Weekly Fraud Alert: HUD Campaign Promotes Homeowner Scam Awareness
HUD has launched a new
campaign in Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles called “Know It. Avoid It. Report
It.,” a campaign that aims to direct homeowners facing foreclosure to trusted
resources and housing counselors, and to solicit the support of homeowners in
shutting down scammers who regularly target the elderly, Hispanics, and African
Americans. Both objectives will be pursued through education and
outreach, anti-scam reporting tools, and close cooperation with federal, state,
local, and non-profit partners.
Highlights of the Know
It. Avoid It. Report It. campaign include:
- Information on how to avoid becoming a victim
- Scam artist red flags and fraud warning signs
- Complaint form and hotline to report fraud or
suspicious activity
- Resources for finding HUD-approved counselors
and free housing workshops in every state
- Names of individuals and companies identified
by law enforcement agencies who have allegedly committed loan modification
fraud or foreclosure relief scams
- Education, outreach, and grassroots efforts in
hardest hit communities include:
- Multilingual brochures, posters, flyers, and
other outreach materials
- Television, radio, print, mass transit, and
out-of-home advertising
- Social media activity
More info...