CINXE.COM
Avoiding Fraud
<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="description" content="Learn about how to identify mortgage fraud and some common predatory scams to watch out for." /> <meta name="keywords" content="Mortgage fraud, mortgage scams, rental fraud" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://myhome.freddiemac.com/getting-help/avoiding-fraud" /> <link rel="image_src" href="https://freddiemac.widen.net/content/9zijgqgtog/jpeg/CC_MH_15647_help_avoid_fraud.jpg" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://myhome.freddiemac.com/getting-help/avoiding-fraud" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Avoiding Fraud" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Learn about how to identify mortgage fraud and some common predatory scams to watch out for." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://freddiemac.widen.net/content/ce9dneo3gv/png/CC_MH_15467_getting-help.jpg" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Learn about how to identify mortgage fraud and some common predatory scams to watch out for." /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@FreddieMac" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Avoiding Fraud" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://freddiemac.widen.net/content/ce9dneo3gv/png/CC_MH_15467_getting-help.jpg" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#8CC152" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <link rel="icon" href="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <title>Avoiding Fraud</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/files/css/css_8RwbL4u16783g5pOCnd51k8389jPVg8-UdPfV5h63uI.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=myhome_theme&include=eJxVzEEKAyEMBdALyXik4TsGtU0mIVGot283pXT7Fi92TJJcEJRkdxU6ZyehPLfRc8x_bKwFnC51ytWXgQ888EoGR3NYjy__5Fi3rcIjOtXUVBt_NscdjKme64iLMYT8De8JNtM" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/files/css/css_aoWaNV1UbF0tIvtaUpYvFjVQ3t_Dvis7jjBrKRpMB7I.css?delta=1&language=en&theme=myhome_theme&include=eJxVzEEKAyEMBdALyXik4TsGtU0mIVGot283pXT7Fi92TJJcEJRkdxU6ZyehPLfRc8x_bKwFnC51ytWXgQ888EoGR3NYjy__5Fi3rcIjOtXUVBt_NscdjKme64iLMYT8De8JNtM" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://use.typekit.net/izj2zwr.css" /> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/31","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"csp":{"nonce":"Ca8rOKdNyY7v-h2ge5Igdg"},"gtm":{"tagId":null,"settings":{"data_layer":"dataLayer","include_classes":false,"allowlist_classes":"google\nnonGooglePixels\nnonGoogleScripts\nnonGoogleIframes","blocklist_classes":"customScripts\ncustomPixels","include_environment":false,"environment_id":"","environment_token":""},"tagIds":["GTM-KZFS9PD"]},"gtag":{"tagId":"","consentMode":false,"otherIds":[],"events":[],"additionalConfigInfo":[]},"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJxVyVEKxCAMRdENiS6pxBqinaSRRKHufvo1gz8P7nmkSozHAEr0TqC9I1zw7Ci_NLidYail0vxkaIIWZFWV96womE41PC7fkVgz8G5jdfy0EToYkEGvnorNDhz_EufdZ-bmFUvw5QMlZXD8Ah69TG8","theme":"myhome_theme","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":[],"googleTranslatorDisclaimer":{"selector":".google-translator-switch","displayMode":"SIMPLE","disclaimerTitle":"Google Translate Disclaimer","disclaimer":"Automatic translation of this website is provided by Google Translate for informational purposes only. Freddie Mac does not ensure the accuracy of the translations provided by Google Translate. In the event of a discrepancy between the original English version and any translation provided by Google Translate, the original English version is the official version. Freddie Mac is not responsible for any errors or damages that result from the translations generated by the Google Translate function. ","acceptText":"Accept","dontAcceptText":"Do Not Accept","element":"\u003Cspan id=\u0022google_translator_element\u0022\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cscript src=\u0022\/\/translate.google.com\/translate_a\/element.js?cb=Drupal.behaviors.googleTranslatorElement.init\u0022\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\n"},"googleTranslatorElement":{"id":"google_translator_element","langcode":"en","languages":"zh-TW,en,tl,ko,es,vi","displayMode":"SIMPLE"},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"0a5c1cfc13fad1f9c66e351714139efbb988b9f0b19a877d01e80c24d271238c"}}</script> <script src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/files/js/js_W9IPAoJDMdsdUNHiTWpFAya56DcQDaKb3-LBkq_bp1s.js?scope=header&delta=0&language=en&theme=myhome_theme&include=eJxdyEEOgCAMBMAPEXkSWbEpkNYmLQf9vZ6MepzRs5lSmY2UMoutkKTvq-ZURiQ2Y7kTnHnql-C_FwwcTzr2EEzzvPWogq7kF0E8Lzo"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtm.js?sna4rv"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtag.js?sna4rv"></script> <script src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/files/js/js_AeIz8xKzYIT7YuHwmvihtMriCKqtxhXV-oHnsRRthC0.js?scope=header&delta=3&language=en&theme=myhome_theme&include=eJxdyEEOgCAMBMAPEXkSWbEpkNYmLQf9vZ6MepzRs5lSmY2UMoutkKTvq-ZURiQ2Y7kTnHnql-C_FwwcTzr2EEzzvPWogq7kF0E8Lzo"></script> </head> <body> <a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable"> Skip to main content </a> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-KZFS9PD" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <div class="layout-container getting-help"> <div class="ribbon-wrapper fluid-at-xlarge" id="ribbon"> <div id="ribbon-nav" class="grid-x ribbon-nav" data-toggler=".is-mobile-expanded"> <div class="cell auto"> <a id="mobile-ribbon-trigger" class="hide-for-xlarge menu-container" role="button" data-toggle="menu-container ribbon-nav" tabindex="0">Freddie Mac Home <div class="ribbon-icon"> <span class="icon-chevron-down accent-blue"></span> </div> </a> <span class="show-for-sr">View our other sites</span> <nav id="menu-container" aria-label="Our Other Sites" class="hide" data-toggler=".show-for-xlarge"> <div class="gutter-right-xlarge"> <ul id="ribbon-accordion" class="menu vertical xlarge-horizontal" data-responsive-menu="accordion xlarge-dropdown" data-multi-open="false" data-slide-speed="200" data-disable-hover="true" data-click-open="true"> <li role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="https://www.freddiemac.com" >Freddie Mac Home</a> </li> <li role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="https://sf.freddiemac.com/" >Single Family Division</a> </li> <li role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="https://mf.freddiemac.com/" >Multifamily Division</a> </li> <li role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="https://capitalmarkets.freddiemac.com" >Capital Markets Division</a> </li> <li role="none"> <a href="javascript:void(0);"><span class="show-for-sr">View sites for </span> Renters, Buyers and Owners <span class="icon-chevron-down accent-blue"></span> </a> <ul class="vertical menu ribbon-links"> <li> <a href="/resources/loanlookup"> <p>Do we own your mortgage?</p> <span>Find out if Freddie Mac owns your loan using our secured lookup tool.</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/renting/lookup"> <p>Did we finance your apartment?</p> <span>Use our lookup tool to see if Freddie Mac financed your apartment building.</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://creditsmart.freddiemac.com/"> <p>CreditSmart®</p> <span>Financial and homeownership education resources all about you.