He's 3 months behind in mortgage payments---so Jim Battle fears losing his Pine Hills home in foreclosure. He admits making mistakes when signing the loan, but he also blames Countrywide Financial.

"I probably didn't have the income I needed to buy the house. They approved me anyway," said Battle.

It's the kind of case behind the attorney general's lawsuit---that accuses Countrywide, and CEO Angelo Mozilo of unfair trade practices----by selling customers mortgages they could not afford ---all to increase profits.

"We believe that Countrywide took steps that they shouldn't have done, carelessly or intentionally and perhaps both," said Attorney General Bill McCollum.

The state's lawsuit charges Countrywide hid the terms of teaser loans--and even approved mortgages---without checking the customers income and assets. It seeks unspecified damages for consumers who were hurt.

"I am well aware that this is gonna take some time to resolve. This is not something that's gonna be over and done with tomorrow morning," said McCollum.

Jim Battle is filing a complaint with the attorney general's office. A last hope, since Countrywide turned down his plea for a lower rate----so he could afford to keep the first home he ever owned.

Countrywide customers who felt victimized should contact the Attorney General's Office. Illinois and California also filed lawsuits against the lender.