California homeowners are warned to beware of phone solicitations from scam artists claiming to provide assistance related to the recent national mortgage settlement.
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Under California law, it is illegal to charge an up-front fee for loan modification services. Third parties that claim to offer homeowners access to funds under the national mortgage settlement are likely running a scam. Homeowners receiving such solicitations should not provide any personal or financial information and should report the solicitation to the California Department of Justice ( http://ag.ca.gov/contact/complaint_form.php?cmplt=CL).
Californians seeking relief under the state’s recent $18 billion mortgage settlement are advised to heed the following tips to avoid falling prey to scams that often arise around high profile settlements:
– Be skeptical of third party phone solicitations. Only your bank/loan servicer can assist you with regard to the recent national mortgage settlement.
– Do not give your personal financial information to a solicitor such as your bank account number, social security number or even the name of your loan servicer. Your bank will already have this information.
– Never pay an up-front fee for mortgage-related services. It is against California law and should be reported to the California Department of Justice.
– Call your bank to see if you qualify for relief under the settlement.
For free, trustworthy advice:
– Call a HUD approved counselor – (888) 995-4673
– Call Keep Your Home CA – (888) 954-5337
If you think you may be eligible for relief under the national mortgage settlement, call your bank directly:
Bank of America/Countrywide – (877) 488-7814
JPMorgan Chase/Washington Mutual – (866) 372-6901
GMAC Mortgage/Ally Financial – (800) 766-4622
Citibank/CitiMortgage – (866) 272-4749
Wells Fargo/Wachovia – (800) 288-3212
For additional information regarding the mortgage settlement, please visit: http://oag.ca.gov/nationalmortgagesettlement and our frequently asked questions page: http://oag.ca.gov/nationalmortgagesettlement/faqs
Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, issued the warning.
