Beware those who promise to rescue you from foreclosure for an upfront fee. These “loan modification companies” suggest they will act as a third party between the homeowner and the loan issuer and, very often, do no such thing. “There is simply no reason to pay for this service,” warns Michelle Jones, senior vice president of counseling for the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta. Recently the New York Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, announced he was suing one company, Amerimod, and investigating 14 others for deceptive practices. If you are having trouble meeting your mortgage payments, you can learn about the Obama loan modification program at MakingHomeAffordable.gov. You can also contact a HUD approved housing counselor. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling also offers advice for troubled homeowners.
Credit: New York Times article
