Don’t Get Scammed: How to Spot Mortgage Relief Fraud
When you’re behind on mortgage payments, scammers see an opportunity. They prey on the stress of pre-foreclosure, promising “guaranteed” fixes while charging thousands in illegal upfront fees. At Unlocked Relief, we believe the best defense is education.
The “Bait and Switch” Tactics
Scammers often use these specific methods to trick homeowners:
The Incomplete App: They promise to handle your loan modification, charge you a fee (often $1,000–$2,500), and then submit a half-finished application. By the time you realize they’ve disappeared, your home is back on the auction block.
Impersonating Lenders: Using official-looking logos, they ask for “reinstatement fees” via untraceable methods like Zelle, PayPal, or Western Union. Your bank will never ask for payment this way.
Predatory “Investors”: Some offer loans to “save” your home but attach hidden liens or extreme interest rates that strip away all your equity.
Lease-Back Scams: They convince you to sign over your deed with the promise that you can rent your home back. In many cases, this is illegal and results in you losing your home entirely.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you encounter any of the following, stop and walk away:
Upfront Fees: Under the FTC’s MARS Rule, companies cannot charge you a dime until you have a written offer from your lender that you have accepted.
Guarantees: No one can “guarantee” your lender will approve a modification.
Pressure to Stop Communication: If a company tells you not to talk to your lender or your lawyer, they are trying to isolate you.
Instructions to Pay Someone Else: Never send your mortgage payment to anyone other than your official mortgage servicer.
How Unlocked Relief is Different
We provide free, honest support to New England homeowners. We never charge for our guidance, and we never make unrealistic promises.
Direct Support: We help you talk directly to your lender’s loss mitigation department.
Zero Cost: Our education and one-on-one guidance are always 100% free.
Transparency: We help you understand the math behind your equity and your options—whether that’s staying in your home or selling it on your own terms.
The Bottom Line: You don’t have to pay for help. If someone asks for money to “save” your home, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Contact Us Today.
Call 603-691-1364 or email us at admin@unlockedhomeproject.com.
Please note that while Unlocked Home Project: Relief Division is dedicated to assisting clients in navigating foreclosure prevention solutions, we are not attorneys, and the information provided in this article does not constitute legal advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal, financial, or tax advice. Foreclosure laws and mortgage relief options vary by state and individual circumstances, and outcomes depend on specific lender policies and borrower eligibility. UHP assumes no liability for actions taken based on the information provided herein.
