"These four companies violated the most fundamental principles of a free and fair marketplace: they hid information from consumers, limited their choices, and hurt other businesses that play by the rules," Schwalb said in a statement.
"This was not a 'scheme' for referrals, as customers were always informed that they could choose any title company they wanted," Allied said in a statement.
The four companies - Allied Title & Escrow, KVS Title, Modern Settlements and Union Settlements - did not admit liability but agreed to immediately end the alleged kickbacks.
Up to $1.75 million from the settlements will be directed to affected consumers as restitution, according to the attorney general's office.
Collection
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