Foreclosure Scams…
It’s unfortunate to say the least, but there are people and companies around the country that see the rise in foreclosures as an opportunity to make a lot of money at the expense of vulnerable homeowners and families. People fall victim to these unscrupulous scammers every day. No one is safe because scam artists are smooth and they tell you great stories of how they can solve your problems.
So how can you defend yourself? How can you tell a scam artists from someone legitimately trying to help you? It can be difficult, but here is a video from Freddie Mac that may help.
We also offer the tips below and a link to an similar article on HousingHelpNow.org that goes into even more detail.
Telltale Signs of Scam Artists
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If the person contacting you tells you they can solve all of your problems quickly and easily, they’re lying. You got into the position you’re in over a period of many months. While it can happen quickly, it never happens painlessly.
- If they pressure you to take action quickly and insist that you can’t take a day or two to think about things or talk to your friends, neighbors, or a lawyer.
- If they charge a large fee before they do any work on your meet with you.
- If they want you to sign over your house to them and have them rent it back to you.
- If they won’t put your contract in writing or give you so many papers to sign that you can’t keep track of what they all are.
- If they won’t give you time to read paperwork thoroughly, take it to your lawyer, or calmly and patiently answer any questions to your satisfaction.
- If they tell you that you have to move out of your home for the plan to work.
- If they want you to make mortgage payments to anyone other than your mortgage company.
- If they contacted you through the mail or by phone without you asking them to.
- If they tell you to stop talking to your lender, housing counselors, or lawyers
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