Beware of Foreclosure Scams
Unfortunately, scam artists are preying on homeowners in crisis. Beware of any individual or organization that wants to charge you a fee to negotiate a refinancing or modification or who makes unrealistic promises that they can save your home. You do NOT have to pay any fees to take advantage of foreclosure prevention programs. You should work directly with your current lender/servicer. If you need help or advice, consult a HUD-certified housing counseling agency. The H.O.M.E. DuPage (Homeownership Money Education) is one local HUD-certified agency that offers free housing counseling services. Listing of additional agencies.
The Federal Trade Commission has important tips on their website to help consumers recognize and avoid foreclosure scams: FTC Rent and Foreclosure Scams Info.
If you have paid a fee to a third party and believe you have been the victim of a scam, the Illinois Attorney General's Office may be able to help. More information on their services.
Resources for Struggling Homeowners
- Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) - The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) is giving out up to $60,000 to qualifying homeowners who have experienced a COVID related hardship. Click the link above for more information on what you need to qualify, ILHAF Information Sessions and to apply. If you need assistance in completing the application, please call 630-407-6510 to connect with a local DuPage County Community Services case manager.
- 211DuPage.gov - For information on housing assistance, food pantries and other organizations that may be able to help you through this difficult period.
- DuPage County Treasurer's Office - For information on real estate tax issues. 630-407-5900
- H.O.M.E. DuPage (Homeownership Money Education) - HUD-certified housing counseling agency serving DuPage County. 630-260-2500
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - For listing of additional HUD-certified housing counseling agencies in Illinois.
- Prairie State Legal Services - Legal aid services. 630-690-2130
- Illinois Legal Aid - Their website also offers informative Documents and Guides on various aspects of the foreclosure process.
- Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network 855-533-7411
Following is a typical timeline of events:
- You fail to make your mortgage payment.
- Your lender sends you a notice informing you of default and possible options for preventing foreclosure
- You miss your third mortgage payment - lender sends notice of default and intent to foreclose
- Lender's attorney files foreclosure complaint with DuPage County Court intending to foreclose, usually within 30 days
- You receive notice from the court by being served with a complaint to foreclose (via U.S. mail)
- Within 30 days of service, if you do not file an answer with the court, lender's attorney will file a motion for default or summary judgment
- Approximately three months later judgment of foreclosure is entered and sale is scheduled
- Judicial sale (7 months after service of complaint or 3 months after judgment by court, whichever is later)
- 15 days later, confirmation of sale by court order
- Homeowner's right to possession expires 30 days after confirmation
- Eviction by sheriff
The entire legal process typically takes 9 months
Keep complete records of all contacts with your lender/servicer, including fax receipts, copies of correspondence, copies of emails and a phone log of any conversations that includes the date and time of the call, the name of the person with whom you spoke and a summary of the issues discussed. Bring this information to court and share it with the judge on your scheduled appearance date. You also can contact a HUD-certified housing counseling agency like the DuPage Homeownership Center or you can contact Prairie State Legal Services (contact information is listed below) to inquire if they might be able to assist you.
You can contact a HUD-certified housing counseling agency like the DuPage Homeownership Center or you can contact Prairie State Legal Services (contact information listed below) to see if they can review the situation and offer general guidance regarding your options.
