Carson Decries Scams Aimed At Vulnerable Homeowners

Press Release

Carson Decries Scams Aimed At Vulnerable Homeowners

Congressman André Carson today decried efforts by online scam artists to take advantage of troubled homeowners seeking help and information about President Obama's foreclosure prevention plan.

Since the announcement of the Making Home Affordable program, several Web sites have been launched purporting to help homeowners modify their loans through the federal program. In reality, these sites are not affiliated with any federal agency and are run by private, for-profit companies looking to charge fees for their services and/or capture homeowner's credit information.

Along with Internet scams, Congressman Carson also warned of fraudulent foreclosure rescue schemes that solicit homeowners over the phone or even in person by going door-to-door. Companies looking to take advantage of vulnerable families and individuals often use public records of foreclosure filings to target victims.

"It is unconscionable that these scammers would prey on innocent homeowners facing hardship," Congressman Carson said. "Constituents of the Seventh District and homeowners across our country need to know that there are several free resources available to help people through the mortgage modification and refinancing process.

"Bottom line is no one should have to incur modification fees or counseling fees to successfully lower their mortgage payment through the Making Home Affordable program."

To fight these unscrupulous acts, Congressman Carson has singed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 1231, the Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Act of 2009, which aims to combat many financial scams aimed at victimizing homeowners facing foreclosure.

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