Mortgage scams often work because buying or refinancing a home is stressful. Borrowers are sharing documents, watching deadlines, and trying to understand unfamiliar terms. A scammer may pretend to be a lender, title company, servicer, government agency, or repair contractor.
\nWestern Ohio Mortgage encourages borrowers to slow down, verify requests, and use trusted contact information before sending money or sensitive documents.
\nWarning signs to take seriously
\n- Pressure to wire money quickly to a new account
- Requests for passwords, verification codes, or full Social Security numbers by insecure message
- Promises of guaranteed approval regardless of income, credit, or property
- Upfront fees for foreclosure help or loan modification promises
- Email addresses or phone numbers that do not match known contacts
Protect your mortgage file
\nUse secure upload channels when sending documents. Confirm wire instructions by calling a known phone number, not a number pasted into a suspicious email. Do not click links from unexpected messages that claim your loan is in trouble or your closing instructions changed.
\nIf you are unsure who you are speaking with, contact Western Ohio Mortgage through the staff page or your known loan officer. The loan process overview can also help you understand which steps are normal and which requests deserve extra verification.
\nWhat to do if something feels wrong
\nPause before sending funds or documents. Save the message, call your lender or title company using a trusted number, and ask whether the request is legitimate. If money has already been sent, contact your bank immediately and ask about recall options.
\nOhio borrower planning note: A careful borrower is not being difficult. Verification protects the closing, your identity, and your money.