The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is launching an initiative to help consumers and the banking industry avoid unnecessary foreclosures and stop foreclosure “rescue” scams that promise false hope to consumers at risk of losing their homes.
This initiative includes outreach, referral services, and an information tool kit. Arming consumers with information will heighten consumers’ awareness of foreclosure “rescue” scams and give them more confidence in knowing they are working with legitimate counselors and servicers to obtain a loan modification that could help them avoid foreclosure.
As part of this initiative the FDIC has a telephone and internet referral service which directs consumers to legitimate counselors and mortgage servicers. Their referral service can also refer you to state and federal law enforecment agencies if you feel you have been a victim of a foreclosure rescue scam. You can call the FDIC referral service at 1-877-275-3342 or go online to www.FDIC.gov.
The information tool kit I referred to above is available from the FDIC’s foreclosure prevention web site. The tool kit includes the following resources:
- Is Foreclosure Knocking at Your Door? This brochure explains how mortgage modification programs can help those at risk of foreclosure save their home. Organizations that need a bulk supply of the brochure for distribution to community stakeholders should email communityaffairs@fdic.gov.
- Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams. This brochure provides information on common scams, tips for detecting fraudulent deals, and resources for reporting criminal activity. Organizations that need a bulk supply of the brochure for distribution to community stakeholders should email communityaffairs@fdic.gov.
- Spring 2009 edition of FDIC Consumer News, features advice for consumers on avoiding foreclosure rescue and loan modification schemes.
- The Your Own Home module of the FDIC’s Money Smart curriculum encourages homeowners to promptly seek help to avoid foreclosure and avoid scams. The module can be accessed as part of the instructor-led curriculum for adults or through the Money Smart CBI.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.