</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> <div class="cell shrink text-right align-self-middle"> <div class="translation-wrapper"> <div id="block-googletranslator"> <a href="#" class="notranslate google-translator-switch">Translate</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="top-menu" class="top-menu clearfix" style="display: none;"> <div class="grid-container gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x"> <div class="cell small-12 medium-10 large-6 medium-centered"> <div class="nav-search" id="nav-search"> <form role="search" class="position-relative" action="/search-results" method="get" accept-charset="utf-8"> <input id="mobile-search" name="query" type="search" placeholder="Site Search" aria-label="Search field" required="" maxlength="100"> <button type="submit" class="center-vertically search-button" aria-label="Search"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width:1.25rem; height:1.25rem" viewBox="0 -1.6 20 20"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#343434" stroke-width="2" transform="translate(2 1)"><circle cx="10" cy="7" r="7"></circle><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M4.5 12L0 16"></path></g></svg> </button> </form> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x"> <div class="cell small-12 medium-10 large-12 medium-centered"> <div class="flex-container flex-dir-column nav-hamburger-wrapper half-gutter-top text-center"> <nav class="gutter-bottom"> <button class="nav-hamburger-tile" type="button" data-toggle="nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper subnav-buying" id="hamburger-button-buying"> <p><img alt="Buying" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/buying.svg"></p> Buying </button> <button class="nav-hamburger-tile" type="button" data-toggle="nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper subnav-owning" id="hamburger-button-owning"> <p><img alt="Owning" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/owning.svg"></p> Owning </button> <button class="nav-hamburger-tile" type="button" data-toggle="nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper subnav-refinancing" id="hamburger-button-refinancing"> <p><img alt="Refinancing" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/refinancing.svg"></p> Refinancing </button> <button class="nav-hamburger-tile" type="button" data-toggle="nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper subnav-selling" id="hamburger-button-selling"> <p><img alt="Selling" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/selling.svg"></p> Selling </button> <button class="nav-hamburger-tile" type="button" data-toggle="nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper subnav-renting" id="hamburger-button-renting"> <p><img alt="Renting" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/renting.svg"></p> Renting </button> <button class="nav-hamburger-tile" type="button" data-toggle="nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper subnav-getting-help" id="hamburger-button-getting-help"> <p><img alt="Getting Help" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/getting-help.svg"></p> Getting Help </button> <button class="nav-hamburger-tile" type="button" data-toggle="nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper subnav-blog" id="hamburger-button-blog"> <p><img alt="Blog" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/blog.svg"></p> Blog </button> <button class="nav-hamburger-tile" type="button" data-toggle="nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper subnav-resources" id="hamburger-button-resources"> <p><img alt="Tools & Resources" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/resources.svg"></p> Tools & Resources </button> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="page-header" class="page-header"> <a class="inline-block logo-wrapper" href="/"><img alt="My Home by Freddie Mac homepage" src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/logo-my-home.svg" width="47" height="150"></a> </div> <div id="nav-menu" class="nav-menu"> <div class="float-right nav-buttons"> <button id="nav-menu-toggle" type="button" class="nav-menu-toggle" data-toggler="submenu-open"><span class="show-for-sr">Toggle </span> <span class="nav-menu-text nav-toggle-text">Menu</span><svg class="nav-menu-icon" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 21 18"> <g stroke-width="2" fill="none"> <line class="line bottom" x1="0" y1="9" x2="21" y2="9"/> <line class="line middle" x1="0" y1="9" x2="21" y2="9"/> <line class="line top" x1="0" y1="9" x2="21" y2="9"/> </g> </svg> </button> <button tabindex="-1" id="nav-search-toggle" type="button" class="nav-search-toggle" aria-hidden="true"><span class="nav-menu-text">Search</span><svg class="nav-search-icon" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 20 19"> <g fill="none" stroke-width="2" transform="translate(2 1)"><circle cx="10" cy="7" r="7"/> <path stroke-linecap="square" d="M4.5 12L0 16"/></g></svg> </button> </div> </div> <div id="submenu-wrapper" class="submenu-wrapper"> <nav id="desktop-menu" class="desktop-menu show-for-xlarge"> <ul role="list" class="menu weight-medium align-right"> <!-- I am block-myhome-theme-main-menu --> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative"> <a id="desktop-nav-buying" class="color-inherit desktop-nav buying" href="/buying"> Buying </a> </li> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative"> <a id="desktop-nav-owning" class="color-inherit desktop-nav owning" href="/owning"> Owning </a> </li> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative"> <a id="desktop-nav-refinancing" class="color-inherit desktop-nav refinancing" href="/refinancing"> Refinancing </a> </li> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative"> <a id="desktop-nav-selling" class="color-inherit desktop-nav selling" href="/selling"> Selling </a> </li> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative"> <a id="desktop-nav-renting" class="color-inherit desktop-nav renting" href="/renting"> Renting </a> </li> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative"> <a id="desktop-nav-getting-help" class="color-inherit desktop-nav getting-help" href="/getting-help"> Getting Help </a> </li> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative"> <a id="desktop-nav-blog" class="color-inherit desktop-nav blog" href="/blog"> Blog </a> </li> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative"> <a id="desktop-nav-resources" class="color-inherit desktop-nav resources" href="/resources"> Tools & Resources </a> </li> <li role="listitem" class="position-relative nav-buttons-desktop"> <a id="desktop-nav-search" href="/search-results" class="color-inherit desktop-nav search"> <span class="show-for-sr">Search</span> <svg class="nav-search-icon" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 20 19"> <g fill="none" stroke-width="2" transform="translate(2 1)"> <circle cx="10" cy="7" r="7"></circle> <path stroke-linecap="square" d="M4.5 12L0 16"></path> </g> </svg> </a> </li> </ul> </nav> <div role="menu" class="submenu buying" id="subnav-buying" data-toggler data-animate="slide-in-subnav slide-out-subnav" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="clearfix subnav-icons"> <button class="nav-icon float-left subnav-back" type="button" data-toggle="subnav-buying nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper" id="subnav-back-buying"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-left: 0; width:0.875rem; height:1.125rem" viewbox="0 0 30 40"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="4"/> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="38"/> </g> </svg> Back<span class="show-for-sr"> to previous menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <ul role="list" class="menu vertical no-margin-top half-gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <li role="listitem" class="overview-item"> <a class="block" href="/buying" title="Buying"> <div class="eyebrow"></div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Buying