As part of our Fair Housing work, WRO responds to complaints of potential discrimination in home lending and investigates systemic mortgage lending practices that may affect equal access to banking services and the establishment of credit. We work with residents who hold or are applying for mortgages who have potentially been affected by discriminatory lending practices. Our Fair Housing team receives, analyzes, and takes action on mortgage cases that exhibit such unfair lending practices as:

• Redlining practices (refusing to extend credit, or offering worse terms and conditions, to neighborhoods based on demographic characteristics);
• Reverse redlining (targeting certain racial or ethnic groups for mortgages they cannot afford or with predatory terms and conditions);
• Selective encouragement or discouragement of potential borrowers based on protected bases;
• Disparate treatment in the marketing and maintenance of bank-owned (REO) properties.

Additionally, WRO’s Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program educates consumers about the dangers of subprime mortgages and other predatory instruments. Finally, our counselors assist distressed homeowners who have been the subject of unfair lending practices by working with them to obtain modifications or other resolutions and providing rescue funds when such financial aid is warranted and available from grant resources.

The Federal Government Advises: Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams

Real Help Is Free!

Foreclosure rescue and mortgage modification scams are a growing problem that could cost you thousands of dollars, or even your home.

Scammers make promises they can’t keep, such as guaranteeing they will “save” your home or lower your mortgage, usually for a fee. They often pretend to have direct contact with your mortgage servicer, which they do not.

Beware of anyone who asks you to pay a fee in exchange for counseling services or the modification of a delinquent loan.

Beware of people who pressure you to sign papers immediately or try to convince you that they can “save” your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house.

Do not sign over the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to have your debt forgiven.

Never make a mortgage payment to anyone other than your mortgage company without that company’s approval.

If you think you’ve been scammed, file a complaint today.