• Beware of so-called foreclosure rescue companies that contact you after the foreclosure has been filed in court and promise to help you in exchange for an up-front fee. It’s illegal to charge an up-front fee for foreclosure assistance services in North Carolina.
• Steer clear of foreclosure assistance experts who want you to make your mortgage payment to them, or who discourage you from talking to your mortgage company or an attorney.
• Watch out for equity skimming. This scam happens when a buyer promises to pay off your mortgage if you sign over the deed to your property. The buyer then rents out your home but doesn’t make mortgage payments and the bank forecloses. Remember, signing over your deed does not mean you’re no longer responsible for paying your mortgage.
• Other scam tip offs: the schemer refuses to put his or her promises in writing, pressures you to sign paperwork you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly, or offers to fill out the paperwork for you.
• Report foreclosure scams to Attorney General Roy Cooper’s office by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
What to do if you face foreclosure:
• First, contact your mortgage lender to explain the circumstances and see if the loan can be restructured or refinanced, or if you can work out a repayment plan. Keep in mind that most lenders don’t want to foreclose because it costs them money.
• If you can’t work something out with your mortgage lender, contact a reputable non-profit credit and housing counselor for help. For a list of approved housing counselors in North Carolina, call the US Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-569-4287 or visit their website: www.hud.gov.
• You may also want to consult an attorney. To find a licensed attorney in North Carolina, contact the NC Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-662-7660.
• If you have equity in your house, you may be able to avoid foreclosure by selling it. You might also want to consider deeding the property back to your mortgage company.
• For additional tips, visit www.hud.gov
