Foreclosure Article
Horne Issues National Mortgage Settlement Consumer Alert to Arizonans
*Please be advised that the article below remains on the site for informational purposes only and may contain information that is no longer current.
PHOENIX (Tuesday, April 24, 2012) -- As the National Mortgage Settlement between Arizona and 48 other states, the federal government, and the country’s five largest residential mortgage loan servicers goes into effect, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne is alerting Arizona consumers looking for mortgage relief to beware of scam artists.
“Consumers should be aware that scammers are already using the media coverage of the settlement to exploit homeowners by promising quicker assistance in obtaining the refinancing, principal reduction, or cash payments available to eligible consumers under the settlement,” Horne said. “If you receive an unsolicited contact regarding the mortgage settlement, you need to protect yourself.”
Attorney General Horne’s alert includes these tips:
- Beware of anyone who claims they can speed up the assistance you might be eligible for under the settlement for a fee. You will not be charged a fee to obtain relief under the settlement.
- Beware of anyone who calls claiming to be from your mortgage servicer or the government and asks to confirm personal or financial information to speed up your relief under the settlement. Neither your bank nor the government will ever ask for your routing number, checking account number, or other financial information over the phone.
- You may receive legitimate mail from your servicer regarding the settlement if your mortgage loan is serviced by Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi, or GMAC/Ally. If you do receive a call or mail regarding the settlement, examine it closely to determine whether it is from the same entity you make your mortgage payments to. Scammers often use company names very close to another company to confuse and deceive consumers. (For example, instead of a letter from GMAC, you may receive a letter from GAMC).
- If you are unsure whether a caller is legitimate, ask for the person's name and title and tell them you are going to call your bank and confirm. Make sure to use the official contact information listed below, not a number the caller provides.
- Bank of America: 877-488-7814
- JP Morgan Chase: 866-372-6901
- Wells Fargo: 800-288-3212
- CitiBank: 866-272-4749
- GMAC/Ally: 800-766-4622
- If you are looking to refinance or get a loan modification, remember that it is against state and federal law to charge upfront fees for mortgage-related assistance in most cases.
Consumers who feel they have been a victim of mortgage fraud, or who would like to report consumer fraud, may file a consumer complaint with our Office. To file a complaint online, consumers can visit:www.azag.gov/consumer/complaintform.html.
For more information about the national mortgage settlement, visit www.azag.gov/consumer/foreclosure/settlement.html or contact the Attorney General’s Mortgage Settlement Team at 602-542-1797 or 1 (855) 256-2834 toll free or [email protected].
To find out if you are eligible for relief under the national mortgage settlement, contact your mortgage servicer at the number listed above, or a HUD-certified housing counselor.
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Comments:
QUESTIONS
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My home went to foreclosure. The amount owed was $368,000 ,the bank set the opening bid at $302,000, The home sold for $371,000. Should the excess funds be the difference between $371,000 and $368,000 or between $371,000 and $302,000. Thx
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what is the time line for eviction. does it ever go thru a court before the sheriff comes knocking? I still have the title to the land, the warranty deed.
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how long does the foreclosure process take before you're kicked out of your home completely?
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I came across an abandon/foreclosed home and I would like to find out more about taking adverse possession of the property. What do I need to know about doing this? I need the pro's and con's, please! M
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I agreed to purchase a home I believed was owned free and clear by the owner with owner financing. I later learned the owner did not own the home free and clear, and when costly repairs come up he refused to help defray the costs. Was I protected under the tenant landlord act and can he foreclose as he is threatening? I have already moved out and found a new place to live.
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How can I get back my property I sold to someone (deed of trust) who promised to pay me monthly for 30 years arrangement, but become delinquent in payments? How to foreclose it from home owner? Does home owner covered by AZ anti-deficiency law?
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I just received a notice saying I have to vacate my house that it was auctioned but I'm paying my house and I'm never late and company who say they purchased have other name as home owner not mine and my husband what is going on what can I do my house wasn't foreclosed bank says everything okay in there side how do protect myself how is possible for it to be auctioned
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what assistance is available to me I was 12 months behind caught up on six in September and they started foreclosure this month sell date is Feb of 2015 I thought they were working with me and no notice foreclosure.? my husband was on unemployment for over 4 years and recently is now working and we are able to catch up and stay on track.
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There is a scam going on with my house and reference for foreclosure need legal assistance ASAP I am disabled and need help my phone number is I need immediate help. Thank you
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I've been renting from the same landlord for three years and suddenly he foreclosed. Is it possible for his name not to show anywhere on the foreclosure papers?
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