Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation

 

Alert - Multistate Mortgage Servicer Settlement - Scam Phone Calls and E-mails - Advisory

 

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Maryland residents need to be cautious of scam phone calls or e-mails related to the recently announced multistate mortgage servicer settlement.

There have been reports of citizens receiving scam phone calls where the caller claims to possess a list of citizens who are eligible for money from the mortgage settlement. The caller requests the consumer's bank account number and alleges that he will direct deposit settlement money into the consumer's bank account. This is a scam!

The actual settlement involves the nation's five largest mortgage servicers, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, and Ally Bank/GMAC. Under the settlement, participating mortgage servicers are required to contact borrowers directly regarding loan modification options in some cases. However, borrowers need not wait to hear from the banks. They should, with the assistance of a housing counselor, contact their mortgage servicer to obtain more information about specific loan modification programs and whether they qualify under terms of this settlement.

Marylanders interested in learning more details can contact their housing counselor or call:

  • Maryland HOPE website or hotline at 1-877-462-7555
  • Maryland Office of the Attorney General: 410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023 toll free

Marylanders who make, or previously made, mortgage payments to one of the five mortgage servicers may also call special toll-free hotlines.

  • Wells Fargo: 1-800-288-3212
  • Bank of America: 1-877-488-7814
  • Citibank: 1-866-272-4749
  • JP Morgan Chase: 1-866-372-6901
  • Ally Bank/GMAC: 1-800-766-4622

As we learn more details about the eligibility requirements for the programs and relief available through the settlement, there will be updates on the Attorney General's website, the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation's website, and Maryland Hope. For information, you may also visit the National Mortgage Settlement website.

If you think you have been victimized by a scam call or e-mail please contact us to file a complaint at:

Commissioner of Financial Regulation
Attention: Consumer Services Unit
500 North Calvert Street, Suite 402
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

You can also fax to:
Attention: Consumer Services Unit
Fax number: 410-333-3866

Walk in Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Consumer Service Unit Phone Number: 410-230-6077
Main Telephone Number: 410-230-6100 or 888-784-0136

 
 
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