Overview</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/buying/what-can-you-afford" title="What can you afford"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 1 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>What can you afford</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/buying/down-payments-and-pmi" title="Down payments and PMI"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 2 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Down payments and PMI</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/buying/finding-your-team" title="Finding your team"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 3 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Finding your team</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/buying/finding-the-right-home" title="Finding the right home"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 4 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Finding the right home</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/buying/working-with-your-lender" title="Working with your lender"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 5 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Working with your lender</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/buying/making-your-offer" title="Making your offer"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 6 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Making your offer</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/buying/inspecting-and-appraising-your-home" title="Inspecting and appraising"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 7 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Inspecting and appraising</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/buying/closing-your-loan-when-buying" title="Closing your loan"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 8 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-buying.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Closing your loan</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div role="menu" class="submenu owning" id="subnav-owning" data-toggler data-animate="slide-in-subnav slide-out-subnav" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="clearfix subnav-icons"> <button class="nav-icon float-left subnav-back" type="button" data-toggle="subnav-owning nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper" id="subnav-back-owning"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-left: 0; width:0.875rem; height:1.125rem" viewbox="0 0 30 40"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="4"/> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="38"/> </g> </svg> Back<span class="show-for-sr"> to previous menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <ul role="list" class="menu vertical no-margin-top half-gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <li role="listitem" class="overview-item"> <a class="block" href="/owning" title="Owning"> <div class="eyebrow"></div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-owning.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Owning Overview</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/owning/your-responsibilities" title="Your responsibilities"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-owning.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Your responsibilities</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/owning/your-homes-value" title="Your home's value"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-owning.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Your home's value</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/owning/home-maintenance" title="Maintaining your home"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-owning.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Maintaining your home</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/owning/homeownership-costs" title="Homeownership costs"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-owning.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Homeownership costs</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div role="menu" class="submenu refinancing" id="subnav-refinancing" data-toggler data-animate="slide-in-subnav slide-out-subnav" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="clearfix subnav-icons"> <button class="nav-icon float-left subnav-back" type="button" data-toggle="subnav-refinancing nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper" id="subnav-back-refinancing"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-left: 0; width:0.875rem; height:1.125rem" viewbox="0 0 30 40"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="4"/> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="38"/> </g> </svg> Back<span class="show-for-sr"> to previous menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <ul role="list" class="menu vertical no-margin-top half-gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <li role="listitem" class="overview-item"> <a class="block" href="/refinancing" title="Refinancing"> <div class="eyebrow"></div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-refinancing.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Refinancing Overview</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/refinancing/planning-to-refinance" title="Planning to refinance"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 1 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-refinancing.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Planning to refinance</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/refinancing/costs-of-refinancing" title="Costs of refinancing"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 2 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-refinancing.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Costs of refinancing</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/refinancing/options-for-refinancing" title="Options for refinancing"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 3 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-refinancing.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Options for refinancing</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/refinancing/working-with-your-lender" title="Working with your lender"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 4 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-refinancing.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Working with your lender</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/refinancing/closing-your-loan" title="Closing your loan"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 5 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-refinancing.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Closing your loan</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div role="menu" class="submenu selling" id="subnav-selling" data-toggler data-animate="slide-in-subnav slide-out-subnav" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="clearfix subnav-icons"> <button class="nav-icon float-left subnav-back" type="button" data-toggle="subnav-selling nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper" id="subnav-back-selling"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-left: 0; width:0.875rem; height:1.125rem" viewbox="0 0 30 40"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="4"/> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="38"/> </g> </svg> Back<span class="show-for-sr"> to previous menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <ul role="list" class="menu vertical no-margin-top half-gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <li role="listitem" class="overview-item"> <a class="block" href="/selling" title="Selling"> <div class="eyebrow"></div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-selling.