From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Stay AWAY from "Forensic Loan Audits."

Escalating foreclosures provide criminals with the opportunity to exploit and defraud vulnerable homeowners seeking financial guidance. One of the newest foreclosure rescue schemes, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is known as a "forensic loan audit." In exchange for an up-front fee of several hundred dollars, so-called forensic loan auditors, mortgage loan auditors, or foreclosure prevention auditors who are backed by forensic attorneys, offer to review mortgage loan documents.

The documents are reviewed to determine whether a homeowner's lender complied with state and federal mortgage lending laws. The "auditors" claim you can use the audit report to avoid foreclosure, speed up the loan modification process, reduce the loan principal, or even cancel the loan. According to the FTC and its law enforcement partners, there is no evidence that forensic loan audits will help get a loan modification or any foreclosure relief. To make their pitch, this new breed of foreclosure rescuer looks for homeowners in distress, especially those already facing foreclosure.

For more information see the Consumer Affairs website at http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2011/12/dont-fall-for-a-loan-audit-scam.html

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.