by Bob Boog

There are many different types of loan modification, short sale and foreclosure-related scams, and new types of scams sprout up every day. There are probably as many scam categories as octuplet mother Nadya Suleman has babies, but today we’ll discuss just three of them. These activities can be loosely described as follows:

Phantom Helper:

In this type of action, the scam artist offers to negotiate with the lender or perform other lender-related services for the homeowner in exchange for a fee. However, in reality, the scammer performs little or no service at all and eventually absconds with the money. Whatever services the scam artist does provide, the homeowner could have probably done on his or her own. The homeowner ends up not only losing the money, but often loses valuable time to make other arrangements to save his or her home from foreclosure.

Bail-Out:

The homeowner is saved from his dilemma by the generous helper who offers to bail him out. Often the helper needs to take title to the property in order to modify the loan, and promises to lease the property back to the homeowner. Then when the owner is able to purchase, he will be able to purchase the property back again. Sounds good, right? Usually the scammer ends up not honoring the agreement, and simply kicks out the owner. Or the helper rents out the property until it is foreclosed upon and keeps all the rent receipts for himself.

Bait-and-Switch:

In this scenario, the homeowner is usually persuaded to do one thing but ends up doing another - like signing a deed and giving up his interest to the property. For example, the scammer might tell the homeowner that he needs to sign a power of attorney to negotiate with the lender to do a loan modification. Then after signing it, the helper uses the power of attorney to evict the owner from the property and rent it out.

In addition to these types of deals, there are many other kinds of scams, including identity-theft, loan fraud, and even elder abuse. How do owners meet these people? The helper can contact an owner by mail or telephone solicitation or sometimes an owner will contact a scammer via a We Buy Homes or Stop Foreclosure Now sign on a telephone pole.

Therefore, if a helper asks for money upfront before providing any service ” beware. If he asks for payment only in the form of cash, cashiers check, or wire transfer”beware. If he asks for a transfer of title or an interest in the property”beware. If he gives an unqualified promise to stop foreclosure or other assurances “beware. If he offers to buy a home for a price above its market value–beware.

Just as one would be wary of eating raw fish as a restaurant with a quality rating of D ” when it comes to foreclosures, short sales and loan modifications, you should be extra cautious with people offering their services to help you too!

About the Author:
Real estate broker Bob Boog has thirty yrs experience in the real estate business, and has penned three books on selling homes. His latest gem, Mortgage Modifications Made Easy is available for download, and a free sample can be found at his website.