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Selling Overview</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/selling/working-with-your-agent" title="Working with your agent"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 1 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-selling.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Working with your agent</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/selling/costs-of-selling" title="Costs of selling"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 2 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-selling.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Costs of selling</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/selling/preparing-to-sell-your-home" title="Preparing to sell your home"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 3 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-selling.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Preparing to sell your home</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/selling/negotiating-offers" title="Negotiating offers"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 4 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-selling.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Negotiating offers</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/selling/closing-your-loan-when-selling" title="Closing your loan"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 5 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-selling.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Closing your loan</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div role="menu" class="submenu renting" id="subnav-renting" data-toggler data-animate="slide-in-subnav slide-out-subnav" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="clearfix subnav-icons"> <button class="nav-icon float-left subnav-back" type="button" data-toggle="subnav-renting nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper" id="subnav-back-renting"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-left: 0; width:0.875rem; height:1.125rem" viewbox="0 0 30 40"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="4"/> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="38"/> </g> </svg> Back<span class="show-for-sr"> to previous menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <ul role="list" class="menu vertical no-margin-top half-gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <li role="listitem" class="overview-item"> <a class="block" href="/renting" title="Renting"> <div class="eyebrow"></div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-renting.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Renting Overview</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/renting/what-can-you-afford" title="What can you afford"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 1 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-renting.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>What can you afford</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/renting/preparing-to-rent" title="Preparing to rent"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 2 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-renting.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Preparing to rent</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/renting/finding-the-right-rental" title="Finding the right rental"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 3 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-renting.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Finding the right rental</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/renting/applying-for-a-lease" title="Applying for a lease"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 4 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-renting.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Applying for a lease</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/renting/before-you-sign" title="Know before you sign"> <div class="eyebrow"> Step 5 </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-renting.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Know before you sign</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div role="menu" class="submenu getting-help" id="subnav-getting-help" data-toggler data-animate="slide-in-subnav slide-out-subnav" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="clearfix subnav-icons"> <button class="nav-icon float-left subnav-back" type="button" data-toggle="subnav-getting-help nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper" id="subnav-back-getting-help"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-left: 0; width:0.875rem; height:1.125rem" viewbox="0 0 30 40"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="4"/> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="38"/> </g> </svg> Back<span class="show-for-sr"> to previous menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <ul role="list" class="menu vertical no-margin-top half-gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <li role="listitem" class="overview-item"> <a class="block" href="/getting-help" title="Getting Help"> <div class="eyebrow"></div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Getting Help Overview</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/getting-help/assessing-your-situation" title="Assessing your financial situation"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Assessing your financial situation</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/getting-help/who-to-contact-for-help" title="Who to contact for help"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Who to contact for help</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/getting-help/options-to-stay" title="Options to stay in your home"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Options to stay in your home</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/getting-help/options-to-leave" title="Options to leave your home"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Options to leave your home</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/getting-help/natural-disasters" title="Help after a natural disaster"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Help after a natural disaster</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/getting-help/avoiding-fraud" title="Avoiding fraud"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Avoiding fraud</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/owning/borrower-notification-letter-faqs" title="Borrower notification letter FAQs"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Borrower notification letter FAQs</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div role="menu" class="submenu blog" id="subnav-blog" data-toggler data-animate="slide-in-subnav slide-out-subnav" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="clearfix subnav-icons"> <button class="nav-icon float-left subnav-back" type="button" data-toggle="subnav-blog nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper" id="subnav-back-blog"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-left: 0; width:0.875rem; height:1.125rem" viewbox="0 0 30 40"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="4"/> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="38"/> </g> </svg> Back<span class="show-for-sr"> to previous menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <ul role="list" class="menu vertical no-margin-top half-gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <li role="listitem" class="overview-item"> <a class="block" href="/blog" title="Blog"> <div class="eyebrow"></div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-blog.