The Maryland Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) is warning about a new scam targeting homeowners nationwide.

An advisory recently released by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) explains how the “Green Mirage” scam works:

• Fraudsters spoof the caller ID number of legitimate mortgage lenders and pose as representatives of the lenders.
• They threaten foreclosure but then offer a loan modification or some other relief if homeowners make specified payments.
• They persuade the homeowner to pay in a manner different than their usual mortgage payment method, such as by mailing money orders to third-party “attorneys” and representatives or by uploading funds to Walmart Green Dot Money Card accounts.
• Victims unknowingly send payments to the fraudsters instead of their actual lender.

OFR has issued an advisory with more details, along with resources to share with your members.