Mortgage Help

IF YOU'RE about to lose your house, the most dangerous words you hear could be "We're on your side, and we're here to help."

That's because the tide of devastating foreclosures from questionable financial practices -- including predatory mortgages and the people who either ignorantly or willingly signed up for them -- has left behind not only ruined families, but a breed of scam artists who pretend to offer help. That "help" is usually a fast track to more harm. These scammer advertise mortgage loan modification programs, posing as understanding angels who just want to rescue your home, but are just there to collect fees and do nothing in return.

That's not to say real help isn't available. And the city, along with interested parties like Judge Annette Rizzo, City Councilwoman Marian Tasco, and the Urban Affairs Coalition, has just launched a campaign to minimize the effects of these scammers, and to help people identify legitimate groups that can actually help. They want to be sure homeowners know about a hot line called SaveYour HomePhilly (215-334-HOME) that can direct homeowners to the right kind of help. When your home is in trouble, it's important to know who your real friends are. *