Skip to main content
New York Legal information and assistance website
About us Feedback New York Legal Alerts
Legal Term Glossaries Brochures & Handouts 
  
    
 
Consumer  > 
Home Loans and Predatory Lending
FIND A LAWYER
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
FINDING OTHER HELP
GOING TO COURT
  Fact sheets and booklets about your legal rights

Click on any of the titles below to learn more. Scroll to see all resources. If you need help finding something, click here to ask for Live Help.

Email or save this information for yourself or share it with others!

Bookmark and Share

 
There are 35 resources  
Avoiding Predatory Lending Scams - (19)
Looking for Home Loans and Mortgages - (4)
Reverse Mortgages - (2)
Mortgage Discrimination - (1)
I do not speak English, what is my right to receive information in my language? - (3)
More information - (6)
  Avoiding Predatory Lending Scams
 
   Your Rights Against Debt Collectors Under NYC Law (Separate Website)
Find out how NYC's debt collection law help NYC residents.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
 
  
   
   Mortgage Fraud: How to Avoid Being a Victim (Separate Website)
Avoid getting scammed, find out what you can do!
By: FBI
  
   
   Home Equity Theft Scams: How They Work and How to Avoid Them This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This pamphlet from the N.Y. State Banking Dept. explains how to avoid foreclosure scammers who may defraud you of your home.
By: New York State Banking Department
  
   
   Home Equity Theft Prevention Act: Your Rights Under The Law This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
The law can help protect you against scams. This pamphlet from the N. Y. State Banking Dept. explains your rights if you are planning to sell your home when you are in default or foreclosure.
By: New York State Banking Department
  
   
   Financing Homes: Avoid Predatory Lenders
This article provides an outline of how to spot and avoid dishonest lenders.
By: AARP Legal Services Network
  
   
   What to Know When Buying Your First Home: Avoiding Scams (Separate Website)
"Property flipping" is when a real estate investor buys a house at a discount, performs repairs, and then sells the home at a huge, marked-up price to a new homebuyer. If you are buying a home for the first time, read this brochure to learn how to avoid this problem.
By: South Brooklyn Legal Services (A Program of Legal Services NYC)
 
  
   
   Beware of Loan Modification Scams! This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
A homeowner alert about mortgage modification scams.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
 
  
   
   Fair Lending (Separate Website)
Discrimination in mortgage lending is prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act and HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity actively enforces those provisions of the law. The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to engage in the following practices based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap/disability.
By: U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  
   
   Home Equity Loans: The Three-Day Cancellation Rule This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Detailed information on the right to cancel a home equity loan contract for any reason within three days of signing the agreement.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   About Foreclosure Rescue Scams (Separate Website)
Many loan modification companies and foreclosure rescue companies violate New York State law and make false promises to homeowners. Learn what to look out for and how to find a legitimate agency to help you.
By: New York State Attorney General's Office
  
   
   False Advertising: How to Spot It And What You Can Do About It? This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Be aware of advertisements that seem too good to be true. Learn how to avoid them.
By: NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
  
   
   First-Time Homebuyer Scams (Separate Website)
A discussion of two practices used by some scam artists: "property flipping" after cosmetic repairs, and "one-stop shops" that purport to arrange the entire home purchase process.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
 
  
   
   Helping Elderly Homeowners Victimized by Predatory Mortgage Loans
This article provides an overview of how to identify predatory mortgage loans and overcome the legal challenges to these types of loans.
By: National Consumer Law Center
  
   
   High-Cost Home Loans: Don't Be a Target This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
Tips on how to protect yourself when shopping for home loans.
By: National Consumer Law Center

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Spanish / Español
  
   
   High-Cost Home Loans: Your Legal Protections
This article provides an overview of your legal rights in regards to loans with high interest rates or high fees, otherwise known as HOEPA loans.
By: AARP Legal Services Network
  
   
   High-Cost or Predatory Home Mortgage Traps (Separate Website)
Detailed information on predatory lending practices, including contact information for local organizations that provide legal assistance and counseling to help prevent foreclosures.
By: South Brooklyn Legal Services (A Program of Legal Services NYC)
 
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Home Equity Theft and Foreclosure Rescue Scams This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments and your home is in foreclosure or default, be aware that you and your home may become targets for home equity theft or foreclosure rescue fraud scams. Click to learn more.
By: New York State Banking Department
  
   
   Refinancing Scams (Separate Website)
A breakdown of common refinancing scams.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
 
  
   
   Protect Yourself And Your Finances From Predatory Lending (Separate Website)
If you're in the market for a loan, read these tips first to protect yourself from potentially fraudulent or deceptive offers.
By: New York State Attorney General's Office
  
   
back to top      
 
  Looking for Home Loans and Mortgages
 
   Do You Need a Loan? This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
This factsheet explains how to avoid lenders that take advantage of individuals by misleading them about the terms of a loan and their ability to pay back a loan.
By: The New York City Fair Lending Coalition
  
   
   Looking for the Best Mortgage? (Separate Website)
Information on what to look for when shopping for a mortgage, including an explanation of terms used by mortgage brokers and bankers and a worksheet to use to compare mortgage offers.
By: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Mortgages (Separate Website)
Questions and answers about home loans, including your rights and what certain legal terms mean.
By: New York State Banking Department
  
