A Broward County paralegal whose debt reduction companies were accused of defrauding consumers out of $2.4 million has agreed to pay $4,500 to settle the case.
The Miami Herald reports that Chastity Valdes will pay that amount to the Federal Trade Commission in an agreement with that agency and the Florida attorney general's office.
The $4,500 is the stated value of the assets held by the 35-year-old Valdes and her companies, Consumer Assistance LLC, Consumer Assistance Project and Palermo Global.
Officials said Valdes promised to reduce her customers' student loan debt but did little work as she charged them $250 upfront and up to $303 per month.
They say she also faked high ratings for her companies on Facebook and other social media sites.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
