Scams
Foreclosure & Mortgage Rescue Scams
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My neighbor received a call from a mortgage relief agency who said they could help prevent a foreclosure for a fee. I suggested they check into the company first and consider government programs. Was this good advice?
Yes. Homeowners struggling to make payments on their mortgages and other debts should beware of con artists and scams that promise to save their homes and eliminate their debts. Scammers may call themselves foreclosure or […]
Foreclosure Scam FeeRead more →
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What are some of the common foreclosure and mortgage rescue scams?
Examples of scams related to mortgage modification and foreclosure prevention include: Foreclosure rescue and refinance fraud. Scam artists offer to act as intermediaries between homeowners and lenders and to negotiate […]
Foreclosure Scam ExampleRead more →
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What disclosures are required to be provided by a mortgage relief services company to a prospective client based on the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) rule?
Any provider offering mortgage relief or foreclosure rescue assistance on your behalf from a bank must disclose the following: The amount of any fees associated with the relief service. That the relief service provider […]
Foreclosure Scam Mortgage Assistance Relief Services DisclosureRead more →
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Does the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) rule prohibit a mortgage relief services company from any specific practices?
Yes. The MARS rule prohibits several practices on the part of mortgage assistance relief service providers seeking to obtain relief on your behalf from your bank. The MARS rule prohibits mortgage assistance relief […]
Foreclosure Scam Mortgage Assistance Relief Services ProhibitRead more →
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What are some warning signs of mortgage modification scams and foreclosure rescue scams?
Any of the following could be a sign of a scam (but there may be others): "Pay us $1,000 and we'll save your home." Some legitimate housing counselors may charge small fees, but fees that amount to thousands of dollars […]
Foreclosure Scam WarningsRead more →
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How can I protect myself from mortgage modification scams and foreclosure rescue scams?
You should proceed with caution when dealing with anyone offering to help you modify your mortgage or to rescue you from foreclosure. You can seek assistance from a counselor approved by the Housing and Urban Development […]
Foreclosure Scam ProtectRead more →
Internet Scams
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What is phishing?
Phishing is a term used for criminals' attempts to steal personal financial information through fraudulent emails and websites designed to appear as though they were generated from legitimate businesses, banks, and […]
PhishingRead more →
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How do I identify phishing scams and avoid becoming a victim?
Phishing scams may come in the form of phone calls, text messages, or emails. The scams can sound and look quite convincing, but there are some warning signs to look out for and things to consider: If you did not […]
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How do I report a phishing or suspicious email?
If you believe you are the victim of a phishing attempt, you should take the following steps: Contact your bank immediately and alert it to the situation. Let them know if the phishing attempt resembled official bank […]
Phishing ReportRead more →