Information on How to Protect Against Scams
Scams often increase during a crisis or after a disaster. Scammers often use current events, like government announcements about relief programs, to appear legitimate. Be careful about accepting assistance from anyone other than your servicer, the government, and legitimate non-profit organizations. Here are some suggestions for how to avoid scams and what to do if you find yourself in a scam.
BEWARE of anyone who:
- asks for an upfront fee in exchange for mortgage assistance. New York law prohibits the collection of such fees in most cases.
- says they can “save” your home if you sign or transfer the deed to your house over to them in exchange for mortgage assistance.
NEVER submit your mortgage payments to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.
CONSULT with a trusted source such as:
- Government – If someone says they are working on behalf of a government program, lookup the program on the Internet and call them directly to confirm. Just because the program exists does not mean that the scammer really works for the government.
- Attorney – See the “Where You Can Get Help” section.
- Housing Counselor – See the “Where You Can Get Help” section.
STAY INFORMED by visiting the official websites of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and the DFS Foreclosure Scams page.
Remember, if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.