HUD Launches Campaign to Shut Down Foreclosure Rescue Scams

On Monday, ""HUD"":http://www.hud.gov launched a new campaign in Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles called ""Know It. Avoid It. Report It.""

""The targeted operation"":http://www.hud.gov/preventloanscams aims to direct distressed homeowners to trusted resources and counselors for help to avoid foreclosure. It also solicits the support of homeowners

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in shutting down scammers who target the elderly, Hispanics, and African Americans.

In close cooperation with federal, state, local, and non-profit partners, HUD will provide education and outreach as well as anti-scam reporting tools, including a complaint form and hotline to report fraud or suspicious activity.

The public will receive information on scam artist red flags and fraud warning signs, and distressed homeowners can access resources for finding HUD-approved counselors and free housing workshops.

As part of its campaign, HUD will also publish the names of individuals and companies identified by law enforcement agencies who have allegedly committed loan modification fraud or foreclosure relief scams.

The hardest hit communities will have access to multilingual brochures, posters, flyers, and other outreach materials. Campaign details will go out via television, radio, print, mass transit, out-of-home advertising, and social media activity.