Here are places to get help if you or a friend are facing foreclosure. There are so many scams out there now that it can be difficult to find legitimate help. Be careful of paying money up front in order to get help and some of the Internet advertising that says they guarantee that they can stop your foreclosure.
Here’s a list of programs that are either operated by the U.S. government or have its seal of approval:
- To find a counselor, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (800) 569-4287 or (877) 483-1515, or go to www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm
- Call (888) 995-HOPE, the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline to reach a nonprofit, HUD-approved counselor through HOPE NOW, a cooperative effort of mortgage counselors and lenders to assist homeowners.
- Visit NeighborWorks America’s Web site at www.nw.org/network/home.asp
- Go to this Web site for information on federal mortgage modification and refinancing programs: www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
- The Controller of the Currency’s consumer information site for banking-related questions is www.helpwithmybank.gov
- OCC Customer Assistance Group and consumer assistance site: www.occ.gov/customer.htm
- Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea04.shtm
- Federal Reserve Board: www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm
- HOPE NOW: www.hopenow.com
Source: Controller of the Currency (04/21/2009)
By the way, check out this site of George Adamson, The man who lived with the lions: