STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR) is echoing a government warning related to foreclosure rescue and mortgage-modification scams. 
Such frauds are a growing problem that could cost you thousands of dollars – or even your home, according to an alert from MakingHomeAffordable.com, an official program of the Departments of the Treasury & Housing and Urban Development.
According to the warning, scammers make promises that they can’t keep, such as guaranteeing to “save” your home or lower your mortgage, usually for a fee, often pretending that they have direct contact with your mortgage servicer – which they do not.
MakingHomeAffordable.com suggests homeowners:
- Beware of anyone who asks you to pay a fee in exchange for counseling services or the modification of a delinquent loan.
- Beware of people who pressure you to sign papers immediately or who try to convince you that they can “save” your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house.
- Do not sign over the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to forgive your debt.
- Never make a mortgage payment to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.
What to Do if You Have Been the Victim of a Scam
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, you should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) for assistance in English or Spanish.
About The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR)
The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR) is the largest not-for-profit trade association in Staten Island, N.Y.
SIBOR exists to enhance the ability and opportunity of its members to conduct their business successfully and ethically; and to promote the preservation of the public’s right to own, transfer and use real property.
Comprised of over 1,600 members, SIBOR serves real estate agents, brokers and affiliated professionals throughout the borough and surrounding areas.
SIBOR is the provider of the Staten Island Multiple Listing Service Inc. (SIMLS), which works as a clearinghouse through which more than 250 local real estate firms exchange information on properties they have listed for sale. Together, its members participate in over 3,000 real estate transactions every year.
All SIBOR members belong to the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
SIBOR may be reached at 718-928-3220 and viewed online at http://siborrealtors.com. SIBOR may also be visited on Facebook at “Staten Island Living,” on Twitter via @SIBOR, and on YouTube at the Staten Island Board of Realtors and RelevantPR channels.
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