Part 2: How to avoid being scammed

Choose Confidence. Choose Experience.
Choose The Homeowner Defense Network.
© 2013 The Homeowner Defense Network

We understand this is a difficult time for you.
We know you are faced with endless conflicting and misleading
information from others, including your bank.
Once you understand the process and what your options are, you
can make a decision that best for you and your family.
We hope to be a resource you can trust time and time again.
It is prudent and our recommendation that you should always seek advice from an attorney or tax
professional with any questions you have regarding your property, financing, tax liability and/or foreclosure.
The HDN is not a loan modification company, foreclosure consultant or law firm and does not provide loan
modification products in California.
Congratulationson being proactive!

 The government can only do so much to prevent scams.
 More than 99% of people don’t know how to evaluate a company.
 Learn how to check out a company before hiring them.
 Find out if a company is right for you.
Sadly, you are at a high risk of being scammed.

 The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule (MARS) bans loan
mod companies from collecting upfront fees in all 50 states.
 MARS is a federal ruling, and state regulations may also apply.
 Most attorneys and loan mod products were made exempt.
 See the whole text here:
http://ftc.gov/os/fedreg/2010/december/R911003mars.pdf
Be aware of the laws.

Don’t be fooled or mislead!
 No one, including law firms, your bank, or the government, can
guarantee success of modifying your loan, let alone specific terms.
 Ultimately up to your lender to determine what programs you
qualify for, based on your financials, and which terms you’ll get.
 100% money back guarantees can be misleading if its difficult to
get your money back or if the company goes out of business.
Be wary of promises.

 Every verbal claim, is worthless unless it’s also in writing.
 Make note of all verbal claims and compare your notes to the
written agreement provided by the company.
 Make sure you understand the contract and what you are agreeing
to, not what the representative told you on the phone.
 You might find out the contract states there aren’t any refunds,
even if you were told otherwise.
Getit in writing.

 Deceptive mail looks official and tells you to act quickly before you
forfeit legal rights or government program deadlines.
 Looks similar to legitimate correspondence from your lender and
could even have your bank name and loan/account number on it.
 Scrutinize the letter and somewhere you see fine print that
discloses it’s an advertisement.
Be carefulof deceptive marketing.

 No one can guarantee how a judge will rule.
 If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
 Quiet the title of a property = get you a “free and clear home”
 California Dept. of Real Estate has warned consumers against
these strategies because the risks aren’t fully disclosed.
 “Mass Joinder” and "Mass Tort”
Watch out for recommendedlawsuits.

 Check with the Attorney General’s Office in your state to inquire if
there are any complaints on file.
 They may also be able to help you determine if the company should be
licensed or not to provide the services they are selling.
 Check to see if the attorney is licensed to provide legal service by
going to the website for the Bar association in the state.
Check for complaints and licenses.

 Complaints may or may not be real, valid or accurate but it won’t
take long for you to recognize a pattern of complaints.
 Not every customer is going to be happy. That’s a fact. But it’s how
the company handles those customers that’s more important.
 You want a company that will work hard to resolve any issue that
might arise, not get upset over it.
Use the internetto search for complaints.

 Businesses pay the BBB to be accredited and get graded.
 BBB is a non-profit, but their executives are prospering through
their grading system making $100,000 to $400,000+ per year.
 ABC 20/20 investigation exposed how companies can “pay to get
an A” and erase filed complaints.
 Disneyland, Wolfgang Puck, and Ritz Carlton Boston, all had F ratings.
“This rating system is unworthy of consumer trust or confidence.. and could be illegal because the failure to
disclose to consumers could well be deceptive and misleading.“
-Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut State Attorney General
Valid concernswith the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

 Non-accredited companies with high grades, may have earned it!
 Most critical parts of the online BBB report to consider:
 How long has company been in business?
 How many recent complaints?
 Any unanswered or unresolved complaints? If so, big red flag!
 Use the complaints you may find and the responses as an example
of the integrity and professionalism of the company.
What’s useful on the BBB website?

 Consumer advocates evaluate and test companies and firms so
you don’t get scammed by illegitimate and dishonest people.
 Most companies and firms will not provide you with what you
need to evaluate them or allow you to speak with their clients.
 Companies and firms are more likely to cooperate with a
consumer advocate because of their media and public influence.
Find your consumeradvocatetoday.

 Doug is a consumer advocate, investigative journalist, talk radio
show host, lecturer and author. He’s evaluated 700+ companies.
 Receives hundreds of calls and emails weekly from consumers.
 Experienced private investigator team that conducts background
investigations on the principles or owners of companies.
 Prior to sending money to any company or firm who claims they
can assist you take advantage of his 13 years of research .
Meet consumeradvocateDoug Johnson.

Frequently asked questions

 What do you offer?
 Besides relief, we offer education and proven programs so you can stay in
your home, get back on track and restore your credit. We will only move
forward with you as a customer if confident you will be successful.
 How much does this cost?
 The value of our programs vary, but we will provide you with a free income
and property analysis to determine if you are acceptable. Upon request, we
can also recommend law firms that would bill you direct for their services.
 Can I speak with your success stories?
 Yes of course! We also many recommendations and testimonials on our
website. First, so we don’t waste your time, let’s ensure you are acceptable.
Frequentlyasked questions

Our goal is for you to restoreyour financial
stabilityand discoverrelief.
Our contact information is:
info@TheHDN.org
619.MODIFY.8 (619.663.4398)
Call or text!
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST

Part 2: How to avoid being scammed

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Part 2: How to avoid being scammed