Home foreclosure is becoming a far more common problem now then it was just a few years ago. Often it originates from one missed payment which soon spirals out of control. Before you know it you have missed three or four payments and the mortgage lender or bank wants you to pay everything you owe all at once, right then and there. Often this is a major burden to the homeowner and in the end they must decide on some sort of plan of action...this is normally where one can fall for a scam.
Foreclosure scams are very common as much as the problem itself. Since most homeowners believe that they have little or no choice they fall for these traps, which of course make their situation much worse than it was. Not only is the stress of the foreclosure an issue, but then the fallout from the scam starts...and brings additional stress.
The people who work these scams advertise online, publish advertisements in the local newspaper, distribute flyers, and call houses which are included on the foreclosure list. Sometimes they call themselves "mortgage consultants/real estate investment planners" who offer foreclosure services or advertise with "We buy houses" signs.
Most common scams:
Bankruptcy Foreclosure Scam
The promise here is that the house will be saved. This is how the scam goes...They will either ask for the homeowner to pay their mortgage directly to them, hand over their deed and pay rent, or obtain refinancing. of course they don't do ANYTHING to fulfill the other end of the bargain, they don't contact your lender or obtain refinancing for you. They keep all the money and file bankruptcy without your knowledge. Only to use a diffirent name and do the scam agian on some other poor soul looking for help.
Since the homeowner is not aware that bankruptcy has been filed, they fail to participate in the case. The case is dismissed and the house continues onto foreclosure. Apart from loosing money and your home, you will also have a bankruptcy on your record.
Equity skimming
The scammer poses as a buyer. They then promise the homeowner to pay the mortgage or given them a sum of money once the property has been sold. The operator then convinces the homeowner to sign over the deed and move out. The homeowner can stay but they have to pay rent. If they opt to move out the operator lets a third party rent the property. The scam operator of course does not pay the mortgage and lets the mortgage lender foreclose all the while stemming off questions from the original home owner about where they are in the "process."
In the event the house has equity, the scam operator sells the property and pays off the debt. (And of course keeps the equity that the homeowner could have had if they sold it.)
Should you find yourself facing ANY of the above mentioned situations....contact a local mortgage office and ask them if they have ever heard of a "program" like the one you would be offered...if they say no....call the local police and ask for the consumer fraud division.
Foreclosure scams are very common as much as the problem itself. Since most homeowners believe that they have little or no choice they fall for these traps, which of course make their situation much worse than it was. Not only is the stress of the foreclosure an issue, but then the fallout from the scam starts...and brings additional stress.
The people who work these scams advertise online, publish advertisements in the local newspaper, distribute flyers, and call houses which are included on the foreclosure list. Sometimes they call themselves "mortgage consultants/real estate investment planners" who offer foreclosure services or advertise with "We buy houses" signs.
Most common scams:
Bankruptcy Foreclosure Scam
The promise here is that the house will be saved. This is how the scam goes...They will either ask for the homeowner to pay their mortgage directly to them, hand over their deed and pay rent, or obtain refinancing. of course they don't do ANYTHING to fulfill the other end of the bargain, they don't contact your lender or obtain refinancing for you. They keep all the money and file bankruptcy without your knowledge. Only to use a diffirent name and do the scam agian on some other poor soul looking for help.
Since the homeowner is not aware that bankruptcy has been filed, they fail to participate in the case. The case is dismissed and the house continues onto foreclosure. Apart from loosing money and your home, you will also have a bankruptcy on your record.
Equity skimming
The scammer poses as a buyer. They then promise the homeowner to pay the mortgage or given them a sum of money once the property has been sold. The operator then convinces the homeowner to sign over the deed and move out. The homeowner can stay but they have to pay rent. If they opt to move out the operator lets a third party rent the property. The scam operator of course does not pay the mortgage and lets the mortgage lender foreclose all the while stemming off questions from the original home owner about where they are in the "process."
In the event the house has equity, the scam operator sells the property and pays off the debt. (And of course keeps the equity that the homeowner could have had if they sold it.)
Should you find yourself facing ANY of the above mentioned situations....contact a local mortgage office and ask them if they have ever heard of a "program" like the one you would be offered...if they say no....call the local police and ask for the consumer fraud division.
About the Author:
Doc Schmyz has worked with investors all over the US and Canada. He built a free free website shares Real estate investing information for all over the US. Find Real estate investing information by state
