Foreclosure prevention van in Lindenhurst

Homeowners in foreclosure and those struggling to make mortgage payments can get information on loan modification programs on Friday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Lindenhurst, the state Department of Financial Services announced Tuesday.

The department’s mortgage foreclosure prevention specialists will staff a mobile command center at the Lindenhurst Memorial Library, at 1 Lee Ave.

The specialists will assess where homeowners are in the preforeclosure or foreclosure process, and inform them about loan modification programs and ways they can file complaints about abusive practices by lenders and mortgage services. Homeowners should bring any relevant documents, such as records of mortgage payments or correspondence from lenders or mortgage servicers.

Homeowners should not fall for mortgage rescue scams by private businesses, which may improperly demand upfront fees, collect homeowners’ mortgage payments or ask them to sign over their home’s deed, says Benjamin Lawsky, superintendent of financial services. Nonprofit housing counselors can help homeowners negotiate with lenders for free, he says.

The department launched its foreclosure prevention initiative in February.

Homeowners may file complaints using the department’s website, www.dfs.ny.gov. For more information, call the department’s foreclosure hotline at 800-269-0990 or 518-457-1654 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photo: A New York State mobile foreclosure prevention van.