Scam artists are coming up with new and more creative tricks every day. One such trick is the mortgage postcard scam. Although most postcards are harmless, these mortgage postcards may be harmful if acted upon. Some customers are receiving postcards containing information about their recently closed, refinanced or purchased mortgage.
Mortgage information such as mortgage lender, borrower, loan amount, mortgage number, and address of property may be public information. The reason this information is public is to help buyers with the process of buying a house. As a result, this information can be seen and bought for a small price by scam artists.
Mortgage Postcard Scam example:
This is a sample of what the postcard may look like.
These postcards get many people's attention with the very first line "IMPORTANT NOTICE : RESPONSE NEEDED". This is meant to make customers have a sense of anxiety. In addition to the anxiety, fraudsters create a sense of urgency by saying "This is time sensitive...".
In this case we can tell that the post card is a scam due to a couple things. First, the postcards contains a phone number that is not affiliated with Clare Bank. Second, the mortgage ID number is most likely fake. Third, the postcard has not identified the sender. Lastly, there is a statement on the bottom that says "Not affiliated with, nor endorsed by CLARE BANK NA.".
Important Clare Bank Statement:
It should be noted that Clare Bank will never send postcards about your mortgage. Also, we will never ask for you personal information via postcards. All letters to customers will be in sealed letters.
What to do next:
- DO NOT call the number on the card
- Throw away or shred the postcard
- You can click here to report the scam, if you would like.
If you have already called or given out personal information:
- Contact Clare Bank
- Phone : (608) 348-2727
- Stop by one of the branches.
- Place a temporary freeze on your report
- Equifax: 1-888-548-7878 www.equifax.com
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com
- TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 www.transunion.com
- AnnualCreditReport.com 1-877-322-8228
