Tips to Avoid Foreclosure Scams

Carol Stone of Ways of the World here on the Farm, alerts us to some valuable information she found from the Federal Reserve Board.

*Work only with a non-profit HUD-approved counselor. For a list of certified counselors visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or call 877-HUD-1515 (877-483-1515). If the name of the organization you are working with isn't on the list, then switch to one that is.

*Don't pay an arm and a leg. Most housing counselors provide no- or low-cost counseling services. You should not have to pay hundreds, or thousands, of dollars for assistance.

*Be wary of "guarantees." No one can ensure you good results.

*Know what you are signing. Don't let a counselor pressure you into signing paperwork you haven't had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don't understand.

*If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

To read more go to:
http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm

If you feel you are a victim of foreclosure fraud, trust your instincts and ask for help. Report suspicious schemes to your state and local consumer protection agencies, which you can find on the Consumer Action Website. http://www.consumeraction.gov/