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Topic
Housing scams, how to spot them and where to report them. It covers deed theft, contractors, impostor calls and lending discrimination.
Stage 1 of 1
The most common scams, the laws that protect you and who to turn to when something is off.
12 guides in this stage
Featured guide Essential guide 17 minute read
The rental, mortgage, title, contractor, credit and moving scams families run into most: how to spot them, what to do and where to report them.
The most important thing
Three signs are enough to stop: they rush you, they ask you to pay before you get anything, and they want the money by wire, gift card, cryptocurrency or cash.
Verified on October 17, 2026
Your tax refund: timing, refund advances and scams How long an IRS refund takes, what preparer advances and refund checks cost, how to spot a ghost preparer and where to check the status of your refund. 13 min read Verified on October 31, 2026 
Solar panels and PACE loans: risks and scams Before you sign for solar panels or a PACE loan: buying, leasing or a PPA, the tax credit that ended, the lien on your property tax and scam warning signs. 11 min read Verified on October 31, 2026 
Mortgage closing wire fraud and real estate email scams How criminals steal closing money by email, the warning signs, how to confirm an account before you pay and what to do in the first hours after a wire. 11 min read Verified on October 31, 2026 
What documents to share with lenders and landlords, and when What you give a lender before and after the Loan Estimate, what a landlord may ask for, who may see your credit report and how to spot a scam. 17 min read Verified on October 29, 2026 
Predatory refinancing: warning signs and your rights How to spot a predatory refinance that eats your home equity, what the law bans in high-cost mortgages and how to cancel in time if you already signed. 14 min read Verified on October 17, 2026 The data behind these guides
The guides on Protect yourself from scams cite these figures. They update when their sources publish new ones; what you see here is current.
See all the dataSources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024)
Stage 1 of 1
Keep going with the other guides on protecting yourself, from the most read to the most specific.
Featured guide 12 minute read
Outside Puerto Rico, a notary public is not a lawyer. What a notary can do, who can advise you for free or at low cost, warning signs and how to report it.
The most important thing
Outside Puerto Rico, a notary public witnesses signatures: they cannot give you legal advice, tell you what to apply for or represent you in immigration matters.
Verified on October 17, 2026
Loan modification and foreclosure rescue scams How to spot scams that promise to save your home from foreclosure, what federal law prohibits and where to get real, free help. 11 min read Verified on October 17, 2026 
Lending discrimination: your rights and how to complain What the law bans when you apply for a loan or mortgage, what lenders may ask, including immigration status, and how to complain to the CFPB or HUD. 12 min read Verified on October 17, 2026 
Impostor calls: how to spot them and report them How to tell whether a call or message from the IRS, immigration court, the power company or your bank is real, and where to report impostors. 14 min read Verified on October 17, 2026 
Deed theft and title fraud: how to protect your home What deed theft is, who is most at risk, the warning signs, your county's property alerts and what to do if someone records a fake deed. 10 min read Verified on October 17, 2026 
Contractor and home repair scams: how to protect yourself How to spot a dishonest contractor, check a license, sign a solid contract, pay safely and cancel a sale made at your home. 11 min read Verified on October 17, 2026 Tools
The calculators these guides use. Each one leaves you with a result you can use today.
How much is left for housing each month.
What you get → what is left
The documents you'll be asked for.
What you get → your document list
What each loan costs per month and over five years.
What you get → payment per loan
The steps to build or improve your credit.
What you get → steps in order
Frequently asked questions
Short answers taken from the guides on this topic; each one links the guide that explains it with its sources.
The CFPB reminds you that real government officials never ask for payment to help you, and that HUD-approved housing counselors are available at no cost to homeowners struggling with the mortgage. Legal aid offices and Department of Justice accredited representatives also serve people for free or at low cost. Look the organization up in the official directories, never through the link someone sent you.
Read the full guideAccording to the IRS, it typically takes 3 weeks from the date you e-filed, and 6 or more weeks from the date it received your mailed return. It can take longer if your return needs corrections or review, or if you claim the EITC or the additional child tax credit.
Read the full guideNo. The FTC says 'free' or 'no cost' solar panel offers are scams, and that people claiming to be from the utility or the government are not. Also, DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program no longer installs new renewable electricity technologies starting in program year 2026.
Read the full guideThe FBI explains that they get into the email account of someone involved in the purchase, such as an agent, a title company or the buyer, and watch the messages. That way they know the dates and send the account-change request at just the right moment.
Read the full guideThe full path with its steps in order, the calculators these guides use, and the agencies their rules come from.
The full path
This topic is part of a path with steps in order, so you know what to do first. Taxes, insurance and protecting your home. 8 steps in order.
See the pathEvery rule, number and date in these guides comes from what these agencies publish. Each guide links the exact page.
and 31 more official sources
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