   
   The ABC's of Sub-Prime Mortgage Lending This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Information on sub-prime mortgage lending, including contact information for local organizations that provide legal assistance and counseling to help prevent foreclosures.
By: New York State Banking Department

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
back to top      
 
  Reverse Mortgages
 
   Some Tips for Consumers Considering a Reverse Mortgage This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Are you considering a reverse mortgage? Better look before you leap. While a reverse mortgage could put money in your hands, the transaction can be quite confusing. Read this resource to learn more.
By: National Consumer Law Center
  
   
   Some Tips for Consumers Considering a Reverse Mortgage This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This article explains what a reverse mortgage is and discusses potential difficulties with these types of mortgages.
By: National Consumer Law Center
  
   
back to top      
 
  Mortgage Discrimination
 
   Mortgage Discrimination: A Guide to Understanding Your Rights & Taking Action (Separate Website)
Read this resource to learn more about the protections given to lender's against mortgage discrimination under the the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
back to top      
 
  I do not speak English, what is my right to receive information in my language?
 
   Do You Have Trouble Speaking and Understanding English? Know Your Rights!
If you have trouble speaking and understanding English? Know Your Rights!
By: Legal Services NYC
 
    Read this in: Arabic / العربية , Chinese / 中文 , Haitian Creole / Kreyòl ayisyen , Korean / 한국어 , Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español
  
   
   English-Spanish Glossary of Legal Terms & Phrases This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: United States Department of Justice

    Read this in: French / Français , Spanish / Español
  
   
   Video: How to Work with Interpreters (Separate Website)
In this video, you will learn some basic tips that will allow you to communicate effectively and easily through an interpreter with a person who doesn't speak your language.
By: Legal Services of New Jersey

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
back to top      
 
  More information
 
   HUD in New York (English and Spanish) (Separate Website)
Visit this website to get up to date news on housing developments in New York State and services available. This website is also available in Spanish.
By: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Foreclosure Prevention (Separate Website)
If you are looking to buy a home, refinance, or obtain a home improvement loan, beware. Learn what you can do to protect yourself.
By: NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development
  
   
   What You Should Know About Emergency Assistance and DSS/HRA (Separate Website)
If you have an emergency, you may be able to get help from your local Department of Social Service (DSS) office. (If you live in New York City, you can ask for Emergency Assistance from your local Human Resources Administration (HRA) office)
By: Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.® - Geneva Office
 
  
   
   Complaints About Attorneys (Separate Website)
If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. Click for more information.
By: New York State Unified Court System
  
   
   English/Arabic Legal Glossary This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: Legal Glossary of Sacramento

    Read this in: Arabic / العربية
  
   
   Help After a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals & Households Program This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This guide provides information that will help you understand FEMA's disaster assistance program and explains how to apply.
By: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

    Read this in: Arabic / العربية , Chinese / 中文 , French / Français , Greek / Ελληνικά , Haitian Creole / Kreyòl ayisyen , Hindi / हिन्दी , Italian / italiano , Japanese / 日本語
  
   
back to top      
 
 
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
Get Acrobat Reader  
 
 
Disclaimer  
Powered by ProBono.Net

LawHelp.org/NY is provided as a public service by the New York LawHelp Consortium.

 

 

Icons of LawHelp/NY funder organizations

 
 
Find us on:
      
 
 
 
 
 

LiveHelp is here! Click here to learn more
 
   Need Help with Your Search?
 
 
You Are Here
NY / Kings (Brooklyn)

Choose Another City, County or Zip Code
 
 
 
 
Choose Another Subtopic
Bankruptcy
Consumer Rights of Immigrants
Court Forms
Credit and Credit Repair
Debt Collection, Garnishment & Repossession
Foreclosure
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Public Utilities
Identity Theft
Immigration Fraud & Notarios
Small Claims Court
Student Loans
Unfair Sales Practices and Consumer Fraud
 
 
 
View Results for all subtopics
 
 
 
 
Legal Aid Resources in Other Languages
Albanian / shqip
Amharic / Amharic
Arabic / العربية
Armenian / Հայերէն
Bengali / বাংলা
Bosnian / Bosanski
Bulgarian / Български
Cambodian / Khmer
Chinese / 中文
Farsi / فارسی
French / Français
German / Deutsch
Greek / Ελληνικά
Haitian Creole / Kreyòl ayisyen
Hebrew / עברית
Hindi / हिन्दी
Hmong / Hmoob
Italian / italiano
Japanese / 日本語
Korean / 한국어
Laotian / ພາສາລາວ
Mandarin Chinese / 官話
Oromo / Afaan Oromo
Polish / polski
Portuguese / português
Punjabi / ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Russian / Pусский
Serbo-Croatian / Srpskohrvatski Jezik
Somali / Soomaali
Spanish / Español
Swahili / Kiswahili
Tagalog / Tagalog
Tigrina / Ge?ez
Turkish / Türkçe
Ukrainian / Українська
Urdu / اردو
Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
Yiddish
 
 
 
 
  © 2001 - 2011, Pro Bono Net, All Rights Reserved. Legal Help in Other States

Bobby WorldWide Approved 508 Level A conformance icon, W3C-WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0