Community members have reported receiving emails indicating their mortgage is in foreclosure and they must vacate their home. They are asked to contact a “relationship manager” by phone to avoid further legal action. Upon outreach, the victim is encouraged to pay a fee and provide confidential information for hardship assistance programs to stop the sale or auction of their home.
The United States Treasury reminds consumers that “real help is free” and to contact your mortgage servicer directly if you have trouble making payments. In New Hampshire, information about your mortgage is publicly available in the Registry of Deeds and scammers use this information to attempt to legitimize their services. Even if an email or other message includes your address, the bank name, logo or other details about your property, it is still a scam.
Keep the following tips in mind:
- Remember, only your mortgage servicer can modify the terms of your loan, never a third party. Contact and work with them directly if you need support and never allow someone to negotiate or complete paperwork on your behalf.
- Beware of individuals or companies that encourage you to stop communicating with your mortgage servicer or stop making payments.
- You can find information about housing counseling services near you online at hud.gov/resources.
- Paying a third party does not improve your likelihood of receiving a mortgage modification. If someone asks you for payment up front, it is a scam.
We care about keeping our customers and the community safe from fraud. If you ever feel you have fallen victim to a scam, please contact us right away so that we can assist you with protecting your accounts and identity.
