Mortgage, Loan, Lending and Related Fraud-Resources on How to Protect Yourself
Resources on How to Protect Yourself
Related Organizations and Web Sites | Publications
Traditional mortgage fraud includes situations in which homebuyers and/or lenders falsify information to obtain a home loan. Homebuyers should never sign mortgage documents that have incomplete or inaccurate information.
Mortgage Rescue and Loan Modification Scams: Many so-called foreclosure rescue companies or foreclosure assistance firms claim they can help struggling homeowners save their home from foreclosure. Some are brazen enough to offer a money-back guarantee. Unfortunately, most of these foreclosure fraudsters take your money and run.
Reverse Mortgage Scams: Reverse mortgages can be useful products, but have been associated with deceptive practices and allegations of high-pressure sales tactics and the risk of being steered into inappropriate loans and annuities.
Resources on How to Protect Yourself
Protect Yourself from Mortgage Fraud
Civil Division's Consumer Protection Branch
The distressed condition of the national housing market, paired with high unemployment, has created a fertile environment for unscrupulous fraudsters seeking to take advantage of desperate homeowners.
Tips for Avoiding Mortgage Modification Scams
Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments should beware of con artists and scams that promise to save their homes and lower their mortgage debt or payments.
Avoiding HAMP Mortgage Modification Scams; Resources for Servicemembers
Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Avoiding Predatory Lending
FannieMae
The best protection against predatory lending and mortgage fraud is to shop around for a mortgage loan. Ask questions and get explanations so that you have a complete understanding of the loan. Be sure you know the total borrowing cost over the life of the loan.
Deceptive Mortgage Ads
Federal Trade Commission, 2007
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, says that when you’re shopping for a home loan, it’s important to understand all the terms and conditions of a proposed loan. Start with what is in the ad itself. Read what’s between the lines as well as what’s in front of your eyes. Tips on what to look for and where to call.
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages for Seniors
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
A brief page explaining reverse mortgages, mortgage calculators, and lenders and counselors authorized to handle these transactions.
Mortgage Assistance Relief Scams
Federal Trade Commission, February 2011
Learn about consumer rights, warning signs and where to go for help concerning mortgage assistance and foreclosure scams.
Reverse Mortgages: Get the Facts
Federal Trade Commission, 2009
Concise summary of reverse mortgages, explanations, types, features, how to recognize a good deal, and where to report fraud.
Related Organizations and Web Sites
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Mortgage Fraud
This section of the FBI Web site presents data and resources related to mortgage fraud activities and FBI cases.
Loan Modification Scam Alert
As requested by Congress, NeighborWorks America® launched the Loan Modification Scam Alert public education campaign to empower homeowners to protect themselves against loan modification scams, find trusted help and report illegal activity to authorities.
Money Matters: Your Home
The Federal Trade Commission provides information and tips on mortgage payments, foreclosure rescue scams, reverse mortgages and mortgage servicing.
Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Consumer Help Desk
MBA provides information and tips on identifying predatory lending and mortgage fraud and where to turn if you encounter it — or think you encounter it.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The mission of HUD is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. The HUD Web site contains information about fraudulent activities related to housing and how consumers can protect themselves from becoming victims of loan fraud.
Publications
Applying for HUD Housing Assistance: Think About This – Is Fraud Worth It? | en español
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, December 2005
Brief flyer explaining fraud and its consequences plus where to report fraud.
Don't Be A Victim Of Loan Fraud: Protect Yourself from Predatory Lenders
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, October 2003
Flyer listing tips for consumers, common predatory practices, definition of loan fraud, and information on where to call for help.
OCC Consumer Tips for Avoiding Mortgage Modification Scams and Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Office of Comptroller of the Currency, 2009
Brochure explaining the types of modifications scams and where to go for help.
Real People, Real Stories (Video)
Federal Trade Commission