Mortgage settlement with banks sparks new scam

Hank Silverberg, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Scammers are trying to take advantage of the multi-state mortgage service settlement announced last week.

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said the calls and emails about scams began very soon after the settlement was announced. The scammers try and convince consumers that, for a fee, they can get some of that money announced in the settlement with major banks.

“It’s unbelievable how scammers prey on people who are vulnerable and have already been hurt,” said Cuccinelli’s spokesman, Brian Gottstein. “These people have no souls.”

Gottstein said folks who are eligible for money from the settlement will receive a formal letter from the bank involved informing them of their rights.

For those who get calls from scammers, Gottstein said, “Ignore it, hang up, never give your bank account information or any other personal information to someone who calls you.”

Those who think they may be eligible for settlement money can check the details at the Attorney General’s website.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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