The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is warning consumers about predatory websites falsely offering financial services that claim to be PHFA loans or give the impression that PHFA endorses their product.
The agency advises consumers that the best way to be sure they are getting a PHFA home loan is to receive confirmation from a PHFA customer service representative on the agency’s Homeownership Hotline at 1-800-822-1174. Staff is available weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to answer consumer questions. A few minutes spent on the phone confirming a PHFA loan can protect people from deceitful scam artists.
Another valuable resource for consumers is a network of housing counselors located conveniently around the state. Before signing a home loan contract, a consumer can contact a housing counseling agency for help confirming whether a loan actually is a PHFA loan. Many counseling services are available for free.