Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams

Foreclosure rescue and mortgage modification scams are a growing problem. Homeowners must protect themselves so they do not lose money—or even worse their home.

Scammers make promises that they cannot keep, such as guarantees to “save” your home or lower your mortgage, oftentimes for a large up-front fee. Scammers may pretend that they are working directly with your mortgage servicer when they are truly not.

The Federal government provides free resources to try and keep you informed. Homeowners need to be aware of the qualifications of who they are working with. Always make sure to see if the company and individuals working on your behalf have applicable state licenses to practice in the state in which your home is located. Another qualification within the industry is a HUD-Approved counselor.

Tips to Avoid Scams

• Beware of anyone who asks you to pay a fee in exchange for a consultation or loan review of a delinquent mortgage.
• Scam artists often target homeowners who are struggling to meet their mortgage commitment or anxious to sell their homes. Recognize and avoid common scams.
• Beware of people who pressure you to sign papers immediately before reviewing, 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.

Homeowner Assistance Group Scam Prevention Complaint Investigation Request

This survey was created by Homeowner Assistance Group to provide foreclosure scam victims with a simple, straightforward way to report individuals or companies that may be operating fraudulent or illegal foreclosure prevention scams.

Please provide an answer to as many questions below and submit your complaint to the Homeowner Assistance Group Scam Prevention Team at reportscam@homeownerassistancegroup.org.  This team was established by Homeowner Assistance Group to educate homeowners, investigate foreclosure prevention scams, and submit cases to local authorities for further investigation and action.

These questions were designed to provide scam victims with a way to submit complaints regarding companies or individuals that may be operating fraudulent or illegal foreclosure prevention scams. With your permission, the complaint will be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and action they deem appropriate. While you may receive a follow-up call or information from Homeowner Assistance Group, Homeowner Assistance Group does not provide direct legal representation to scam victims. You may also receive a follow-up call or information from local law enforcement agencies in connection with your complaint.

1. Were you asked any of the following:
   1. Pay an upfront fee prior to any services being completed?
   2. Redirect mortgage payments?
   3. Sign over the title to your property?
   4. Stop making loan payments?

1. If you paid a fee, how much was the fee?

1. What service did the company or individual offer?
   1. Loan Modification Assistance / Counseling?
   2. Foreclosure Relief / Defense?
   3. Legal Representation?
   4. Offer to purchase homeowner property?
   5. Refinancing?
   6. Bankruptcy?
   7. Other?

1. If you signed a contract, did the person perform the services agreed to in the contract?

1. When was your last contact with the person who offered to help?

1. Contact information of the person / company who offered help?

1. Please provide all of the homeowner contact information including the following:
   1. Name
   2. Email Address
   3. Phone Number
   4. Street Address
   5. City, State, Zip

**Please indicate the best way you can be contacted.

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