Seller guide

How to avoid foreclosure rescue and deed scams

Be wary of anyone who asks you to sign over your deed, grant a power of attorney, or pay upfront to "save" your home. The Pennsylvania Attorney General warned in February 2026 about deed transfers disguised as refinance or tax help. Get independent review from a lawyer or approved counselor before signing.

Common warning signs

Promises to stop a foreclosure for a fee; pressure to sign quickly; requests to send mortgage payments to them instead of your lender; asking you to transfer the deed so they can "fix" your credit; and claims of government affiliation.

  • Upfront fees for foreclosure help
  • Deed transfer as part of a "rescue"
  • Pressure to sign today
  • Claims of HUD, court or government affiliation
  • Instructions to stop talking to your lender

What the Attorney General warned about

In its February 4, 2026 warning, the Attorney General described schemes in which property ownership is transferred under the guise of refinancing or tax assistance. Read the official warning.

Surplus-funds approaches

After a sale, you may be contacted by people offering to recover money for a fee. In Philadelphia, the Sheriff states homeowners can contact it directly; a private finder is not required. Check with the official office before signing any assignment.

How to protect yourself

Use free counselors first. Read everything. Never sign a blank document. Have an independent lawyer review any deed, power of attorney or assignment. Keep paying your lender unless a counselor or lawyer advises otherwise.

How WorkWithBar operates

We are private, not a government agency, counselor or law firm. We do not charge upfront fees for reviews, promise to stop foreclosures, or ask for deeds or powers of attorney. Any proposal discloses buyer, role, terms and compensation in writing.

Questions people ask

Is it a scam if someone charges to stop my foreclosure?

Be very cautious. Free counselors exist; check with one first.

Should I ever sign over my deed to keep my home?

Not without independent legal advice. Deed transfers are a common scam element.

Someone says they're from the government — how do I check?

Call the agency directly using a number from its official website.

Where do I report a scam?

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office takes consumer complaints.

Related pages

Request a property review

Step 1 of 2. Official help on this page never requires this form.

Bar has more than 25 years in real estate across Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

WorkWithBar is a private business. It is not a government agency, court, HUD- or PHFA-approved housing counselor or law firm, and it does not provide legal or credit-repair services. This intake does not establish a brokerage relationship. Any written proposal will disclose the buyer, their role, the terms and any compensation.

WorkWithBar is a private relationship and opportunity desk. It is not a lender, mortgage broker, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank, law firm, or guarantee of funding, investment, or introductions.

Educational information only, not legal advice. Sources checked 2026-11-01; this page has not been reviewed by a lawyer. Programs, phone numbers and dates change — confirm with the official office. Questions: Jabbar@workwithBar.com.

Sources