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Blog Overview</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/blog/financial-education" title="Financial Education"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-blog.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Financial Education</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/blog/homebuying" title="Homebuying"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-blog.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Homebuying</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/blog/homeownership" title="Homeownership"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-blog.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Homeownership</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/blog/refinancing" title="Refinancing"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-blog.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Refinancing</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/blog/rental-housing" title="Rental Housing"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-blog.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Rental Housing</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/blog/selling" title="Selling"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-blog.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Selling</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/blog/blog-archive" title="All Blogs"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-blog.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>All Blogs</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div role="menu" class="submenu resources" id="subnav-resources" data-toggler data-animate="slide-in-subnav slide-out-subnav" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="clearfix subnav-icons"> <button class="nav-icon float-left subnav-back" type="button" data-toggle="subnav-resources nav-menu-toggle submenu-wrapper" id="subnav-back-resources"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-left: 0; width:0.875rem; height:1.125rem" viewbox="0 0 30 40"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="4"/> <line x1="2" y1="21" x2="23" y2="38"/> </g> </svg> Back<span class="show-for-sr"> to previous menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <ul role="list" class="menu vertical no-margin-top half-gutter-top gutter-bottom"> <li role="listitem" class="overview-item"> <a class="block" href="/resources" title="Tools & Resources"> <div class="eyebrow"></div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Tools & Resources Overview</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/resources/calculators" title="Calculators & Worksheets"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Calculators & Worksheets</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/resources/quizzes" title="Quizzes"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Quizzes</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/resources/glossary" title="Glossary"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Glossary</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/resources/brochures" title="Brochures"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Brochures</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/resources/working-with-freddie-mac-borrower-help-centers" title="Borrower Help Centers"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Borrower Help Centers</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/resources/renter-resource-organizations" title="Renter Resource Organizations"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Renter Resource Organizations</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/resources/creditsmart" title="CreditSmart"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>CreditSmart</div> </a> </li> <li role="listitem"> <a class="block" href="/myhome-subscription" title="Subscribe to My Home"> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div class="float-right" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-resources.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Subscribe to My Home</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="submenu search show-for-xlarge" id="subnav-search" style="display: none;" tabindex="-1"> <div class="grid-x gutter-top"> <div class="cell large-9 large-centered gutter-top"> <div class="nav-search" id="nav-search-desktop"> <form role="search" class="position-relative" action="/search-results" method="get" accept-charset="utf-8"> <input class="desktop-search" name="query" type="search" placeholder="Type search entry..." aria-label="Search field" required="" maxlength="100"> <button type="submit" class="center-vertically search-button" aria-label="Search"><svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width:1.25rem; height:1.25rem" viewBox="0 -1.6 20 20"> <g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#343434" stroke-width="2" transform="translate(2 1)"> <circle cx="10" cy="7" r="7"></circle> <path stroke-linecap="square" d="M4.5 12L0 16"></path> </g> </svg></button> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="content-wrapper" class="content-wrapper clearfix"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> <main role="main"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="layout-content"> <div id="block-myhome-theme-content"> <div class="content"> <div class="hero-wrapper "> <div class="hero"> <div class="hero-background" style="background-image: url(https://freddiemac.widen.net/content/9zijgqgtog/jpeg/CC_MH_15647_help_avoid_fraud.jpg?); background-position: 26% 50%;"> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="nav-contextual-wrapper half-gutter-top gutter-bottom show-for-large"> <nav class="text-center nav-contextual" role="navigation"> <a id="getting-help-assessing-your-situation-tile" href="/getting-help/assessing-your-situation" class="nav-tile"> <div class="eyebrow gutter-bottom"> </div> <div>Assessing your financial situation</div> </a> <a id="getting-help-who-to-contact-for-help-tile" href="/getting-help/who-to-contact-for-help" class="nav-tile"> <div class="eyebrow gutter-bottom"> </div> <div>Who to contact for help</div> </a> <a id="getting-help-options-to-stay-tile" href="/getting-help/options-to-stay" class="nav-tile"> <div class="eyebrow gutter-bottom"> </div> <div>Options to stay in your home</div> </a> <a id="getting-help-options-to-leave-tile" href="/getting-help/options-to-leave" class="nav-tile"> <div class="eyebrow gutter-bottom"> </div> <div>Options to leave your home</div> </a> <a id="getting-help-natural-disasters-tile" href="/getting-help/natural-disasters" class="nav-tile"> <div class="eyebrow gutter-bottom"> </div> <div>Help after a natural disaster</div> </a> <a id="getting-help-avoiding-fraud-tile" href="/getting-help/avoiding-fraud" class="nav-tile is-active"> <div class="eyebrow gutter-bottom"> </div> <div>Avoiding fraud</div> </a> <a id="owning-borrower-notification-letter-faqs-tile" href="/owning/borrower-notification-letter-faqs" class="nav-tile"> <div class="eyebrow gutter-bottom"> </div> <div>Borrower notification letter FAQs</div> </a> </nav> </div> <div class="gutter-left gutter-right hide-for-large nav-mobile-wrapper clearfix"> <a id="contextual-dropnav-trigger" class="block nav-mobile-label text-center" data-toggle="contextual-subnav" aria-controls="contextual-subnav" data-is-focus="false" data-yeti-box="contextual-subnav" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false"> <span