Fraud Watch: Recognize Phone Spoofing
Freddie Mac’s Single-Family Fraud Risk (SFFR) team has recently learned of a scam where consumers get a phone call that appears to be coming from Freddie Mac − but the caller is an imposter. This scam is known as spoofing. Consumers have reported that:
- Caller ID displays calls as coming from 1-800-FREDDIE
- Callers had publicly available information (i.e., street address or mortgage servicer name), which they attempted to use to gain consumers’ trust. In some cases, consumers receive multiple calls in a day.
- Callers often don’t leave a message, but when they do reach a consumer, they offer a low interest rate on a new loan or other false promises.
Reminder to Our Borrowers
- Be cautious with caller ID.Scammers can make any name or number appear from anywhere in the world
- Let it go to voicemail.If a call is important, the caller will leave a message.
- Hang up.If it's a robocall, don't press any numbers. Just hang up.
- Offer no information.Never give out personal, financial or other sensitive information − unless you know you’re speaking to Freddie Mac or your mortgage servicer.
- Be suspicious.Freddie Mac will not call you to promote an offer to refinance or obtain a new loan.
- Block calls. Contact your internet provider or phone carrier to stop unwanted calls.
- Report fraud. Reach out to your loan servicer or contact the Freddie Mac Fraud Hotline at 800-4 FRAUD 8, or via email at mortgage_fraud_reporting@freddiemac.com
If a consumer is concerned that a call is not legitimate, they should hang up and call 1-800-FREDDIE or their mortgage servicer.
We’re committed to making you aware of new fraud schemes as we learn of them.
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