New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is warning state homeowners to beware of phone solicitations from scammers claiming to provide assistance related to the recent national mortgage servicing settlement.
The AG received reports that there are scammers impersonating bank officials or government officers offering to facilitate mortgage payments as long as the homeowners provide personal or financial information such as a bank account routing number.
Alternatively, scammers may offer assistance with a loan modification for a fee or ask for personal information that can be used for identity theft.
“Homeowners and former homeowners who have been abused by their mortgage servicers deserve financial relief, but some despicable con artists are instead seeking to victimize these New Yorkers again,” Schneiderman said. “The best defense against any scam is information, and that’s why we’re offering these tips about mortgage settlement scams that have already surfaced.”
Therefore, Schneiderman has issued a list of tips to help protect unsuspecting individuals from fraud. Also, Schneiderman launched a new website (
First, the AG warned state homeowners to be skeptical of online advertisements or telephone solicitations that promise they can get you a mortgage modification or save your home from foreclosure. In fact, only a bank or loan servicer can actually approve a loan modification.
Second, the AG said not to give personal financial information to a solicitor, such as your bank account number, social security number or the name of your loan servicer.
Lastly, never pay an upfront fee for mortgage related services because it is a violation of state law to charge upfront fees to do this type of work.
“Homeowners and those who have lost their homes to foreclosure should always be wary of unsolicited calls, especially if they ask for any personal information,” the AG’s office said in a press release. “Neither the banks, nor HUD-approved housing counseling agencies will charge a fee for settlement assistance.”
