MORTGAGE RESCUE FRAUD: WHY CHOOSE SCAMS OVER CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY?
More sad news for distressed homeowners recently. Mortgage foreclosure scams are still prevalent and still costing people their homes. Two recent articles point out the dangers associated with these scams:
Unfortunately, the story is all too familiar: A family is in danger losing their home and turn to the internet for help. Up pop slick looking websites with promises to save your home. The sites may even have a legal firm sounding name. The pitches are varied and based on land trusts, class actions against mortgage companies, forged notaries, etc. Any of these things are promised to the family as a way that the foreclosure will be stopped and the home saved, maybe even cancelling the mortgage completely. Just give us $1,500.00 to get started and a monthly fee after that payment for as long as the home is tied up in foreclosure.
As seen by the above articles, too many families are falling victim to the scams and losing millions in monetary damages and homes. The thought of saving a home through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is rarely brought up by the family once they are ensnared by the scammers. However, the Chapter 13 process is generally cheaper and certainly more likely to save their home than a mortgage rescue scam.
Chapter 13 in Jacksonville Court involves a legitimate mortgage modification program. The Court expects a good faith trial payment while the modification is being pursued. The Bankruptcy Judge is available to force a mortgage company to participate in the process if it is ignoring the homeowner. Finally, a dedicated website is used for all documents submitted. No more sending in the same document 10 times with no success. Over the last few years, the program has saved hundreds of homes in the Jacksonville area.
If you are serious about saving your home, then consider a Chapter 13 modification. Don’t fall victim to the next mortgage rescue scam and lose your chance.
At Mickler & Mickler, we attend Court on a regular basis. We have the experience and knowledge to ensure that you receive the correct advice when confronted with difficult financial decisions related to filing bankruptcy. Contact us at 904.725.0822 or bkmickler@planlaw.com.
Bryan K. Mickler
