Foreclosure-rescue scam artists are finding new ways to prey on distressed homeowners. In many cases, they ask you to pay for a fee upfront and then never provide any services or save your home from foreclosure.
Below are five tips, to help you fight back against foreclosure scam artists!
1. Be very suspicious of any advertisement, person, or company that demand an up-front fee before providing foreclosure prevention services:
You should never have to pay for assistance in getting a loan modification or for foreclosure prevention services. In New York State there are many free and reputable programs available for families to help you with this. To find counselors approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in your local area, call 1-800-569-4287 or visit www.hud.gov. For free foreclosure prevention assistance from HOPE NOW, an alliance of housing counselors, mortgage companies, investors, and other mortgage market participants, call 1-888-995-HOPE or visit www.hopenow.com.
2. Make sure you get all contracts in writing and that they give you the right to cancel within 5 business days:
Be very suspicious of anyone who refuses to give you a written contract. Also, make sure the written contract includes everything that you had previously talked about.
3. Have any contract for foreclosure rescue services reviewed by a certified housing counselor:
There are free housing counselors available in all of New York’s counties. Click here to visit that website.
4. Make sure you understand your rights before signing any contract for services:
Contact your local county bar association for referrals to free or low-cost attorneys. You can also contact the New York State Bar Legal Referral for this information. If you are low-income, you can visit www.LawHelpNY.org to find a free legal aid attorney and get resources that explain your rights.
5. Make sure that you make your mortgage payments directly to your lender or the mortgage servicer:
Do not trust anyone else to make mortgage payments for you or to act as an intermediary for you.
6. If you are a victim of foreclosure fraud, report it and get help!
Call the New York State Attorney General’s Office Consumer Helpline at 1-800-771-7755 or visit www.nyprotectyourhome.com
VIDEO: How to Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams
This website provides information and a video on how you can protect yourself from foreclosure rescue scams. Content Detail
By:
Federal Trade Commission
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