How to spot and avoid foreclosure relief scams
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Mortgage assistance and foreclosure relief scams target homeowners whose financial troubles put them at risk of losing their homes.
Criminals often use mail or email with designs, emblems, logos, or names that look or sound like government agencies to convince homeowners they can help.
How to spot a scam
Look for warning signs. You might spot a scam if the mortgage assistance or foreclosure relief scheme:
- Tells you to stop making mortgage loan payments. Doing that can hurt your credit score and limit your options.
- Charges up-front fees.
- Asks you to make your payments to someone other than your lender or servicer.
- Tries to get you to sign over title to your property—this is sometimes called a “rent to buy” scheme.
- Pushes you to sign papers or contracts that you don’t understand.
- Pressures you to act immediately.
- Says they’re doing a “forensic audit” of your loan.
Get real help, fast
If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, HUD-approved housing counselors are available at no cost to you. The counselor can help you:
- Work with your lender to avoid foreclosure
- Organize your finances
- Understand your mortgage options
- Find a solution that works for you.
Visit consumerfinance.gov/mortgagehelp to get started.
Foreclosure help facts
- Real government officials never ask for payment to help you.
- Companies that offer mortgage assistance or foreclosure help aren’t allowed to collect any fees up front. They can collect a fee only after they work out a deal you want to accept from your lender.
Don’t make things worse
If you think you’ve been scammed, report it immediately. A mortgage assistance or foreclosure relief scam could cost you your home.