Published by REALTOR Magazine on March 27, 2020
Freddie Mac says it will never reach out to consumers over the phone with a refinancing opportunity or a new loan.
Scam artists are reportedly using multiple methods, including spoofing tactics, to try to trick struggling homeowners with offers of financial aid.
As some homeowners struggle from the economic toll of the COVID-19 outbreak, scammers are looking to take advantage of those looking for help. They may call owners offering immediate relief from foreclosure or relief from making mortgage payments.
Freddie Mac has warned of a scam where borrowers receive fraudulent calls impersonating the mortgage financing giant in offering low interest rates and other false promises.
Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and many lenders are offering programs to help homeowners at this time, but those calls need to be initiated by the owner.
“Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID in an effort to disguise their identity while pretending to be someone else,”
~ Freddie Mac
“During times of distress, it is important to be on your guard against fraud schemes,” Freddie Mac says in a post.
Here are some tips from Freddie Mac to help homeowners avoid being scammed:
- If a call comes from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
- If you answer and receive a robocall, don’t press any numbers. Hang up.
- Never give out any personal, financial, or other sensitive information unless you’ve verified the caller is a legitimate source.
- Be cautious of numbers on your caller ID since scammers can make any name or number appear.
