Scam artists stepping in to fleece the unwary
The dominant theme of the community foreclosure prevention meeting, held in Dorchester's Great Hall, was caution.
As the foreclosure crisis grows, so, too, do the number of people and organizations trying to turn social plight to their advantage.
Speaking to the audience, Veronica Truell, a foreclosure intervention specialist with the Codman Square Community Development Corporation, advised homeowners facing foreclosure to be wary of anyone offering help for a fee.
Truell said agencies that offered predatory loans until only weeks ago have, in some cases, refashioned themselves into "modification specialists," who will, for a steep price, help you change the terms of your loan.
Some homeowners have even been approached by people who said that, for a price, the foreclosure process could be stopped.
And some landlords have continued to collect rent after their properties were foreclosed on. Their tenants had no idea they would be forced to vacate until they received eviction notices from the properties' new owners.
Truell said that renters who suspect something is amiss can check with the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds to find out who currently owns their property.
In every instance, Truell said, homeowners should reject offers of assistance that are attached to a price until they have checked with one of the cities' nonprofit agencies to see if they can help for free.
The next foreclosure prevention meeting will be held Jan. 29 at the Mildred Avenue Middle School, 5 Mildred Ave., Mattapan, from 6 to 8 p.m.
To seek assistance with a foreclosure, contact:
Boston City Councilor Charles Yancey: 617-635-3131
Greater Boston Legal Services: 617-371-1234
Legal Services Center: 617-522-3003
Harvard Legal Aid Bureau: 617-495-4408
City Life/Vida Urbana: 617-524-3541 