is the facop program legit or scam? Reviews and complaints

Understanding the Legitimate FACOP Program and Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Scams

The Federal Assistance Counseling and Outreach Program, also known as FACOP, provides a valuable service to homeowners who are struggling with mortgage payments and facing potential foreclosure. However, it’s important for homeowners to understand the program and avoid fraudulent schemes that mimic FACOP’s services. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the legitimate FACOP program and how to identify and avoid foreclosure rescue scams.

What is FACOP?

FACOP is a legitimate government program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. Through this program, qualified homeowners can access free foreclosure prevention counseling services from certified housing counselors.

FACOP counselors are trained to review a homeowner’s complete financial situation, create a workable budget, and explore viable alternatives to foreclosure. This includes helping homeowners apply for mortgage modifications, repayment plans, short sales, or other loss mitigation options.

The goal of FACOP is to help homeowners understand all of their options so they can make informed decisions about how to save their home from foreclosure, if possible. All counseling and advice provided through FACOP is free of charge.

FACOP Services

When working with a FACOP counselor, homeowners can expect the following types of free services:

• Financial review and budget creation: Counselors will thoroughly analyze income, expenses, debt, and other financial details to create a realistic household budget.

• Review of mortgage and loan documents: Counselors will examine mortgage statements, promissory notes, and other loan paperwork to fully understand the homeowner’s loan terms.

• Discussions about foreclosure alternatives: Counselors will explain options like loan modifications, repayment plans, short sales, deed-in-lieu, etc.

• Assistance applying for programs: Counselors can help with applications for programs such as HAMP, HARP, USDAs, and others.

• Negotiations with lenders: In some cases, counselors directly contact and negotiate with mortgage servicers on the homeowner’s behalf.

• Referrals for legal aid if needed: If legal issues arise, counselors can refer homeowners to trusted housing attorneys.

• Follow-up support: Counselors are available for ongoing guidance throughout the foreclosure prevention process.

The end goal is empowering homeowners to save their homes if reasonably possible. All interactions with FACOP counselors remain fully confidential.

Finding a Legitimate FACOP Counselor

To access FACOP’s free foreclosure counseling services, homeowners must connect with a counselor who is certified through HUD. There are two primary ways to find legitimate counselors:

1. Visit the HUD website at hud.gov/counseling and enter their zip code or address. This search tool will display contact info for nearby HUD-approved housing counseling agencies.

2. Call HUD’s interactive toll-free number at 800-569-4287. A phone representative can provide local agency referrals and help with the counseling process.

When contacting any agency, homeowners should confirm the counselor works directly with HUD and specializes in foreclosure prevention counseling. Be wary of agencies or individuals not listed on HUD’s official website.

Red Flags of Foreclosure Rescue Scams

Sadly, illegitimate operators know homeowners facing foreclosure are desperate for help. They exploit this vulnerability through fraudulent “rescue” schemes. Here are some telltale signs of a potential scam:

• Charging upfront fees: As mentioned, all legitimate FACOP counseling is strictly free of charge. Any company demanding payment upfront should raise red flags.

• Guarantees to save your home: No counselor or company can truly guarantee saving a home from foreclosure. Avoid those making unrealistic promises.

• Pressure tactics and fear mongering: Beware of high-pressure sales tactics, exaggerated urgency, or scare stories used to compel immediate action or payment.

• Requests for personal info without counseling: Legitimate counselors don’t randomly ask for Social Security numbers, bank account info, etc. without first providing counseling services.

• Fake government affiliation: Be on alert if a company implies working directly with or “for” government programs like FACOP when they have no legitimate affiliation.

• Unclear or nonexistent address: Reputable businesses should clearly list their full company address and contact info on all documentation.

• Focus only on loan modifications: While loan mods are an option, legitimate counselors explore the full spectrum of foreclosure alternatives based on the homeowner’s unique situation.

By understanding these common red flags, homeowners can identify unauthorized operators who should immediately be avoided. Contacting HUD directly is the best way to validate any organization claiming FACOP affiliation.

What To Do if You Suspect a Scam

If interaction with a foreclosure counseling agency or individual raises concerns about a potential scam, there are a few proactive steps homeowners should take:

• Contact HUD at once to verify the counselor’s certification status. HUD keeps an up-to-date record of all approved agencies.

• Report the details to state and local consumer protection agencies. They work to identify predators targeting struggling homeowners.

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Response Center by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at FTC.gov. This national agency monitors financial fraud.

• Consider contacting local news outlets if multiple consumers have been targeted or large sums of money are involved. Bad publicity can deter ongoing scams.

• Never provide any personally identifying or financial information to suspicious operators. Legitimate agencies don’t need this level of detail without first providing counseling.

By catching scams early and reporting all questionable activity, homeowners protect both themselves and others facing similar vulnerabilities from fraudulent practices. With diligence, the legitimate help of FACOP remains accessible.

In Summary

The Federal Assistance Counseling and Outreach Program legitimately assists homeowners facing foreclosure at no cost. However, it’s crucial for struggling owners to be aware fraudsters mimic these services as well. With a bit of research to confirm counselor certification and some skepticism of unsolicited offers, homeonwers can access the real help they need through FACOP without falling victim to predatory scams. By understanding the differences between legitimate programs and fraudulent operators, more families facing foreclosure may avoid financial harm and navigate their options with trusted guidance instead.