Congressman Thompson Warns Homeowners of Foreclosure Assistance Scams
March 17, 2009
Today Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley) warned homeowners to avoid scams that offer phony promises to pay off loans or charge high fees for non-essential services to homeowners looking to avoid foreclosure. The Congressman urged constituents to contact a free local government-approved housing counseling agency instead of companies that charge money for foreclosure assistance.
“As more families struggle to pay their mortgages, predators are trying to take advantage of people who don't know where to turn for help,” said Congressman Thompson. “There are resources out there to help people stay in their homes, and I urge folks who are struggling to contact government-backed organizations for assistance.”
Families facing foreclosure can get free assistance from agencies that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Treasury. A list of these organizations can be found at: https://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=CA or by calling toll free (800) 569-4287 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) or call 1-800-CALL-FHA.
Congressman Thompson also warned people that some scammers are using names and websites that use variations of HUD's name to mislead people, and urged constituents to call his district office if they are suspicious about an offer that seems too good to be true. He reminded homeowners that the only official HUD website is at www.hud.gov and sites that end in hud.us-gov or hud.com or hudgov.us or any of a number of other addresses are not official HUD websites.
###
“As more families struggle to pay their mortgages, predators are trying to take advantage of people who don't know where to turn for help,” said Congressman Thompson. “There are resources out there to help people stay in their homes, and I urge folks who are struggling to contact government-backed organizations for assistance.”
Families facing foreclosure can get free assistance from agencies that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Treasury. A list of these organizations can be found at: https://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=CA or by calling toll free (800) 569-4287 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) or call 1-800-CALL-FHA.
Congressman Thompson also warned people that some scammers are using names and websites that use variations of HUD's name to mislead people, and urged constituents to call his district office if they are suspicious about an offer that seems too good to be true. He reminded homeowners that the only official HUD website is at www.hud.gov and sites that end in hud.us-gov or hud.com or hudgov.us or any of a number of other addresses are not official HUD websites.
###
Issues:Jobs & Economy