Be Cautious of FHA Job and Refund Offers
The Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, is warning consumers about two separate offers that are going around.
One is a work-at-home offer to become a “Refund Tracer.” Consumers report getting job offer postcards in the mail from companies boasting high starting pay and benefits to process government insurance FHA refund notices.
On its Web site, HUD reminds consumers that the Department does not have a financial relationship with third party tracers nor does HUD authorize disclosure of a homeowner’s information other than that which is available under the Freedom of Information Act.
HUD is also warning consumers to be careful about any literature or soliciations stating that a chance in HUD’s, FHA’s or the government’s policy will prevent you from receiving your FHA refund and that you should call their office immediately.
You should be aware that there are firms that might claim that you must refinance your loan in order to qualify and/or quote some large refund available to you if you refinance your loan with their firm.
If you are unsure whether your loan was FHA, you can call HUD toll-free at 1-800-697-6967 and provide your name and property address, or you may contact HUD at sf_premiums@hud.gov.
Consumers also report being contacted by individuals offering to help them collect their FHA refund for a fee. HUD reminds consumers that they don’t need to hire someone to collect their money. You can get your refund money directly from HUD for free.
For more information, visit HUD’s Web site at www.hud.gov and click on “FHA Refunds” from the menu on the left side of the home page.
Found here.
Sphere: Related Content
May 25th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
I just received a call on my cell phone today saying that I could process goverment FHA refunds….get the package for
only 69.00…….only option was to leave your full name and phone number and they would return your call in 10 minutes…perhaps a identy scam? Nobody called…..also when you try and call the number back you get a recording to call another number….the number that called me was 503-334-3920…the number I was suppose to call for more recorded information was 888-225-0068
July 16th, 2007 at 11:01 am
I received one of these calls as described by Trish just within the past hour. An offer to process government FHA refunds with the suggestion that income could amount to as much as $38,943 per year. The calling number was 512-404-1292, When I called it back, I simply got the same recorded message. I did not leave my name or phone number — instinct told me that this might just be a scam.
July 30th, 2007 at 11:39 am
I was on the computer when this call came in 512-404-1292 I tried to google it and this is what I found. Thanks. I thought it was a creditor. Just might try this more often. Thanks for the warning. and no message was left.
August 7th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
I received the same phone call a few minutes ago. My caller ID showed “VOICETEXT” and the number was 512 404 1292. It was a catchy one but my instinct was to look it up in Google first and it brought me to this page.
I’m so glad to have followed my instinct. Thanks for the warning :)
August 9th, 2007 at 9:50 am
I just received a call from 512-404-1292 a few minutes ago. My caller ID also said “VOICETEXT”.
The recording of the woman’s voice wasn’t even good…very staticy (sp). She was saying she’s been trying to get a hold of me about a career opportunity in government taxes.
This just didn’t seem right. I hung up and didn’t press 1.
Just called back because I wanted my husband to hear it.
August 10th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
I just received a call on my cell phone today saying that I could process goverment FHA refunds….get the package for
only 69.00…….only option was to leave your full name and phone number and they would return your call in 10 minutes…perhaps a identy scam? Nobody called…..also when you try and call the number back you get a recording to call another number….the number that called me was 971-285-3130…the number I was suppose to call for more recorded information was 888-225-0068