Beware of Foreclosure Scams


Help is Free For Homeowners!

Scam artists are stealing 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 homeowner 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. Here are three questions to help you (homeowners) determine if you may be the victim of a scam:
1. Were you told you had to pay a fee to obtain counseling services?
2. Were you guaratneed a loan modification?
3. Were you asked to do any of the following:
* Sign over title to your property
* Redirect mortgage payments
* Stop making loan payments If your answer to any of these is YES…
Call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673); you can also report scams online at www.loanscamalert.org Tips and Warning Signs:
Beware of people who say they can “save” your home if you sign over the deed to your house.
Do not transfer the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to forgive your debt.

Don’t sign papers in exchange for a promise that someone else will pay off your mortgage.
ALWAYS be sure to read and understand all paperwork before signing to ensure that you are not unwittingly giving someone else ownership of your home. Never submit your mortgage payments to anyone other than your mortgage company without your mortgage company’s approval.
Scammers may ask you to make your payments to them, then they pocket the money instead of sending it to the mortgage company Beware of anyone who says you don’t need a real estate professional or title company when selling your home.
You should always use the services of a real estate professional, attorney or title company in any transaction involving your home. Keep an open line of communication with your lenders
Do not be afraid to communicate with your lenders. Their loss mitigation department is your safest source for alternative and options available for you to avoid foreclosure.

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