Attorney general: Scammers target homeowners
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is cautioning homeowners against financial scam artists. (June 21, 2010) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Homeowners should beware of scam artists claiming to offer mortgage assistance and asking for personal or financial information, the state's top law enforcement officer warned Tuesday.
Scammers have been impersonating bank or government officials and offering help after the recent major settlement with mortgage lenders, according to state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
Under the $25 billion settlement with the federal government and 49 states, including New York, the five largest mortgage lenders have agreed to reduce loan balances and lower interest rates for certain homeowners, and make cash payments to those who lost their homes to improper foreclosure between 2008 and 2011.
The scam callers offer assistance getting a payment under the settlement if the homeowner pays a fee or provides a bank account routing number or other personal information that can be used for identity theft, according to reports received by the attorney general's office.
Homeowners should be wary of online ads or unsolicited phone calls promising help with mortgages, especially if the solicitor asks for personal information or requests an upfront fee. Banks and federal government-approved housing counselors do not charge fees.
The attorney general's office has launched a new website, NYSmortgagesettlement.com, to provide homeowners with information about the recent mortgage settlement.
