Mortgage interest rates may be on the way down, but scammers’ false promises are likely on the way up. If you’re looking to lower your mortgage payment — by refinancing your home or VA loan — learn about your options and how to avoid mortgage relief scams.
Scammers will say just about anything to get you to trust them. Some scammers call or email claiming they’re from the Department of Veterans Affairs or your home loan servicer. They’ll promise to help you lower your mortgage payment — for an upfront fee or a retainer. But it’s illegal for a company to charge you before they help you with things like debt relief or improving your credit. And only scammers will tell you to cut off contact with your lender, housing counselor, or credit counselor. They might say they’ll handle any loan paperwork for you, but they’re just trying to steer you away from the real help you’re looking for. Want to avoid a mortgage relief scam? Slow down and check things out for yourself. Always start by contacting your mortgage servicer or lender first. They’ll know the current status of your loan and can help you explore options to lower your payment. Here are a few other places to get legitimate help:
If you spot a mortgage relief scam, report it to your state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Hackers target your email and social media accounts to steal your personal information. Like your username and password, bank or credit card account numbers, or Social Security number. If they get it, they use it to commit identity theft, spread malware, or scam other people. So, what are signs that someone hacked your account, and how can you recover a stolen account?
Here are some things that might tip you off to a problem:
Change your account password. Create a unique and strong password that is hard to guess. Aim for 12 to 15 characters. Or use a passphrase — a series of words separated by spaces. Then sign out of that account on all devices. That way anyone who’s logged in to your account on another device will get kicked out. Secure your account. If the account offers two-factor authentication (2FA), turn it on to add an extra layer of security. That way, a hacker with your password can’t log in to your account without a second authentication factor. Like a verification code you get by text or email, or from an authenticator app. Update your account recovery information. Account recovery information helps you get back into your account if you're locked out, forgot your password, or if someone else is using it. Check your account recovery information and make sure the email address and phone number listed are correct. Check for signs that someone had access to your account. Check if there are auto-forwarding rules in your email account that you didn’t set up. Hackers might create these rules to forward your emails to another address. Check your social media for messages the hacker posted or sent, or for new friends you don’t recognize. If you believe someone stole your personal information, go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a personalized recovery plan. |
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