After living in my home for several years, I was faced with the threat of foreclosure due to loss of my job. I received a very slick glossy post card in the mail depicting caring hands, embracing a model home stating: "You're in Foreclosure. No Matter How You Got Here... We Know The Way Back Home... It's your home... KEEP IT!" The ad promised to STOP foreclosure and to Avoid: Giving away your home to those so called "investors"; Bankruptcy (85% fail); Foreclosure.
American Neighborhood Housing Foundation, ANHF timed their ads just right when they realize that foreclosure is imminent and the homeowners' options are few.
I contacted ANHF via one of the two numbers on the ad (877-545-1812 or 757-227-0608) and got a very professionally speaking gentleman (Mr. M.S.) that assured me that their nonprofit "Foundation" worked with high level "Executives" daily at major mortgage companies including my company [ which is located in California and was acquired by a major bank]. Furthermore, Mr. M.S. Assured me that ANHF avoided the mere Customer Service Reps that I would normally have to deal with to refinance or make a "work-out plan" since ANHF was positioned at a much higher level. Although he informed me that ANHF was a nonprofit, they did charge a fee of $950 and they were NOT a government organization.
Unfortunately, since I had never filed bankruptcy previously and felt like a failure due to my unfortunate circumstances, I verbally agreed to investigate ANHF services and requested more information. I was actually in the Bankruptcy Attorney's office when I spoke with ANHF. I canceled my appointment with the Bankruptcy attorney and left for my "foreclosure rescue" assistance.
Mr. M.S. Immediately forwarded me an email with their paperwork attached and their claims. It seemed "unreal" that they could help me save my home of several years by avoiding the foreclosure and bankruptcy. I insisted that they explain the "complaint" that I saw on the Internet dated July 25th by Paul of Richmond, VA and Mr. M.S. Explained that he had a rebuttal online. Due to my distressed situation and the emotional attachment to my home of several years, I discussed this with my wife and we bit the bullet.
On Friday, Oct. 3 at approximately 9:46am (ET), we wired ANHS $950 to their Neighborhood Bank. However, within 2 hours, I did not receive a call back from Mr. S. And I had to call him. I informed him of the transaction and told him to anticipate the funds. Within 2 hours, I discovered that I had been mislead: The rosey colored lens were gone and my gut told me that this was not logical: This company DID NOT have a legitimate website; They did not answer my calls immediately as they had prior to receiving the funds - instead I was forwarded to voicemail. They had not real stake in the transaction. They did not really have a contact but required my signature and they never sent me their signature. I immediately left a voicemail message to STOP THE DEAL! Mr. M.S. Tried to tell me that I should not get nervous but AI insisted. He further told me that it was too late since I had signed the paper and that they had started working on my case. That was a confirmation that ANHS was not a professional, legitimate organization that was focused on their customers. They were focused on getting my money by playing on my emotions!!!
I am in the process of resolving this issue via the state, banking, and legal authorities. I strongly recommend that you note that 3 complaints have already been registered by the Virginia Dept. Of Agriculture & Consumer Services - Office of Consumer Affairs. Contact their Consumer Hotline (800) 552-9963 BEFORE you pay any money to ANHF. Also, I'm sure you will see a myriad of complains later at the Better Business Bureau of Greater Hampton Roads (757-531-1300). Although they ANHF is not an accredited member, they do forward you the BBB info on their correspondence to you to mislead you on their credibility.
Please do not fall for this scam!!! BTW, I did have to file for bankruptcy but it's not the end of the world. It will give me an opportunity to restructure my finances and my life.
Roy
Atlanta, Georgia
U.S.A.
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