Mortgage help offered in Mastic Beach

Mastic Beach residents at risk of losing their homes can learn about foreclosure prevention programs on Friday.

The state Department of Financial Services’ mortgage specialists will staff a mobile command center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at William Paca Middle School, 338 Blanco Dr.

The specialists will assess where homeowners are in the foreclosure process and provide information on loan modification programs and how to file complaints about abusive practices by lenders and mortgage services.

Homeowners should bring any relevant documents, such as records of mortgage payments or letters from lenders or mortgage servicers.

The department advises people to beware of mortgage rescue scams by private businesses, which may improperly demand up-front fees, collect homeowners’ mortgage payments or ask them to sign over their home’s deed.

Complaints can be filed at www.dfs.ny.gov. The agency’s foreclosure hotlines, 800-269-0990 and 518-457-1654, are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.