Florida woman finally gets mortgage payment back, thanks to News 6. Here’s what happened

Funds were sent to wrong lender, wrong state

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A retired Marion County woman turned to News 6 after her December mortgage payment went missing, triggering a delinquent notice from her lender.

Bonnie Brace told News 6 her payments always went to Cenlar FSB in Ewing, New Jersey, yet the payment, issued Nov. 29, 2023, was sent to a mystery address in Dallas, Texas.

Brace told News 6 the payments went through her bank’s “Bill Pay” system and that the company blamed her for the mailing mistake.

“I click on whatever bill I want to pay, I fill in the amount when I want it sent out, and that’s it,” Brace said. “I don’t know where the address came from.”

The $1,200 mortgage payment was cashed at a JP Morgan Chase Bank branch in Dallas.

News 6 contacted JP Morgan and a spokesperson delivered a surprise twist: ”The check that is referenced was deposited at Cornerstone Capitol Bank; we are just the passing bank for them.”

News 6 immediately told Brace and advised her to contact Cornerstone Capitol Bank.

The bank confirmed it had received the check and would send her a check for the full amount via FedEx.

Last Friday, after two months of wondering where her money ended up, she received a check for $1,241.57 from Cornerstone Capitol Bank.

“I was never so happy in my life,” Brace told News 6. “I cannot believe this, after two months. I would never have been able to do this without you!”

It is still not clear why her Bill Pay account had been altered, but the right address has been submitted to her account and the payments have arrived on time, paid in full.

If you have a consumer or investment issue, email makeendsmeet@wkmg.com or text the words “make ends meet” to 407-676-7428.


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About the Author

News 6’s Emmy Award-winning Investigative Reporter Mike Holfeld has made Central Florida history with major investigations that have led to new policies, legislative proposals and even -- state and national laws. If you have an issue or story idea, call Mike's office at 407-521-1322.

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