The coronavirus pandemic has left millions of Americans out of work and struggling with financial insecurity. This combined with the heightened anxiety of our “new normal” has opened the door of opportunity—for scammers.
During times of crisis and uncertainty, scammers often prey upon those who are impacted. In this crisis, if you are struggling to make your mortgage payments, you may be a target. When it comes to your money and your home, you can never be too careful.
Here are a few common scams you should look out for:
• Fraudulent communications from scammers posing as a financial institution offering loan modifications, lower mortgage payments, or debt relief
• Any offer of mortgage assistance that requires an up-front payment or the immediate wiring of funds.
• "Spoofed" phone calls or emails in which a scammer will provide fraudulent information to appear as though they work for a legitimate financial institution
• Any "guarantee" to provide debt relief or mortgage assistance that requires you to sign a contract, your debit card information, or any other unorthodox form of payment.
• Communications from scammers posing to be government entities asking for personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit information, or passwords.
• Communications requiring you to sign over the title to your home, redirect your mortgage payment, or stop making mortgage payments all together in exchange for mortgage payment relief.
Remember, anyone can be a target, but those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic may be more susceptible. Scammers often sound convincing, but there are tell-tale signs to help tip you off. Thoroughly research any offer that demands immediate action or seems "too good to be true". Never divulge personal information or sign anything unless you are 100% sure the offer is legitimate.
If you feel as though you may have been contacted by a scammer or fallen victim to a mortgage scam, the best thing you can do is log into your online RoundPoint Mortgage account or contact our Customer Care Team IMMEDIATELY at 877.426.8805. Our business hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm ET.
You can also learn more about fraudulent loan scams by visiting https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/prevent_loan_scams.
