In this tough economy, many people are struggling with their debts. Ads from companies offering to help may be tempting, but beware – this could be a trap that will leave you worse off than before. Continue reading
Blog Category:
Mortgages
Getting Real Debt Help
August 25th, 2011 by Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection, Consumer Federation of AmericaIf you’re one of the more than 450,000 consumers who were overcharged by Countrywide for loan servicing fees, your refund check is in the mail…Really!
July 20th, 2011 by ColleenA little over a year ago, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a settlement with Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. over allegations that the company collected excessive fees from borrowers who were struggling to keep their homes. As part of the settlement, Countrywide, which is now owned by Bank of America, was ordered to refund involved consumers a total of nearly $108 million.
National Consumer Protection Week Kicked off at DC HOPE Center
March 15th, 2011 by Guest Blogger: Operation HopePresident Obama’s Consumer Protection Chief, Elizabeth Warren, kicked off National Consumer Protection Week last week by visiting the Anacostia HOPE Center in Washington, DC for a round-table discussion with 30 consumers and community leaders sharing personal experiences with pay day … Continue reading
What’s the “H” Stand For?
March 12th, 2011 by Shantae Goodloe, Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentI like to think that the “H” in HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) not only stands for housing, but also for help: Helping consumers make important decisions about their housing needs or informing them about programs here at HUD. Continue reading
Struggling to Pay Your Mortgage? You can find help.
March 10th, 2011 by Guest Blogger: Marietta Rodriguez, national director of homeownership and lending, NeighborWorks AmericaUnemployment, illness or unexpected expenses can make it tough for homeowners to pay their mortgages. If you are struggling to pay your mortgage or have fallen behind on your payments, you can find help. As soon as you realize you’re … Continue reading
How Unsuspecting Homeowners Get Scammed
March 2nd, 2011 by Guest Blogger: Marietta Rodriguez, national director of homeownership and lending, NeighborWorks AmericaAre you more likely to use a service recommended by a friend? Loan modification scammers bet you are: word-of-mouth from friends or family is one way they connect with unsuspecting homeowners. If you’re a homeowner in the market for a … Continue reading
Hey Buddy, Wanna Sell a Timeshare?
February 23rd, 2011 by ColleenLooking to raise some cash? Thinking about selling your timeshare in sunny Florida or on an island in the Caribbean? If so, here’s a tip: If a company offers to resell your timeshare, go into skeptic mode. The number of complaints related to fraudulent timeshare resales has more than tripled over the past three years. Continue reading
Saving Your Home
February 18th, 2011 by AmyWhen you’re in danger of losing your home, you may feel desperate for help. Unfortunately for you, scammers are ready to step in with an offer that sounds believable enough to be true – but is as bogus as can be. Continue reading
