Foreclosure Predators--Watch out!

Beware of foreclosure predators. Those who are trying to take advantage of the fear that's still prevalent surrounding foreclosures. People who prey on others' fears and perhaps lack of information regarding their house payments.

I received a letter in the mail today that begins, "Records indicate that you are currently in default on your mortgage. Your lender may be in the process of foreclosure proceedings." It's a very official looking letter. They have my address, they refer to the government stimulus act, they make it look similar to an IRS form. They provide sample payments that their plan can get me and give me a 1-800 number to call or a website to visit.

It's easy for me to see how an elderly person or widow or anyone who may not be completely up to date with their finances could be fooled by this letter and sent into a panic. This kind of thing drives me nuts. Far too often in my business now I'm encountering folks who are fearful about the housing market, and folks like this choose to prey on that fear rather than do something worthwhile with their lives.

Please, if you get a notice like this, call a local Realtor or mortgage professional first. Don't become a victim of these jerks. Fear isn't a good decision maker.