How to Avoid Foreclosure Scams

Scams are so rampant nowadays that you wouldn’t really know who to trust. That’s why you always have to be cautious, especially if you’re dealing with mortgage finances. But how would you prevent yourself from being a victim of such scams?

1. Consult an HUD-approved, Nonprofit Counselor

If you’re looking for assistance with your foreclosure issues, make sure that the counseling agency is on the list of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. You may try to visit HUD’s website to get the complete list of all the approved agencies in states like Utah. Most scam artists know a desperate person when they see one. So make sure that if anyone offers you assistance that may sound too good to be try, try to check if their company name is on the HUD list to make sure.

2. When Their Asking You to Pay Thousands of Dollars, it’s a Scam

A legitimate HUD- approved housing counselors wouldn’t ask you to pay an arm and a leg for their services. In fact, most of them actually do it for free, and others only provide low-cost counseling fee. So if they’re asking you to pay lot for their services, then most probably that’s a scam. Do not agree to work with them or even give them any payment via cashier’s check or wire transfer. In fact, don’t send them money unless you know what services are they exactly offering.

3. Be Cautious of the Word “Guarantee”

There’s no assurance that the housing counselor can put a stop to the foreclosure process. The only thing that they can do for you is assist you in any way that they can to help you with your financial problems. So be very cautious of people who gives you a word that they can have it fixed for you. To be on the safer side, ask to get all the details of your transactions, along with any of his promises, in writing.

4. Read the Fine Print Before Signing Anything

Don’t let a housing counselor force you to sign any paperwork that you haven’t even read yet. Read the document thoroughly before signing it. Do not sign any paper that’s blank or any blank form for that matter. Also, it would be best to get in touch with an attorney before signing anything to make sure that the paperwork is legit.

5. Report Any Suspicious Schemes

If you feel that what they’re offering is too good to be true, then trust your instincts. See if their name is ion the HUD list, if not then chances are it’s a scam. So ask help from a legitimate housing counselor in Salt Lake City Utah to make sure that you’re not dealing with fraud.