How to Spot a Foreclosure Scam

Beware of Foreclosure Scams! Scam artists have stolen millions of dollars from distressed homeowners by promising immediate relief from foreclosure, or demanding cash for counseling services when HUD-approved counseling agencies provide the same services for FREE. If you receive an offer, information or advice that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t let them take advantage of you, your situation, your house or your money. Remember, help is FREE. We are here to help you. Contact us if you are unsure.

Beware of a company or person who:

• Asks for a fee in advance to work with your lender to modify, refinance or reinstate your mortgage.
• Guarantees they can stop a foreclosure or get your loan modified.
• Advises you to stop paying your mortgage company and pay them instead.
• Pressures you to sign over the deed to your home or sign any paperwork that you haven’t had a chance to read, and you don’t fully understand.
• Claims to offer “government-approved” or “official government” loan modifications.
• Asks you to release personal financial information online or over the phone and you have not been working with this person and/or do not know them.

To Report a Scam or a Suspected Scam:

• Go to www.preventloanscams.org and fill out the Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network’s (LMSPN) complaint form online and get more information on how to fight back. Note: you can also fill out this form and send to the fax number/e-mail/address (your choice!) on the back of the form.
• Call (888) 995-HOPE (4673) and tell the counselor about your situation and that you believe you got scammed or know of a scam.