Consumer Alert: Be Careful of Scams Related to the Homeowner Assistance Fund!
January 11, 2022
Be Careful of Scams Related to the Homeowner Assistance Fund!
New York State has received $540 million in federal Homeowner Assistance Funds (HAF). Homeowners with a homeowner hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic can contact nyhomeownerfund.org or (844) 776-9423 to learn more about whether HAF funds or other programs can help them.
Applying for HAF is free. Thus, New York State Attorney General Letitia James is warning homeowners to be on guard against anyone charging a fee to apply for HAF or promising that they can make sure you will be awarded HAF money.
It is illegal to request upfront fees for mortgage assistance, which includes applying for HAF, loan modifications, forbearances and short sales. Even attorneys cannot request an upfront fee for mortgage assistance unless you and the attorney have entered into a contract to provide services (what is known as a “retainer”) and the attorney has filed a notice of appearance on your behalf in an active court case.
Additionally, no one can promise you HAF money. New York State’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), which will be in charge of HAF. Too often scammers promise certain results, take your money but then never submit an application on your behalf, leaving you worse off than you were before.
Homeowners will be able to apply for HAF on their own and for free with minimum document submission. You can learn more about how to apply by going to HCR’s website about HAF here: nyhomeownerfund.org.
If you need assistance with the HAF application or have questions about what other help is available, you can get FREE assistance by contacting New York State’s HomeOwner Protection Program (HOPP) hotline at (855) HOME-456 or (855) 466-3456. Or by visiting HOPP’s website: homeownerhelpny.com. For over a decade, the Attorney General has helped fund HOPP and works closely with HOPP advocates across New York State.
If you believe you have been contacted by a HAF or mortgage assistance scammer, please file a complaint with the Attorney General: ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds/Filing-a-Consumer-Complaint or call (800) 771-7755