Warning about mortgage assistance scam

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Bucks County officials are warning residents about a mortgage assistance scam that is circulating through the mail during the holiday season.

Andrew Schweizer, of Langhorne, said he received a letter marked "FINAL NOTICE," and it offered to reduce his monthly mortgage payments and interest rate through what appeared to be a government program.

"It showed a very low mortgage rate of 2% and how much you can save," Schweizer said. "I was nervous. I thought I, like, had a bill or something I had to pay."

The mailing claimed to be connected to the Homeowner Assistance Fund under the COVID-19 Disaster Adjustment Programs. But when Schweizer brought the letter to the Bucks County Consumer Affairs office, director Michael Bannon confirmed it was fraudulent.

"Don't do it. It's a scam," Bannon said. "It's different. We haven't seen this in a while. Other residents have received the same letter. It's very alarming."

Bannon said the mailings appear convincing because they include personal details pulled from public records, such as a homeowner's name, address, and mortgage balance.

"These scammers are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at this," Bannon said. "They have some factual information that makes it seem legitimate."

Officials urge residents not to call the number listed or visit the personalized web link in the letter. Doing so could expose more personal information to scammers.

"I just didn't want anyone else to get affected by this," Schweizer said.

Consumers who receive similar mailings should contact their local consumer protection office and their mortgage company.

Authorities also recommend warning family members and neighbors, especially older adults who are frequently targeted.

Legitimate housing assistance resources

Bucks County residents seeking housing counseling, mortgage assistance, foreclosure prevention guidance, or first-time homebuyer education should use reputable, HUD-approved nonprofit organizations.

A trusted local resource is The Credit Counseling Center, which offers free or low-cost housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, debt management, and bankruptcy-related counseling.

Contact the center at 215-348-8003 or visit www.creditcounselingcenter.org.

Report suspicious mailings

Bucks County Consumer Protection encourages residents to report similar mailings to help monitor scams and warn the community.

Contact the office by phone at 215-348-6060, email consumerprotection@buckscounty.org, or online at www.BucksCounty.gov/ConsumerProtection.