Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard warns consumers to watch out for these loan modification red flags. If you’re looking for foreclosure prevention help, beware of any business that:

• guarantees to stop the foreclosure process – no matter what your circumstances.
• offers to make your loan more affordable and help you avoid foreclosure.
• instructs you not to contact your lender, lawyer, or credit or housing counselor.
• collects a fee before providing you with any services.
• accepts payment only by cashier’s check or wire transfer.
• encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time.
• tells you to make your mortgage payments directly to it, rather than your lender.
• tells you to transfer your property deed or title to it.
• offers to buy your house for cash at a fixed price that is not set by the housing market at the time of sale.
• offers to fill out paperwork for you.
• pressures you to sign paperwork you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand.

Download the complete “Avoiding Loan Modification and Foreclosure Scams” brochure in English or Spanish.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, visit www.azag.gov and click on “File a Complaint,” email consumerinfo@azag.gov