FTC — Homeowner Resources
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the primary federal consumer protection agency, with broad authority to combat unfair and deceptive business practices — including those involving mortgage lendin
About FTC
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the primary federal consumer protection agency, with broad authority to combat unfair and deceptive business practices — including those involving mortgage lending, servicing, and foreclosure rescue scams. The FTC enforces several key laws relevant to homeowners facing foreclosure: the Mortgage Acts and Practices Advertising Rule (MAP Rule), the FTC Act's prohibition on unfair and deceptive practices, the Telemarketing Sales Rule (which regulates mortgage relief services), and various rules governing debt collection and credit reporting. The FTC's Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule provides specific protections against foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams — companies offering these services are prohibited from collecting upfront fees and must provide specific disclosures.
Website
www.ftc.govJurisdiction
National — covers unfair and deceptive practices affecting interstate commerce
Key Programs & Protections
The FTC protects consumers from unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent business practices. In the mortgage space, the FTC targets foreclosure rescue scams, deceptive mortgage advertising, illegal debt collection practices, and credit reporting violations. The FTC also maintains the Consumer Sentinel Network, a database used by law enforcement nationwide.
MARS Rule (Mortgage Assistance Relief Services)
The MARS Rule prohibits companies offering mortgage relief services from collecting upfront fees before providing a written offer from the lender, requires specific disclosures about the nature of their services, and bans misleading claims about: likelihood of success, affiliation with government programs, and the consumer's obligation to stop paying their mortgage. If you've been approached by a company offering to 'save your home' for a fee, know your MARS Rule rights.
Consumer Sentinel Network
The FTC's secure online database that gives law enforcement agencies access to millions of consumer complaints. When you file an FTC complaint about a foreclosure rescue scam, it enters this database — which can lead to law enforcement action. This is one of the most effective ways to help stop scammers from hurting other homeowners.
Mortgage Advertising Enforcement
The FTC actively monitors and enforces against deceptive mortgage and foreclosure relief advertising, including false claims of government affiliation, guarantees of loan modification approval, and misleading interest rate or payment reduction promises.
How to File a Complaint
File an FTC complaint at ftc.gov/complaint or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC does not resolve individual complaints but uses them to build cases against fraudulent companies. Your complaint enters the Consumer Sentinel Network, accessible to federal, state, and local law enforcement. If you've lost money to a foreclosure rescue scam, also file complaints with your state attorney general and the CFPB. The FTC coordinates enforcement with these agencies.
Enforcement Actions
The FTC has conducted numerous major enforcement sweeps targeting foreclosure rescue scams, resulting in court orders banning defendants from the mortgage relief industry, freezing of assets, and consumer redress. Notable operations include 'Operation Stolen Hope,' 'Operation Broken Trust,' and 'Operation Mis-Modification' — coordinated federal-state sweeps that resulted in hundreds of enforcement actions against fraudulent mortgage relief companies. The FTC also issues civil investigative demands (CIDs) and can seek temporary restraining orders and asset freezes in federal court.
Homeowner Resources
- •FTC Complaint Assistant: ftc.gov/complaint — file complaints about foreclosure rescue scams
- •FTC Mortgage Relief Scams Guide: how to spot and avoid foreclosure rescue scams
- •FTC 'Facing Foreclosure' resources: practical guidance for homeowners
- •National Do Not Call Registry: donotcall.gov — reduce telemarketing calls from scammers
- •FTC Consumer Information: consumer.ftc.gov — extensive guides on mortgage, debt, and credit topics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I spot a foreclosure rescue scam?▼
What should I do if I've been scammed by a foreclosure rescue company?▼
Need Help Navigating FTC Programs?
Understanding your rights with FTC is critical — but applying them to your situation takes expertise. Professional Law Assist knows how to leverage FTC programs and protections to build the strongest possible defense. Get a free case review and learn exactly how FTC's rules apply to your foreclosure.
Get Your Free Case Review →Related Services & Resources
Get Your Free Full Case Review
Tell us about your situation — our senior legal team will review every detail and contact you within 24 hours with a tailored plan. No obligation. 100% confidential.
Submit Your Information
Tell us about your situation in complete confidence.
Case Analysis
Our legal team reviews your documents and foreclosure status.
Receive Your Strategy
We outline your best options and recommended path forward.
We Get to Work
Your dedicated team begins protecting your home and rights.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Every day matters when facing foreclosure. Get your free, confidential consultation and learn your options — no obligation.
Available Monday–Friday · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Pacific