Each depositor insured to at least $250,000 per insured bank

Fall 2010

Foreclosure Prevention Resources

The federal government's "Making Home Affordable" program helps qualified homeowners modify or refinance their mortgage to make monthly payments more affordable.

A reputable, non-profit housing counselor can help you assess your financial situation and work with your lender or loan servicer to try to avoid foreclosure. For referrals to counselors approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), options include:

• HUD at 1-800-569-4287 or www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm;
• The Homeowner's HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-4673 or www.995hope.org; and
• NeighborWorks America at www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org.

The FDIC's foreclosure prevention toolkit provides quick access to resources that can help prevent unnecessary foreclosures and stop foreclosure rescue scams.

Law enforcement agencies you can contact if you think you're a scam victim include the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-FTC-HELP or www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov), your state Attorney General (www.naag.org/attorneys_general) or your state, county or city consumer protection office (www.consumeraction.gov/state.shtml). Also, consider contacting an attorney to help you sort through your options and attempt to undo any damage.