SENATOR MARTINEZ WARNS OF FORECLOSURE PREVENTION COPYCAT GROUPS

The announcement that some owners are falling prey to predatory practices yet again is one that causes me to shake my head in disappointment.  The first time these people fell prey was when many of them purchased homes that they were not truly qualified for and again now by groups looking to make a profit by "helping" those that are already struggling with paying their mortgage.

September 5, 2008 -

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today warned Floridians seeking foreclosure prevention assistance to be careful who they call for help. So-called copycat groups have set up toll-free telephone numbers that are nearly identical to the foreclosure assistance hotline established by the nonprofit Homeowners Preservation Foundation in alliance with the HOPE NOW coalition. Unlike the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline, the copycat groups charge for their services and may steer people to unscrupulous lenders.

"The foreclosure crisis has a number of families seeking assistance so they can avoid losing their home. Nonprofit groups are helping educate homeowners about their options free of charge. Unfortunately, copycat groups are ensnaring people seeking help and steering them to expensive and sometimes fraudulent services," said Martinez. "I would encourage people seeking foreclosure counseling to make certain they're contacting a HUD-approved member of the HOPE NOW Alliance and that counseling services will be provided free of charge."

The phone number for the Homeowners HOPE Hotline is 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

This week, Senator Martinez sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin asking that copycat phone numbers be reassigned because of the confusion and distress copycat groups cause those seeking assistance. 

See more breaking news updates from US Senator Mel Martinez(FL) - Click Here

I find the above report on these unethical practices especially troubling in a month when I would think we would all be coming together as we remember the events of September 11th and strive to not just be better but to be the best we can be, both for ourselves, our country and for eachother.

Garren Grup, REALTOR

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