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Avoid Scams

Protect yourself from scams!

Father and son mowing yarnd in front of home  

Scams are a growing problem that could cost you thousands of dollars – or even your home! Scammers target you at various stages in your life, when you are in the process of purchasing a home or when you are struggling to keep your home. They make promises they can’t keep, such as guaranteeing to “save” your home or lower your mortgage, usually for a fee and often pretending to have direct contact with your mortgage servicer, which they don’t.

To learn how to prevent scams, visit the Fraud Prevention page.


Tips to help you avoid scams:

  1. Beware of anyone who asks you to pay a fee in exchange for counseling services. Real help is free.
  2. 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 of transfer over the deed to your house.
  3. 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.
  4. Never make a mortgage payment to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.
  5. If you think you’ve been scammed, file a complaint right away! Submit your complaint to the Federal Trade Commission or the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
  6. Borrowers should report possible mortgage fraud to FHFA Office of Inspector General (FHFA OIG) at 800-793-7724 or visit the FHFA OIG's website.

Other resources:

Page Last Updated: November 1, 2023​​​​​​​​​​

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