United First, Inc.

This company contacts consumers who are in foreclosure offering alternative options for preventing the foreclosures. Rather than loan modification services, the company offers to enter into a Joint Venture agreement with the homeowner which essentially makes the company a partner in the homeowner’s equity. A joint venture is an agreement between parties for a particular purpose or venture. A joint venture is, in effect, a form of partnership that is limited to a particular purpose or limited in time.

Be wary of individuals and companies offering to "help" you out of your difficult financial situation. BBB’s nationwide have been inundated with complaints about foreclosure "rescue" scams. These scams specifically target homeowners who are in financial distress. Scam operators advertise over the Internet and in local publications, plaster posters on telephone poles and at bus stops, stick flyers in people's front doors or contact people whose homes are listed in public foreclosure notices. Sometimes they direct their appeals to specific religious or ethnic groups.

During the time period between the commencement of foreclosure proceedings and the scheduled foreclosure sale date, homeowners become vulnerable to the importunities of equity purchasers who induce them to sell their homes for a small fraction of their fair market values through the use of schemes which often involve oral and written misrepresentations, deceit, intimidation, and other unreasonable commercial or legal practices.

If a foreclosure "rescuer" instructs you not to contact your mortgage company or your attorney, beware. Your mortgage company is the very business that you should be in touch with! Furthermore, why would you agree to cease contact with your attorney when dealing with complicated financial matters that involve perhaps your biggest investment, your home? You should never sign a contract under pressure and never sign away ownership of your property. Ask a trusted family member, your attorney or a financial professional to review any paperwork you may be asked to sign.