Homeowner Scam Alert
Scammers are seeking to take advantage of potential applicants to the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF). Here are tips to avoid NYS HAF and mortgage rescue-related scams, according to the New York State Attorney General (OAG):
Be cautious of any online ads, telephone solicitations, or people coming to your door that promise you will receive NYS HAF funds or a mortgage modification, especially if they are not from a trusted government agency: Only Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) can approve you for NYS HAF funds, and only your bank or mortgage servicer can approve a loan modification.
Be careful of solicitations from people or companies with out-of-state phone numbers or addresses offering legal services: Only lawyers admitted to practice in New York can represent you in court.
Do not give your personal financial information—such as your bank account number, Social Security number, or the name of your loan servicer—to an unrecognized caller, someone knocking on your door, or in response to an unexpected piece of mail: Your bank already has all of this information and will not ask you for it.
Never pay an upfront fee for mortgage-related services: It is a violation of New York law to charge upfront fees for such services. Violations should be reported to the OAG.
If you believe you have been a victim of scam, you may file a complaint with the OAG online or call 1-800-771-7755.
To learn more about scams, go to HomeownerHelpNY.com/scams