Baltimore, MD, January 16, 2026
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has reached a settlement with KVS Title, LLC, mandating the company to pay $850,000 in restitution for unlawful referral fees. The settlement dissolves joint ventures and prohibits KVS Title from forming new ones with real estate agents for similar unlawful payments. The action responds to violations of both federal and state laws in the title insurance industry, aiming to protect consumers and ensure fair practices.
Baltimore, MD
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has announced a settlement with KVS Title, LLC, a Maryland-based real estate title company, and its associated joint venture companies. The settlement requires the companies to pay $850,000 in restitution to Maryland consumers and dissolve the joint ventures. Additionally, KVS Title is prohibited from forming new joint ventures with real estate agents or brokers for the purpose of making unlawful payments for referrals of Maryland consumers in connection with title insurance.
Details of the Settlement
The Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office alleged that KVS Title and its joint venture companies unlawfully paid fees to real estate agents and brokers who were members of the joint ventures. These payments were made in exchange for the referral of consumers who purchased title insurance, violating the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974, the Maryland Real Estate Settlements Act, and the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.
Under the terms of the settlement, the joint venture companies will be dissolved, and KVS Title is prohibited from forming any new joint venture companies with real estate agents or brokers for the purpose of making unlawful payments for referrals of Maryland consumers in connection with title insurance. KVS Title and the joint venture companies must also pay $850,000 in restitution to Maryland consumers and make a $200,000 payment to the Division that may be used for consumer protection purposes, including future enforcement or consumer education.
Consumer Notification
Within ninety days, consumers who are entitled to relief will be contacted by letter by the claims administrator, Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, and restitution to these consumers will be automatically issued. Questions for the administrator may be directed to PO Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391 or (833) 462-3479.
Background
The Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division investigated KVS Title and its joint venture companies after receiving complaints about unlawful referral fees. The investigation revealed that the companies engaged in practices that violated both federal and state laws designed to protect consumers in real estate transactions. This settlement aims to provide restitution to affected consumers and prevent future unlawful practices in the title insurance industry in Maryland.
Related Actions in the Title Insurance Industry
This settlement is part of a broader effort by state attorneys general to address unlawful practices in the title insurance industry. For example, in August 2024, the District of Columbia Attorney General secured over $3.2 million from title insurance companies involved in illegal kickback schemes. These actions highlight the ongoing commitment to ensuring fair practices and protecting consumers in the real estate sector.
FAQ
What is the settlement announced by Attorney General Brown?
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced a settlement with KVS Title, LLC, and its associated joint venture companies. The settlement requires the companies to pay $850,000 in restitution to Maryland consumers and dissolve the joint ventures. Additionally, KVS Title is prohibited from forming new joint ventures with real estate agents or brokers for the purpose of making unlawful payments for referrals of Maryland consumers in connection with title insurance.
What were the alleged unlawful practices by KVS Title and its joint venture companies?
The Consumer Protection Division alleged that KVS Title and its joint venture companies unlawfully paid fees to real estate agents and brokers who were members of the joint ventures. These payments were made in exchange for the referral of consumers who purchased title insurance, violating the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974, the Maryland Real Estate Settlements Act, and the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.
How will consumers be notified about the restitution?
Within ninety days, consumers who are entitled to relief will be contacted by letter by the claims administrator, Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, and restitution to these consumers will be automatically issued. Questions for the administrator may be directed to PO Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391 or (833) 462-3479.
What is the background of this settlement?
The Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division investigated KVS Title and its joint venture companies after receiving complaints about unlawful referral fees. The investigation revealed that the companies engaged in practices that violated both federal and state laws designed to protect consumers in real estate transactions. This settlement aims to provide restitution to affected consumers and prevent future unlawful practices in the title insurance industry in Maryland.
Are there similar actions being taken in other jurisdictions?
Yes, this settlement is part of a broader effort by state attorneys general to address unlawful practices in the title insurance industry. For example, in August 2024, the District of Columbia Attorney General secured over $3.2 million from title insurance companies involved in illegal kickback schemes. These actions highlight the ongoing commitment to ensuring fair practices and protecting consumers in the real estate sector.
Key Features of the Settlement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $850,000 in restitution to Maryland consumers |
| Prohibited Practices | Unlawful payments for referrals of Maryland consumers in connection with title insurance |
| Joint Venture Dissolution | Alliance Title Services, LLC; Clear Title Solutions, LLC; Eversure Title, LLC; Realty Settlement Solutions, LLC; Title Pro Group, LLC; and Washington Title Team, LLC |
| Future Restrictions | KVS Title is prohibited from forming new joint ventures with real estate agents or brokers for unlawful referral payments |
| Consumer Notification | Consumers entitled to restitution will be contacted within ninety days by Kroll Settlement Administration LLC |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
