Real Help is Free!
Foreclosure rescue and mortgage modification scams are a growing problem that could cost you thousands of dollars – or even your home.
Scammers make promises that they can't keep, such as guaranteeing to "save" your home or lower your mortgage, usually for a fee, often pretending that they have direct contact with your mortgage servicer – which they do not.
But the federal government provides the help you need for free!
Just call 888-995-HOPE (4673) for information about The Making Home Affordable Program ® and to speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor. Assistance is available free, 24-7, in 160 languages.
Tips to Avoid Scams:
- Beware of anyone who asks you to pay a fee in exchange for counseling services or the modification of a delinquent loan.
- Beware of people who pressure you to sign papers immediately or who try to convince you that they can "save" your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house.
- Do not sign over the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to forgive your debt.
- Never make a mortgage payment to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.
What to Do if You Have Been the Victim of a Scam
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, you should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Visit the FTC's online Complaint Assistant or call 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) for assistance in English or Spanish.
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Resources to Help You Avoid Scams
- Federal Trade Commission -- Watch the Foreclosure Rescue Scams Video on the FTC 's YouTube Channel.
- Office of the Comptroller of the Currency -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency provides tips and materials to help homeowners avoid mortgage modification and foreclosure rescue scams. Find them here.
- The Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network -- The Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network is a national coalition of governmental and private organizations created by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, NeighborWorks America™ and the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law to provide resources to educate homeowners about the dangers of loan modification scams and support federal, state and local efforts to combat these scams. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, you can report the scam through the campaign's online complaint form.