MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 18, 2009

For More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
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City Council President Pro Tem Hearcel F. Craig Helps Launch “Loan Modification Scam Alert” Campaign

City Council President Pro Tem Hearcel F. Craig joined a partnership of local, state and national government agencies, nonprofit organizations and financial institutions at the Ohio Statehouse today to launch a national public education campaign designed to help homeowners protect themselves against loan modification scams, find trusted help and report illegal activity to authorities. To celebrate the launch of “Loan Modification Scam Alert” campaign, the partnership has designated November as
“National Loan Modification Scam Awareness Month.”

About the Loan Modification Scam Epidemic in Columbus
National foreclosure rates are at an all-time high of 7.97 percent and Ohio is one of the hardest hit with the seventh highest foreclosure rate in the nation of 8.26 percent. Many Columbus homeowners are turning to loan modification or foreclosure “rescue” companies for help, often paying them a fee, only to realize they have been scammed.

About the Campaign
To combat loan modification scams, Congress asked NeighborWorks® America to launch a national public education campaign designed to empower homeowners to protect themselves against loan modification scams, find trusted help and report illegal activity to authorities.

NeighborWorks® America is working with national, state and local partners on the ground and 235 community-based affiliates. Together, we will alert thousands of homeowners in communities at high risk for scam activity through real-life scam stories, fliers, postcards, e-cards, posters, print advertising, local PSAs, events, word of mouth and social media activity.

All national campaign materials urge homeowners who are contacted or deceived by a scam artist to report it immediately by calling 1-888-995-HOPE(4673) or visiting www.LoanScamAlert.org. The hotline and Web site also connect homeowners to free guidance from a HUD-approved counseling agency.

About NeighborWorks® America
NeighborWorks® America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. Since 1991, we have assisted nearly 1.2 million low- to moderate-income families with their housing needs. Much of our success is achieved through our support of the NeighborWorks network ― more than 230 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $15 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks® America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.

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