Avoid Common Mortgage Mailer Scams
As a homeowner, you'll receive a lot of mail, some of which may be deceptive. It's important to be cautious about mailers claiming to be from FSB, as they could be scams.
Table of ContentsContact a Mortgage Lender
Key Takeaways
1
Personal Details Exposed: FSB mail never exposes personal information like Mortgage ID, account numbers, or Social Security numbers on the outside of the envelope.
2
Verify Contact Information: Always check the contact information that appears on the mailer at FSB's official website.
3
Be Cautious of Urgent Messages: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency - FSB will contact you directly for urgent matters.
4
Authentic FSB Branding: Look for the official logo and consistent branding
5
Look for Disclaimers: Legitimate FSB mail will not contain disclaimers stating no affiliation with the bank.
What To Look For: Personal Details Exposed
What To Look For: Incorrect Contact Details
Signs of Fraudulent Mortgage Postcards
Recognizing the signs of fraudulent mailers can protect you from scams. Here's what to watch out for:
Personal Details Exposed
Mail from FSB will never expose personal information, such as your Mortgage ID, account number, or Social Security number, on the outside of the envelope. If you see these details exposed, it's a red flag that the mail might be fraudulent.
Incorrect Contact Details
Always confirm the contact information on suspicious mailers to FSB's contact information. Fraudulent mailers often use fake contact information to mislead you. If the numbers do not match, it's probably a scam.
Sense of Urgency
Be wary of urgent messaging. Scammers use urgency to prompt quick action and make you panic into responding without thinking. Remember, FSB will contact you directly for any urgent matters and will not try to pressure you through the mail.
FSB Branding
If the mailer lacks FSB branding or includes disclaimers stating no affiliation with FSB, it's likely a scam. Authentic FSB communication will always display FSB branding.
The official logo is displayed, color schemes from other communications, and the language is professional.
Look for disclaimers such as "All information provided by National Info Center, Not associated with, nor supported by Farmers State Bank."
Verify Your Mortgage Mailers
If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of mortgage-related mailers, please contact FSB's Mortgage Team directly at 319-730-6990.
FAQs: Mortgage Mailer Fraud
Get quick answers to common questions about deceptive mortgage mailers and how to protect your information.
How do I know if a mailer is a scam?
- If the envelope shows your mortgage ID or other personal details, it's likely fraudulent. Also watch for fake contact info, urgent messaging, and disclaimers like “not affiliated with Farmers State Bank.”
Is it safe to respond to a mortgage mailer offer?
- Not always. Scammers often send mailers that look official. Always verify any offers by contacting your lender directly using the number on their official website.
What should I do if I get a suspicious postcard?
- Do not call the number listed. Instead, compare the contact info to your bank’s official website. You can also call your mortgage lender directly to verify legitimacy.
Why does my mortgage mail have details on the outside?
- Legitimate banks like FSB never print sensitive info like mortgage IDs or account numbers on the envelope. If you see that, the mail likely didn’t come from your bank.
Can banks share my mortgage info with other companies?
- Some details may be public, but legitimate banks won’t share or sell your personal information for marketing. Be wary of mailers with disclaimers or unfamiliar company names.
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