Helpful Links and Phone Numbers
Housing Counseling Agencies-DHCD - Toll-free: 1-877-462-7555
Information on Maryland Loans For Distressed Borrowers - www.mdhope.org
Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County - (301) 864-8186
Maryland State Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation - (410) 230-6001 (Report unscrupulous loan officers, lenders and real estate agents.)
1. Federal Bureau of Investigations
Log onto FBI.gov or email the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
What is the FBI and what does it do in relation to mortgage fraud?
The FBI’s website sums up its duties: The very heart of FBI operations lies in our investigations—which serve, as our mission states: "to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats and to enforce the criminal laws of the United States."
We currently have jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal law, and you can find the major ones below, grouped within our three national security priorities and our five criminal priorities. Among the 200 categories, mortgage fraud remains a priority for the FBI.
Contact the Baltimore Field Office at Baltimore Field Office:
2600 Lord Baltimore Drive
Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone: (410) 265-8080
Fax: (410) 277-6677
Complete the mortgage fraud report:
Link online at FBI
Call the FBI’s Tip Line:
800.492.TIPS (8477)
Where to Report Mortgage Fraud
2. Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulations (DLLR)
Log onto DLLR.
What is the DLLR and what can it do in relation to mortgage fraud?
"The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, protects and empowers Marylanders by safeguarding workers, protecting consumers, providing a safety net and cultivating a thriving workforce that can meet the demands of Maryland’s dynamic economy."
To navigate DLLR you must file a complaint with the proper department if you have a claim against a real estate professional. For example, to file a complaint against a Real Estate Agent, contact DLLR Real Estate Commission Loan Officer, Broker, Loan Modification scammer, Foreclosure Consultant, Credit repair companies, PayDay loan companies, contact Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors contact Commission of Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors Contact DLLR at 500 North Calvert Street, #401 Baltimore, MD 21202 | General Information - (410) 230-6001.
Use DLLR’s online link to see if who you are doing business with is licensed. DLLR Maryland Attorney General’s Office
3. State’s Attorney’s Office for your County
Log onto MDSAA.
What is the MDSAA and what can it do in relation to mortgage fraud?
The State Attorney’s Office can bring criminal actions against the scammer. They use a consortium of laws to assist in the prosecution of scammers such as Theft, violation of the Mortgage Fraud Statute and violations of The Protection of Homeowners in Foreclosure Act (to name a few):
- Hon. Michael O. Twigg, Allegany County State Attorney
- Hon. Joseph I. Cassilly, Harford County State Attorney
- Hon. Frank R. Weathersbee, Anne Arundel County State Attorney
- Hon. Dario Brocollino, Howard County State Attorney
- Hon. Patricia C. Jessamy, Baltimore City State Attorney
- Hon. Robert Strong, Kent County State Attorney
- Hon. Scott Shellenberger, Baltimore County State Attorney
- Hon. John McCarthy, Montgomery County State Attorney
- Hon. Laura Martin, Calvert County State Attorney
- Hon. Glenn F. Ivey, Prince George County State Attorney
- Hon. Jonathan G. Newell, Caroline County State Attorney
- Hon. Lance G. Richardson, Queen Anne's County State Attorney
- Hon. Jerry Barnes, Carroll County State Attorney
- Hon. Richard Fritz, St. Mary's County State Attorney
- Hon. Christopher Eastridge, Cecil County State Attorney
- Hon. Kristy M. Hickman, Somerset County State Attorney
- Hon. Leonard C. Collins, Jr., Charles County State Attorney
- Hon. Scott G. Patterson, Talbot County State Attorney
- Hon. William H. Jones, Dorchester County State Attorney
- Hon. Charles P. Strong, Jr., Washington County State Attorney
- Hon. Charles Smith, Frederick County State Attorney
- Hon. Davis Ruark, Wicomico County State Attorney
- Hon. Lisa Thayer Welch, Garrett County State Attorney
- Hon. Joel Todd, Worcester County State Attorney
4. Local Police Department
You should be able to file a complaint with your local police department if you were victimized by a mortgage-related crime.
5. Federal Trade Commission
Log onto FTC.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
What is the FTC and what can it do in relation to mortgage fraud?
The FTC is charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive and fraudulent trade practices. Among the many divisions under the FTC, victims of fraud find the Division of Financial Practices most helpful.
According to the FTC’s website: “The Division of Financial Practices is responsible for developing policy and enforcing laws related to financial and lending practices affecting consumers.”
Also, under the Division of Financial Practices, its jurisdiction encompasses: “Subprime lending, including enforcement of laws targeting deceptive, unfair and abusive practices in the subprime market, such as the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Enforcement of many of the nation’s other consumer credit statutes, including: The Truth in Lending Act, which requires creditors to disclose in writing certain cost information, such as the annual percentage rate (APR), before consumers enter into credit transactions. The Consumer Leasing Act, which requires lessors to give consumers information on lease costs and terms. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which prohibits debt collectors from engaging in unfair, deceptive or abusive practices, including over-charging, harassment and disclosing consumers’ debt to third parties.”
Log onto FTC-general for a full description of the FTC.
Resources 