Watch Out For Masquerading "Non-Profit" Organizations Promoting "HOPE"
In Washington, Connecticut, the Hartford Courant's CT Watchdog blog posts this letter from a reader:
- I recieved a letter from H.O.P.E (Homeownership Protection Education Alliance INC). I called the number and talked to a Gentleman [...]. He started off by telling me they are a non profit agency that helps homeowners trying to keep there [sic] homes from foreclosure. I became suspicious after he told me they could help me but it would require a $1900.00 donation. Then he asked for my social security number and banking information. I did not give him the information, I told him I would call him back.
For more, see Washington residents figures out H.O.P.E. spells SCAM.
Postscript:
The Connecticut Attorney General announced this week an investigation into the activities of a firm called H.O.P.E Alliance in response to consumer complaints against it alleging phony offers of loan modification, foreclosure rescue help while masquerading as a legitimate non-profit organization. See Blumenthal, Courtney Warn About Harmful Mortgage Rescue Deals Hitting Connecticut.
5 comments:
If this company is claiming to be located in Tampa, Florida or Cheyenne, Wyoming then yes be very careful. There is a company going by the name Homeownership Protection Education Alliance and is a non-profit that mails letters to attract potential clients. The company was formed after a lawsuit was filed against the previous company Law & Associates, LLC. by the Florida Attorney General. You may check out the official press release from the Florida Attorney General at: http://myfloridalegal.com/__852562220065EE67.nsf/0/4261B25DFED0952A85257420006D7FA3?Open&Highlight=0,law,associates
If you have been a victim of this company you may call the Florida Attorney General's hotline at 1-866-966-7226
I also received a letter from this company going by the name Homeownership Protection Education Alliance. The gentleman said they were located in Cheyenne WY. I was told in order to receive their services a $1700 donation was required and I could set up payment plans. I became suspicious when he asked me for my mailing address, especially when they were the ones who sent me the letter.Also their services sounded too easy and too good to be true, but extremely convincing.
Charlotte,NC
Anonymous,
I also received a letter from this organization. I went on line and filled out phony information on my identity, and sure enough it would not let me go any further, it said some would call me. I did this once before and got 20 or 30 telephone calls and e-mails. These people who call get nasty when you say you are not interested, and will call you back if you hang up on them saying you are rude. It is unbelievable that people can be so cruel. Here you are in financial trouble and you have to watch out for people who are going to scam you out of money. This is outrageous! Only in America!
Same situation, I got a letter and called and spent almost an hour on the phone with them, they said they were a non for profit organization but required a $1700 donation to take the case and I pretty much got off the phone immediately and told them I would get back to them and investigated to find all this out!! BEWARE!
I received a letter from H.O.P.E Alliance in October. I contacted the company to see what they had to say and spoke to a very pushy and rude older woman who made it seem like they could do wonders and all for a tax deductable donation of $1600. I said I would call her back and she became rude and pushy. Making it seem that i I didn't go with the company I wouldnt get anywhere with my mortgage company. I became suspicious and researched the business where I found multiple complaints. Im glad I had the knowledge to look it up first or I may have become another victim.
Post a Comment