How to verify mortgage assistance offers and avoid scams 

In this article: 

• Common types of mortgage-related scams 
• What to do if you receive a suspicious notice 
• What to do if you’ve already responded to a scam 
• What if a scam uses the Desert Financial name? 
• How Desert Financial protects your mortgage account 

Homeowners sometimes receive letters, phone calls, emails or texts claiming to offer mortgage assistance, refinancing opportunities, payment relief or special government programs. Some of these messages may be legitimate, but many are scams designed to collect personal information or charge unnecessary fees. 

Knowing how to recognize a potential scam and what steps to take can protect you from fraud and ensure your mortgage account remains secure. This guide explains how to identify suspicious communications, what to do if you receive one and how Desert Financial can help. 

Why homeowners are targeted 

Mortgage holders are frequent targets for scam attempts because scammers know: 

• Home loans involve large financial obligations.
• Homeowners often want lower payments or better terms.
• Public records list mortgage information.
• Many homeowners receive official-looking letters regularly.
• Confusion around refinancing and assistance programs is common. 

Scammers use these facts to create messages that seem urgent or official. 

Common types of mortgage-related scams 

Here are some of the most common tactics used to target homeowners: 

• Fake refinance offers: Letters may falsely claim you prequalify for a refinance program or lower rate. 
• Loan modification scams: These messages promise payment relief or program enrollment for a fee. 
• False government program notices: Scammers reference “new federal programs” or “housing relief acts” that do not exist. 
• Impersonation of your current lender: Fraudulent communications may use a lender’s name or logo. 
• Threatening delinquency warnings: Some scams falsely claim you missed a payment or that foreclosure is imminent. 
• Requests for personal information: Emails or links may ask you to verify your loan number, Social Security Number or banking information. 

If something seems unusual or urgent, it is important to pause and verify the source. 

How to identify a scam 

Here are some signs that communication may not be legitimate: 

• Spelling or grammar errors: Many scam messages contain mistakes. 
• Requests for upfront payments: Legitimate mortgage assistance never requires upfront fees. 
• Urgent or threatening language: Scammers often pressure you to act immediately. 
• Unfamiliar phone numbers or email addresses: Messages may come from generic or suspicious contact information. 
• Requests for personal or financial details: Your lender will never ask you to provide sensitive information through unsecured channels. 
• Offers that sound too good to be true: Extremely low interest rates or special “government-approved” deals should raise red flags. 

If you notice any of these signs, treat the message with caution. 

What to do if you receive a suspicious notice 

Here are the steps you should take when you receive something that doesn't seem right: 

Step 1: Do not respond or provide information. Do not click links, call the number listed or reply to the message until you verify it is legitimate. 

Step 2: Compare the contact information. Check the communication against the official Desert Financial contact information or your mortgage statements. Fraudulent letters often use incorrect addresses or phone numbers. 

Step 3: Contact Desert Financial directly. If the message claims to be from Desert Financial or references your loan, contact us immediately at our official phone number. We can verify whether the communication is legitimate and help guide you in the next steps. 

Step 4: Save the communication. Keep the letter, take screenshots or save the email. This can be useful if you need to report the scam. 

Step 5: Report suspicious messages. If you believe you were targeted, you may report the communication to: 

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Local authorities
• Your state attorney general’s office

However, your first priority should be confirming your mortgage account is safe. 

What if a scam message uses the Desert Financial name? 

Scammers sometimes impersonate financial institutions. They may use the Desert Financial name, colors or logo to appear credible. If you receive a message using the Desert Financial brand but it seems unusual, contact us directly. Never rely on the phone number or website listed in the suspicious message. Confirming communication with our team ensures your account remains protected. 

What to do if you already responded to a scam 

If you already shared information or paid a fee: 

• Contact Desert Financial immediately. We will confirm whether any changes were attempted on your mortgage account. 
• Contact your bank or credit card company. They may be able to stop or reverse payments. 
• Change your passwords and security settings. Protect your financial accounts and online access. 
• Monitor your credit. Look for unfamiliar activity or new accounts. 
• Report the incident. The FTC and local authorities may use the information to track scam operations. 

The sooner you act, the more effectively you can limit damage. 

How Desert Financial protects your mortgage account 

Desert Financial takes fraud prevention seriously and uses multiple security measures, including: 

• Secure communication channels
• Verification procedures before releasing information
• Monitoring for unusual activity 
• Member education on common scams
• Strict policies about requesting personal information

If anything on your account appears suspicious, we will contact you using verified methods. 

How to verify a legitimate message 

Communication from Desert Financial will always: 

• Use our official branding and contact information
• Direct you to our verified website (desertfinancial.com)
• Include your loan details accurately
• Never request sensitive information through email or text
• Never require upfront payments for assistance

When in doubt, call our mortgage servicing number directly and ask for verification. 

When to contact Desert Financial 

We’re always here to support you with clear answers and member-first service. Reach out to Mortgage Servicing at (602) 433-7097 or firstmortgageservicing@desertfinancial.com right away if: 

• You receive a communication that seems suspicious.
• Someone contacts you claiming to represent your mortgage company. 
• You are unsure whether a refinance offer is legitimate.
• You have already responded to a questionable message.
• You notice unusual activity on your mortgage account.