id="contextual-dropnav-label">Avoiding fraud</span><br> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width:1.25rem; height:1.25rem" viewbox="0 0 50 50"> <g stroke-width="4" fill="none" class="stroke-contrast"> <line x1="2" y1="14" x2="25" y2="35"></line> <line x1="48" y1="14" x2="25" y2="35"></line> </g> </svg> </a> </div> <div class="subnav-wrapper clearfix hide-for-large"> <nav id="contextual-subnav" class="dropdown-pane has-position-bottom has-alignment-left" data-dropdown="mjl6xk-dropdown" role="navigation" aria-labelledby="contextual-dropnav-trigger" aria-hidden="false" data-yeti-box="contextual-subnav" data-resize="contextual-subnav" data-events="resize" style="top: -22px; left: 0px;"> <ul class="menu vertical"> <li id="getting-help-assessing-your-situation-mobile" class=""> <a id="getting-help-assessing-your-situation-dropdown" class="block" href="/getting-help/assessing-your-situation" title=""> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="float-right"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Assessing your financial situation</div> </a> </li> <li id="getting-help-who-to-contact-for-help-mobile" class=""> <a id="getting-help-who-to-contact-for-help-dropdown" class="block" href="/getting-help/who-to-contact-for-help" title=""> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="float-right"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Who to contact for help</div> </a> </li> <li id="getting-help-options-to-stay-mobile" class=""> <a id="getting-help-options-to-stay-dropdown" class="block" href="/getting-help/options-to-stay" title=""> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="float-right"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Options to stay in your home</div> </a> </li> <li id="getting-help-options-to-leave-mobile" class=""> <a id="getting-help-options-to-leave-dropdown" class="block" href="/getting-help/options-to-leave" title=""> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="float-right"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Options to leave your home</div> </a> </li> <li id="getting-help-natural-disasters-mobile" class=""> <a id="getting-help-natural-disasters-dropdown" class="block" href="/getting-help/natural-disasters" title=""> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="float-right"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Help after a natural disaster</div> </a> </li> <li id="getting-help-avoiding-fraud-mobile" class="is-active"> <a id="getting-help-avoiding-fraud-dropdown" class="block" href="/getting-help/avoiding-fraud" title=""> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="float-right"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Avoiding fraud</div> </a> </li> <li id="owning-borrower-notification-letter-faqs-mobile" class=""> <a id="owning-borrower-notification-letter-faqs-dropdown" class="block" href="/owning/borrower-notification-letter-faqs" title=""> <div class="eyebrow"> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="float-right"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/icons/arrow-getting-help.svg" alt=""> </div> <div>Borrower notification letter FAQs</div> </a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="breadcrumb-wrapper"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x"> <div class="large-12 cell"> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x"> <div class="large-8 medium-10 medium-centered cell"> <nav class="text-center" aria-label="You are here:" role="navigation"> <ol class="breadcrumbs inline-block" vocab="http://schema.org/" typeof="BreadcrumbList"> <li property="itemListElement" typeof="ListItem"> <a property="item" typeof="WebPage" href="/"> <span property="name">Home</span> </a> <meta content="1" property="position" /> </li> <li property="itemListElement" typeof="ListItem"> <a property="item" typeof="WebPage" href="/getting-help"> <span property="name">Getting Help</span> </a> <meta content="2" property="position" /> </li> <li> <span class="show-for-sr">Current:</span> Avoiding fraud </li> </ol> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="share-widget-wrapper hide-for-print"> <div id="share-widget" class="share-widget" data-toggler=".share-open"> <div class="uppercase rotate hide-for-medium"> <a class="color-inherit" data-toggle="share-widget" href="javascript:void(0);">share</a> </div> <div class="uppercase rotate show-for-medium">share</div> <div class="share-links text-center"> <a class="social-twitter" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet/?text=https://myhome.freddiemac.com&via=freddiemac" aria-label="share on twitter"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width:1.5625rem;height:1.3125rem" viewbox="0 0 25 25"> <path d="m14.8 10.6 9-10.6h-2.2l-7.8 9.2L7.4 0H.2l9.5 13.9L.2 25h2.2l8.3-9.7 6.7 9.7h7.3l-9.9-14.4zm-3 3.5-.9-1.4L3.2 1.6h3.3l6.2 8.9.9 1.4 8.1 11.6h-3.3l-6.6-9.4z"/> </svg> </a> <a class="social-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://myhome.freddiemac.com" aria-label="share on facebook"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width:0.6875rem;height:1.5625rem" viewbox="0 0 11 25"> <path d="M10.494 4.18S6.72 2.742 6.72 5.67v2.214h3.683l-.327 3.657H6.72V24H2.21V11.541H0V7.884h2.21V4.038S2.163 1.068 5.87.213C8.47-.39 11 .478 11 .478l-.506 3.703z"/> </svg> </a> <a class="social-linkedin" data-location="http://www.freddiemac.com" href="https://www.linkedin.com/" aria-label="share on linkedin"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width:1.5rem;height:1.5625rem" viewbox="0 0 24 25"> <path d="M2.955 5.657c1.842 0 2.99-1.24 2.99-2.79C5.91 1.285 4.796.08 2.99.08 1.182.08 0 1.284 0 2.868c0 1.549 1.147 2.789 2.92 2.789h.035zM.312 24h5.285V7.86H.312V24z"/><g transform="translate(8.000000, 8.000000)"><path d="M.013 16H5.23V7.284c0-.466.034-.933.172-1.266.377-.932 1.235-1.898 2.676-1.898 1.888 0 2.643 1.432 2.643 3.53V16h5.216V7.05c0-4.793-2.573-7.024-6.006-7.024-2.814 0-4.05 1.564-4.736 2.63h.035V.391H.013C.082 1.856.013 16 .013 16"/></g> </svg> </a> <a class="social-mailto" href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#58673a373c21650b30392a31363f7d6a68397d6a68343136337d6a68302c2c282b62777735213037353d763e2a3d3c3c313d35393b763b3735" aria-label="share via email"> <svg class="email-icon" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width:1.4375rem;height:1.5625rem" viewbox="0 -6 23 25"> <path d="M.58438113 1.92336043l4.16516983 3.76204879C9.81872345 10.23637999 11.3827609 11.5 11.94 11.5l.0608686-.0041748c.76218-.100621 2.8379824-2.0540277 10.4265313-9.52116323C22.4755803 2.14088495 22.5 2.31759071 22.5 2.5v12c0 1.1045695-.8954305 2-2 2h-18c-1.1045695 0-2-.8954305-2-2v-12c0-.20046961.02949463-.39405038.08438113-.57663957zM20.5.5c.1748239 0 .3444089.02243095.5060337.06457182l-2.2037301 2.16287676c-1.4876156 1.45380391-2.7553931 2.68218835-3.8030952 3.68493488l-1.3600055 1.29121672-.9616122.89311653c-.1113116.1017866-.2158461.19664199-.313585.28455058l-.4440896.39200576-.5090941-.41639415-.7229104-.61180981c-.3380784-.28952737-.72216527-.62225595-1.15198425-.99797185L7.24259867 5.22128865 4.2875924 2.57415536C3.58578763 1.94237455 2.83953239 1.26878644 2.04884464.55340631 2.19279445.51778736 2.34432.5 2.5.5h18z"/> </svg> </a> </div> </div> </div> <article class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x"> <div class="large-8 medium-10 medium-centered cell gutter-bottom"> <div class="text-center gutter-all-large"> <h1>Avoiding Fraud</h1> <p class="lead gutter-bottom">Unfortunately, during times of hardship people are often targeted by fraud artists.