Freddie Mac’s Single-Family Fraud Risk (SFFR) team has recently learned of a scam where consumers get a phone call that appears to be coming from Freddie Mac − but the caller is an imposter. This scam is known as spoofing. Consumers have reported that:

  • Caller ID displays calls as coming from 1-800-FREDDIE.
  • Callers had publicly available information (i.e., street address or mortgage servicer name), which they attempted to use to gain consumers’ trust. In some cases, consumers receive multiple calls in a day.
  • Callers often don’t leave a message, but when they do reach a consumer, they offer a low interest rate on a new loan or other false promises.

Remind Your Borrowers

Here are some useful tips you can remind your borrowers to follow if or when they are faced with a suspicious call:

  • Be cautious with caller ID. Scammers can make any name or number appear from anywhere in the world.
  • Let it go to voicemail. If a call is important, the caller will leave a message.
  • Hang up. If it’s a robocall, don’t press any numbers. Just hang up.
  • Offer no information. Never give out personal, financial or other sensitive information − unless you know you’re speaking to Freddie Mac or your mortgage servicer.
  • Be suspicious. Freddie Mac will not call you to promote an offer to refinance or obtain a new loan.
  • Block calls. Contact your internet provider or phone carrier to stop unwanted calls.
  • Report fraud. Visit our Fraud Prevention webpage to report mortgage fraud and suspicious activity.

If your borrowers are concerned that a call is not legitimate, they should hang up and call 1-800-FREDDIE or their mortgage servicer.