Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, today announced that Department of Financial Services mortgage foreclosure prevention specialists will meet with homeowners already in foreclosure and those at risk of foreclosure from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, March 16 in the Department’s Mobile Command Center, which will be located in Marjorie R. Post Community Park at Unqua and Merrick Roads in Massapequa.

“Governor Cuomo believes that it’s essential that we provide as much help as possible to financially-troubled homeowners. Our objective is to provide direct help to homeowners and get the word out to others that it’s important to ask for help as quickly as possible. The longer a homeowner waits, the harder it may be to save a home,” Superintendent Lawsky said.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. said: “Families that are struggling to stay in their homes in the current economy need to know there are services available to help them. Through this program, residents can speak one-on-one with trained professionals and learn about services to help them stay in their homes. I thank the Department of Financial Services for partnering with me offer this important service to local residents.”

Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino said: “This program is exceptionally important to protect homeowners financially and to educate them to manage finances in very difficult situations. I am proud to work with my colleague Senator Chuck Fuschillo to protect this community in which I live and work to provide every service possible.”

Foreclosure prevention specialists will meet with homeowners to assess where they are in the pre-foreclosure or foreclosure process and provide:

Information to homeowners about specific loan modification programs which may be available to them;

Guidance to homeowners on how they can file complaints with the Department so that cases of lender or mortgage servicer abuses, such as predatory lending practices, can be investigated.

The foreclosure prevention specialists will meet with homeowners inside the Department’s Mobile Command Center, a 36-foot long vehicle. Homeowners should bring with them any documents relevant to their individual situations, such as records of mortgage payments or letters to them from lenders or mortgage servicers.

Homeowners may also file complaints using the Department website, www.dfs.ny.gov.

Also, information may be obtained by calling the Department’s toll-free foreclosure hotline, 1-800-269-0990 or 518-457-1654, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Superintendent Lawsky urged homeowners to be wary of mortgage rescue scams, which may be marketed by private businesses.

“Beware of anyone who asks for an upfront fee in exchange for getting you a loan modification, saving your home from default or stopping a foreclosure or tax sale. New York law prohibits the collection of such fees in most cases. Also, many not-for-profit housing counselors will help you negotiate with your lender for free,” Superintendent Lawsky said.

“Beware of anyone who says they can save your home if you sign or transfer the deed to your house over to them so you can catch up on your mortgage payments or refinance your loan. Never submit your mortgage payments to anyone other than your mortgage company without its approval.”

The Department plans on sending foreclosure prevention specialists to assist homeowners at sites across the state, particularly where there are high concentrations of homeowners in or at risk of foreclosure. The Department’s foreclosure prevention initiative was launched last month and has already visited sites on Long Island, Rockland County and Queens as part of its citizen outreach effort.