Mortgage fraud
Today I would like to tell you about some of the latest mortgage scams, for which the US Treasury Department recently published a fraud alert.
If you are having trouble with your mortgage, a call from a sympathetic organization that promises help for a “nominal” fee may sound like a godsend. Fraudsters can even mention existing programs, such as the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).
However, if somebody asks for money upfront, this is most probably a scam. There exist free sources of help, such as Homeowners HOPE Hotline. If you need help with your mortgage, call them at 1-888-995-HOPE (1-888-995-4673) or contact them online at http://www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov and you will get legitimate and free help. They will tell you if you are eligible under HAMP and if yes, what you need to do to get relief.
If you have already been scammed by a fraudster who promised to help you with HAMP, call 1-877-744-2009 or visit http://www.SIGTARP.gov/pages/hotline.aspx and let them know what has happened to you. You can submit your information anonymously, if you don’t feel comfortable identifying yourself to the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
For more information and more sources of help, you can check out the original fraud alert here:
http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1592.aspx