Foreclosure Scams: What You Need to Know (English | Español | kreyòl ayisyen | русский | 简化字)
A foreclosure lawsuit is a publicly accessible document that anyone can see. Scammers use this information to deceive homeowners into paying for illegal services to “retain” their homes or even signing it away.
BEWARE OF:
– Phone calls, visitors, and mailings from people and companies that you don’tknow or that you have never reached out to;
– “Mortgage rescue” websites or companies, especially ones located out of state;
– Notices that look like official court documents, but are still trying to sell you a service;
– “Forensic audits” requiring an upfront fee to review your loan history and documents to obtain a mortgage discharge;
– Overly friendly or aggressive investors, consultants, and attorneys you don’t know; and
Advertisements offering to “negotiate” with the bank.
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without consulting your attorney, especially if it:
– Requires you to sign over your home, even if promised you may rent to buy it back later;
– Offers to “fix” your mortgage for a fee;
– Offers to pay your mortgage;
– Offers to pay you a lump sum of money;
– Offers to hire an attorney for you;
– Offers a “one-stop shop” arrangement for financing, legal service, or home inspection;
– Says they can have your mortgage discharged;
– Tells you not to go to court;
– Tells you not to contact your lender; and
– You were threatened or feel threatened into signing the document.
It is a violation of New York law to charge upfront fees for mortgage-related services, and violations should be reported to the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-771-7755.
Access Justice Brooklyn
44 Court Street, Suite 1206
Brooklyn, NY 11201