The FCC recently warned consumers about a rise in scam phone calls claiming to offer mortgage relief or assistance. Known as “Green Mirage,” this scam operation has impersonated more than 400 mortgage institutions and cost homeowners in all 50 states hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The callers impersonate banks, a known mortgage relief organization, or a government agency using techniques like caller ID spoofing to make it appear that the call is coming from a trusted source. The caller will promise loan modifications or immediate help with overdue payments. Rather than providing help, the calls are designed to steal sensitive personal information or money by collecting “payments” that are not applied to the victims account.
The calls may threaten foreclosure, then offer relief if the homeowner makes payments to Green Mirage’s agents instead of their actual lender. The callers commonly ask the homeowner to make payments by money orders to third-party “attorneys” or representatives. In some cases, victims are asked to pay using Walmart Green Dot Prepaid Card accounts.
In many cases, the homeowner targeted by the scam call has previously sought relief from their actual mortgage lender and may expect to be contacted. The callers may know details regarding the homeowner’s name, address, and their current or former mortgage lending institution, and often spoof the caller ID number of the homeowner’s actual mortgage lending institution to try to convince the homeowner that the call is legitimate.
Many victims only learn they’ve been scammed when their actual lender begins foreclosure proceedings.
How to protect yourself
- If you receive a call alleging to be from your mortgage lender, hang up and call the number of your mortgage company directly to verify if the offer is legitimate or not.
- Only scammers will tell you to buy a gift card, like a Green Dot, Google Play or Apple Card, and give them the numbers off the back of the card. No real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.
- Use caution if you are being pressured for immediate payments.
- Never share your personal information or provide sensitive details like your Social Security number, bank account information, or mortgage details over the phone unless you’re certain you’re speaking to a trusted source.
- Report suspicious calls. If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state’s attorney general.
If you have shared personal information with an unknown caller, visit identitytheft.gov.
Learn more about gift card scams
Additional FCC consumer resources
Source: Federal Communications Commission, Written by FCC Staff, updated January 30, 2025
