HARTFORD, Conn. - A law firm, mortgage company and real estate broker have agreed to pay $700,000 in fines, forfeitures and restitution to settle allegations that they engaged in kickback schemes that cheated hundreds of home buyers for mortgage-related services, state officials said Monday.

The allegations expose an “uneven playing field” between the real estate industry, which is involved in numerous property transactions, and less-experienced home buyers, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said.

He sued the Farmington law firm of Reiner, Reiner & Bendett in October, accusing it of concealing $142,200 in kickbacks and inducements between 2002 and 2005. The law firm, which also sells title insurance, used sham service, rental and other agreements to conceal the payments, Blumenthal said. Continue Reading »