Stories from Scammed Homeowners

Real Stories

Doris Tinson

Los Angeles, CA

Doris Tinson knew her mortgage payments were too high when she refinanced her home. But the 74-year-old retired nurse needed to make improvements to a small rental property that she relied on for income. She was told she could rewrite the loan later.

After two years of just getting by, Doris called to lower her payments. She was told nothing could be done and felt like she was out of options. Then, on her way home from church, she saw a sign on the median promising loan modifications for a fee. She called the number after her nephew checked out the service online. "It looked like a real good company on the computer," Doris recalls.

The thought of my home being taken away is consuming. I can't get to sleep at night, and it's the first thing I think of when I wake up.

Not long after that call, a representative visited Doris. As advertised, he said his company would modify her loan. He left with nearly $2,000—a discounted payment because Doris referred two potential clients.

That was February 2009. Nothing happened for months afterward. Doris even went to the office, but she saw no signs of work being done on her behalf. In September 2009, her worst fears came true: She received notice that her house was being sold.

"The thought of my home being taken away is consuming," Doris says. "I can't get to sleep at night, and it’s the first thing I think of when I wake up."

With the loss of $2,000 and the potential to lose her home, Doris was desperate for trusted advice. Fortunately, she was referred to Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. in October 2009. The NeighborWorks® America affiliate is currently working to help Doris keep the home where she has lived for 44 years.

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