I got behind on my mortgage and I have been trying to work with the mortgage servicer to do a loan modification but it has been torture. I have been approached by a so-called mortgage rescue firm that wants me to pay my mortgage payments to them and then they will negotiate with my lender. They guarantee that they will get results. What do you think?

It is an unfortunate fact of life that when people get into desperate situations there are other unscrupulous people who will try to take advantage of it. The Government agencies are warning people such as yourself to be very cautious about dealing with any organization which promises to get your mortgage situation straightened out, particularly if they require any upfront payments or that you make your payments directly to them or suggest that the title to your house be transferred to them and they will rent it back to you and ultimately resell it to you at a later point. Those are all common scam routines used by unscrupulous people. Unfortunately when someone gets in your position you can start to feel desperate fairly easily and a reassuring voice and promises of ways to ease your pain are very attractive. The thing you have to remember about a con artist is that they would not succeed if they were not charming and believable. So you need to investigate  who you have a speaking with. I would suggest that you should be very cautious about checking out who the people are and the results they achieve. You should ask to speak to any of their prior customers so that you can try to verify what they're telling you is true. You have to remember that dealing with your mortgage company is the most direct, cheapest and effective way to determine whether or not you are entitled to a modification or a workout plan. There is no such thing as someone having a better ability to do it than you can yourself. One of the ways you can check on that organization is by calling the office of the Comptroller of Currency at 800-613-6743 one by sending an e-mail to customer.assistance@occ.treas.gov or by visiting www.HelpWithMyBank.gov . To find a legitimate housing or financial counselor contact the US Department of Housing and Urban Development at 800-569-4287 or 877-483-1515. You should do your best to verify the legitimacy of the person looking to help you so that you will not get into a position that's even worse than the one that you are in now. My best advise is do it your self and be persistent and keep a good paper/e-mail trail. Good luck!
 

If you have questions about this or any other legal matter, please contact Tom Bennett at (617) 531-6574 or tvb@barronstad.com.

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