Mortgage scams becoming more common

Scams perpetrated by people claiming to assist with modifying mortgages are showing up across the state, Kansas Attorney General Steve Six said.

He said Kansas should beware.

Telemarketing style phone calls are being made to people who are in the midst of foreclosure or delinquent on their mortgages, Six said. Some companies are going door-to-door to offer assistance. The service offered is for a several-hundred-dollar upfront fee followed by larger amounts of money based on the size of the loan modification.

Mortgage companies do not hire “modification specialists” or “foreclosure consultants,” Six said. If you choose to enter into an agreement to buy a modification service the law requires the company to provide you with a receipt that includes a written three-day right of cancellation, Six said.

If you make this type of transaction by phone the company must provide you with a receipt that includes a written three-day right of cancellation.

If you think you’ve been scammed, call the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-432-2310.