defendant simply pocketed their money to fund an extravagant lifestyle.”

Hall is also charged with interfering with the administration of the tax laws, including failing to file tax returns for the years 2008 through 2012, and lying to IRS Special Agents in 2015 about his use of the money.

“Schemes like this have heartbreaking consequences for the victims and we need to make it clear in no uncertain terms that this kind of criminal activity will not be tolerated,” said David Prince, acting special agent in charge for HSI Los Angeles.

Hall faces significant prison time and fines if convicted of the charges, which include 16 counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy, and four counts of tax evasion.