</p> <hr> </div> </div> <div class="large-8 medium-10 medium-centered cell"> <div> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--wysiwyg paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div><p>During times of crisis, there is an increased risk of scams and fraud. There are many organizations that can help you when facing financial problems or foreclosure, but it is more important than ever to make sure you are dealing with a reputable organization before getting involved. </p> <p>Any unsolicited help should be fully researched before accepting it. Protect yourself by asking questions, reading the materials provided to you and avoiding solicitations that require up-front cash payments.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <aside class="promo-themed"> <p>If you believe you’ve been contacted by a fraudster or have been a victim of fraud, call 1-888-995‐HOPE (4673) to report it immediately.</p> </aside> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--wysiwyg paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div><h2 class="section-header">How to identify mortgage fraud</h2> <p>Following are six red flags that may indicate you are dealing with fraud:</p> <ul> <li> <p>A company/person asks for a fee in advance to work with your mortgage company to modify, refinance or reinstate your mortgage.</p> </li> <li> <p>A company/person guarantees they can stop a foreclosure or get your loan modified.</p> </li> <li> <p>A company/person advises you to stop paying your mortgage company and pay them instead.</p> </li> <li> <p>A company pressures you to sign over the deed to your home or sign any paperwork that you haven't had a chance to read and you don't fully understand.</p> </li> <li> <p>A company other than your mortgage company claims to offer "government-approved" or "official government" loan modifications.</p> </li> <li> <p>A company/person you don't know asks you to release personal financial information online or over the phone.</p> </li> </ul> <h2 class="section-header">What’s happening today:</h2> <p>Here are some common predatory scams and other potential traps to watch out for:</p> <p><strong>“Call spoofing” scams:</strong> Caller ID or phone “spoofing” occurs 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 – often in order to get you to share your personal information over the phone. <a href="/blog/notable/20200325-avoiding-fraud-call-spoofing">Learn more</a>.</p> <p><strong>Foreclosure rescue fraud:</strong> In this scheme, someone may offer false promises of being able to save your home from foreclosure or guarantee a loan modification with a reduced mortgage payment. <a href="/blog/notable/20200402-avoiding-foreclosure-rescue-fraud">Learn more</a>.</p> <p><strong>Title scams:</strong> When someone offers to give you a loan or fast cash in exchange for taking over your mortgage and title. They may allow you to remain in your home as a renter and promise you that you can buy the home back once you are on your feet, but once the deed is transferred, there’s no guarantee that you’ll ever own the home again.</p> <p><strong>Post-disaster insurance scams:</strong> In the wake of a disaster, someone may offer you money immediately in exchange for money you will get later from the insurance company. You end up getting much less from the individual than the insurance company actually would have paid you or your home repair contractors directly.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <aside class="promo-themed"> <p>During times of distress, it is important to be on your guard against fraud schemes. If you are facing a financial hardship, contact your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) to discuss your options. </p> </aside> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <!-- End div class content. --> </div> </div> <aside class="card-wrapper"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x"> <div class="cell"> <div class="gutter-all background-white"> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x"> <div class="large-11 xlarge-10 cell large-centered gutter-top gutter-bottom-medium"> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x gutter-bottom"> <div class="cell text-center"> <h2>From Our Blog</h2> </div> </div> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x grid-padding-y gutter-bottom" data-equalizer data-equalize-on="medium"> <div class="cell medium-4"> <a class="color-inherit block" href="/blog/homeownership/20200402-avoiding-foreclosure-rescue-fraud"> <div class="card"> <div aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/files/styles/4x3_aspect_ratio/public/blog_avoiding_foreclosure-large.jpg?itok=fpRq7VAD" width="640" height="480" alt="woman calling someone about avoiding foreclosure rescue fraud" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="card-section background-concrete" data-equalizer-watch> <h3 class="h4 half-gutter-bottom"> Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Fraud</h3> <p class="half-margin-bottom">During times of financial hardship, remain especially aware of the common schemes of foreclosure rescue fraud and loan modification scams.</p> <p class="align-self-bottom"><span aria-hidden="true" class="arrow-text"><span>Read More</span></span></p> </div> </div> </a> </div> <div class="cell medium-4"> <a class="color-inherit block" href="/blog/rental-housing/struggling-pay-your-rent-know-your-options"> <div class="card"> <div aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/files/styles/4x3_aspect_ratio/public/blog_rent-support-large.jpg?itok=TDx0zBeT" width="640" height="480" alt="Renter on the phone" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="card-section background-concrete" data-equalizer-watch> <h3 class="h4 half-gutter-bottom">Struggling to Pay Your Rent? Know Your Options</h3> <p class="half-margin-bottom">If you are struggling to pay rent due to a financial hardship, there are several steps you can take to help keep a roof over your head.</p> <p class="align-self-bottom"><span aria-hidden="true" class="arrow-text"><span>Read More</span></span></p> </div> </div> </a> </div> <div class="cell medium-4"> <a class="color-inherit block" href="/blog/rental-housing/20181113-tips-to-help-you-avoid-renter-scam"> <div class="card"> <div aria-hidden="true"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/files/styles/4x3_aspect_ratio/public/blog_avoid-rental-scams-large_1.jpg?itok=LWe8ZSQ5" width="640" height="480" alt="Woman has cell phone conversation" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="card-section background-concrete" data-equalizer-watch> <h3 class="h4 half-gutter-bottom">6 Tips to Help Avoid Rental Scams</h3> <p class="half-margin-bottom">Although it is impossible to avoid encountering a fraudulent rental listing, following these tips can help ensure you don’t fall victim to a scammer.</p> <p class="align-self-bottom"><span aria-hidden="true" class="arrow-text"><span>Read More</span></span></p> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </aside> <div id="block-prevnextsteps"> <div class="next-step-wrapper"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x grid-padding-x"> <div class="cell small-11 small-centered medium-8 large-6 text-center"> <div class="next-step-label"> <div class="center-absolute"> <div class="eyebrow half-margin-bottom">Next </div> <div>Borrower notification letter FAQs</div> </div> <a aria-label="view previous page" class="float-left" href="/getting-help/natural-disasters"> <svg class="center-vertically" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="31" viewBox="0 0 18 31"> <path fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" d="M17.15 29.618L1.66 15.476 17.15 1.334"></path> </svg> </a> <a aria-label="view next page" class="float-right" href="/owning/borrower-notification-letter-faqs"> <svg class="center-vertically" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="31" viewBox="0 0 18 31"> <path fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" d="M.803 29.618l15.489-14.142L.802 1.334"></path> </svg> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <footer role="navigation" class="fatfooter hide-for-print"> <div class="footer-top grid-container fluid"> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell xlarge-3"> <div class="logo-wrapper"> <!