Beware: The Foreclosure Scams Targeting Northeast Ohio Homeowners

If you are struggling to keep up with your mortgage in Akron, Canton, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, you’ve likely noticed something: Your mailbox is suddenly full.

When a foreclosure is filed in an Ohio court, it becomes public record. Scammers use these records to find vulnerable homeowners, promising "miracle cures" that often result in the homeowner losing their equity, their credit, and ultimately, their home.

In my latest video, I discuss why our state is a primary target for these fraudulent schemes and how you can protect yourself.

Why Ohio is a Target for Scammers

Ohio is a judicial foreclosure state. This means every foreclosure must go through the court system (like the Summit County or Stark County Common Pleas Courts).

Because this process can take 6 months to 2 years to complete, scammers see a "window of opportunity." They know you are under stress, and they know the legal timeline gives them room to operate. Some even try to trick homeowners into signing over their deeds, only to rent the house back to them—collecting your money while the house continues toward a Sheriff Sale anyway.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Foreclosure Scam

If someone reaches out to you about your mortgage, watch for these "Warning Signs":

1. Upfront Fees: If they ask for money before they’ve done any work, walk away. In Ohio, it is generally illegal to charge upfront fees for foreclosure rescue services.

2. The "Don't Talk to Your Lender" Advice: A scammer wants to be your only source of information. If they tell you to stop communicating with your bank, they are trying to isolate you.

3. Pressure to Sign Quickly: They may present complex documents and tell you there’s "no time to read them."

4. Guaranteed Results: No one—not even a licensed professional—can guarantee a specific outcome from a bank or a judge.
   

3 Steps to Protect Your Home and Your Future

If you are contacted by a company claiming they can "save" your home, follow this checklist:

• Verify Credentials: Check the Ohio Department of Commerce to ensure they are a licensed real estate professional or attorney.

• Stay Informed: Foreclosure laws can change. Sometimes federal legislation or state programs like Save the Dream Ohio offer new protections that could change your situation.

• Take Action Early: The more time we have before a Sheriff Sale date, the more legal and financial "levers" we can pull to help you.
  

I Am Your Local Resource

I’m Jennifer Perella with RE/MAX Diversity. I’ve spent over 30 years in this market, and I hate seeing my neighbors lose everything to a scam. Whether you have a "broken home" or a "broken financial situation," there are legitimate ways to navigate this.