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Homeowners in five towns across Massachusetts have been targeted by alarming scam messages as part of a broader national trend, which has drawn the attention of federal authorities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a consumer alert detailing a sophisticated scam in which fraudsters masquerade as mortgage lenders to extract substantial sums of money from unsuspecting individuals.
This fraudulent scheme primarily exploits homeowners who have previously sought assistance from their mortgage lenders, making them more susceptible to such deceit. The fraudsters often have access to personal information, including names, addresses, and the mortgage companies involved, which enhances their credibility during the calls.
In a tactic called caller ID spoofing, these scammers disguise their phone numbers to appear as though they are calling from legitimate lending institutions. This method is designed to reassure homeowners of the call’s authenticity, making it even more challenging for victims to discern the fraudulent nature of the communication.
Dubbed “Green Mirage,” the scheme typically involves threats of foreclosure, with scammers offering dubious relief options if victims send payments via unconventional methods. These may include instructions to mail money orders to third-party “representatives” or deposit funds into a Walmart Green Dot Money Card account, raising further red flags.
The FCC reports that scammers identifying themselves as representatives of over 400 different mortgage companies have defrauded homeowners of substantial amounts of money. Many victims do not realize they have been deceived until their legitimate lender initiates foreclosure procedures.
Peter Hyun, the acting enforcement bureau chief at the FCC, described the methods used by these operatives as “sophisticated social engineering techniques” that target financially distressed homeowners. He emphasized the importance of warning consumers about such scams.
Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel also underscored the FCC’s commitment to combating these deceptive practices, urging voice service providers to take immediate action to block these rampant scams.
Identifying Potential Scams
Officials have outlined several warning signs that may indicate a scam:
- If you feel pressured to provide money or personal information
- If you are asked for payments through unusual or unverified channels
- If the offer being presented seems too good to be true
Source
www.cbsnews.com