-- TODO?: maybe move hyperlink and logo markup to a block and width to css--> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com"> <img src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/themes/site/myhome_theme/images/PrimaryLogo.svg" alt="Freddie Mac Home" width="197" height="70" style="width: 12.3125rem; height: 4.375rem;" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="cell xlarge-9"> <div class="grid-x grid-margin-x"> <div class="cell small-order-3"> <p class="footer-notice">These webpages are for general informational purposes only. Contact your lender, your financial advisor, and/or a housing counselor for advice or information related to your specific situation.</p> </div> <div class="cell medium-6 small-order-1"> <div class="grid-x grid-margin-x"> <div class="cell large-6"> <div class="footer-top-section"> <p class="weight-medium" id="block-localfootercolumn1-menu">My Home by Freddie Mac⁠<sup>®</sup></p> <p> <a href="/about-us" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6"> About My Home by Freddie Mac<sup>®</sup> </a> </p> <p> <a href="/getting-help" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/26"> Getting Help </a> </p> <p> <a href="/buying" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/141"> Buying </a> </p> <p> <a href="/owning" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/106"> Owning </a> </p> <p> <a href="/refinancing" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/226"> Refinancing </a> </p> <p> <a href="/selling" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/286"> Selling </a> </p> <p> <a href="/renting" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/301"> Renting </a> </p> </div> </div> <div class="cell large-6"> <div class="footer-top-section"> <p class="weight-medium" id="block-localfootercolumn2-menu">Resources</p> <p> <a href="/resources/loanlookup" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3741"> Mortgage Lookup Tool </a> </p> <p> <a href="/renting/lookup" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/366"> Rental Lookup Tool </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://creditsmart.freddiemac.com/"> CreditSmart<sup>®</sup> </a> </p> <p> <a href="/owning/borrower-notification-letter-faqs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/2081"> Borrower Notification Letter </a> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cell medium-6 small-order-2"> <div class="grid-x grid-margin-x"> <div class="cell large-6"> <div class="footer-top-section"> <p class="weight-medium" id="block-localfootercolumn3-menu">Our Company</p> <p> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/about"> About Freddie Mac </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/about/business"> Our Business </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/about/company"> Our Mission </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/media-room"> Media Room </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://careers.freddiemac.com/"> Careers </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/investors"> Investor Relations </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/about/people/suppliers"> Our Suppliers </a> </p> </div> </div> <div class="cell large-6"> <div class="footer-top-section"> <p class="weight-medium" id="block-localfootercolumn4-menu">Connect With Us</p> <p> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/about/contact-us"> Contact Us </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/about/connect-with-us"> Sign up for news, tips, and insights </a> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="footer-bottom grid-container fluid"> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell large-3 medium-4 small-order-2 medium-order-1"> <div class="copy-wrapper show-for-medium"> © 2024 <span class="no-wrap">Freddie Mac</span> </div> </div> <div class="cell large-9 medium-8 small-order-1 medium-order-2"> <ul class="flex no-bullet"> <li> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/terms" > Terms of Use </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/terms/privacy" > Privacy Policy </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/terms/state_privacy_notices" > State Privacy Notices </a> </li> <li> <a class="ot-sdk-show-settings" href="javascript:void(0);">Cookie Preferences</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/terms/state_privacy_notices#opt-out" class="plain icon-privacy" > Your Privacy Choices </a> </li> <li class="copy-wrapper hide-for-medium"> © 2024 <span class="no-wrap">Freddie Mac</span> <span class="show-for-sr">Follow us on social media</span> </li> <li class="icon"> <a aria-label="Facebook" class="connect-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/FreddieMac"> <svg viewBox="0 0 10 18" style="width:0.625rem;height:1.125rem;" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M2.5 6H0v3h2.5v9h4.167V9h3.035L10 6H6.667V4.75c0-.716.16-1 .929-1H10V0H6.827C3.83 0 2.5 1.187 2.5 3.461V6z" fill="#FFF" fill-rule="nonzero"/></svg> </a> <a aria-label="Follow us on Youtube" class="connect-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/freddiemac"> <svg aria-hidden="true" viewBox="0 0 26 18" style="width:1.625rem;height:1.125rem;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M13.456 0c.83.005 2.675.022 4.568.089l.569.021c1.893.077 3.737.207 4.565.426 1.119.296 2 1.167 2.299 2.274.48 1.776.536 5.262.542 6.035L26 8.99V9.154c-.007.774-.062 4.259-.543 6.035a3.239 3.239 0 01-2.3 2.274c-.827.219-2.671.349-4.564.426l-.569.021c-1.988.07-3.923.086-4.685.089h-.679a167.41 167.41 0 01-4.119-.07l-.566-.019c-2.082-.073-4.223-.206-5.133-.447a3.239 3.239 0 01-2.299-2.274C.063 13.413.007 9.928.001 9.154v-.309c.006-.773.061-4.259.542-6.035A3.238 3.238 0 012.842.536c.91-.24 3.05-.374 5.133-.447L8.541.07C10.228.02 11.797.005 12.544 0zM10 5v8l7-4-7-4z" fill="#FFF" fill-rule="evenodd"/></svg> </a> <a aria-label="LinkedIn" class="connect-link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/freddie-mac"> <svg aria-hidden="true" viewBox="0 0 18 18" style="width:1.125rem;height:1.125rem;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M14.25 0H3.75A3.75 3.75 0 000 3.75v10.5A3.75 3.75 0 003.75 18h10.5A3.75 3.75 0 0018 14.25V3.75A3.75 3.75 0 0014.25 0zM6 14H4V6h2v8zM4.5 5a1.5 1.5 0 110-3 1.5 1.5 0 010 3zM15 14h-2.4V9.924c0-2.449-3.2-2.263-3.2 0V14H7V6h2.4v1.284c1.117-1.88 5.6-2.02 5.6 1.8V14z" fill="#FFF" fill-rule="nonzero"/></svg> </a> <a aria-label="Twitter" class="connect-link" href="https://twitter.com/FreddieMac"> <svg aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 12 12" height="1em" style="fill:white;height:1.125rem; width:1.125rem;"> <path d="M1.7,0C0.7,0,0,0.7,0,1.7v8.6C0,11.2,0.7,12,1.7,12h8.6c0.9,0,1.7-0.8,1.7-1.7V1.7C12,0.7,11.2,0,10.3,0H1.7z M9.6,2.2 L6.9,5.4l3.3,4.3H7.6l-2-2.6L3.3,9.7H2l3-3.4L1.8,2.2h2.6l1.8,2.4l2.1-2.4H9.6z M8.6,9l-4.6-6H3.3l4.6,6H8.6L8.6,9z"/> </svg> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </main> </div> </div> </div> <script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script><script src="/sites/g/files/ynjofi136/files/js/js_FKxOMci4DmifLC3u-2WxPIg1XDMYc0N4Sk5Upk-ZP8s.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=myhome_theme&include=eJxdyEEOgCAMBMAPEXkSWbEpkNYmLQf9vZ6MepzRs5lSmY2UMoutkKTvq-ZURiQ2Y7kTnHnql-C_FwwcTzr2EEzzvPWogq7kF0E8Lzo"></script> </body> </html>