Predatory lending is a term used to describe a wide range of unfair financial practices. Here are some resources that can help you avoid being a victim.

• Housing Scams - Beware of these frauds and scams when buying or foreclosing on a home
• Federal Trade Commission - The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them.
• Illinois Attorney General’s Office - The "Help for Homeowners" page has information on preventing foreclosure, avoid foreclosure rescue scams, and shopping of a home loan. You may also contact the Attorney General's Homeowner Helpline at (866) 544-7151 to learn more about your options or to report a predatory mortgage lender.
• Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation - IDFPR works to protect the residents of Illinois, ensure the safety and soundness of financial institutions, ensure that competent professionals are licensed to provide services to the public, and enhance commerce in the state for the benefit of all its residents.
• State of Illinois Anti-Predatory Lending Database Program - This site is to eliminate predatory lending practices by increasing the borrowers’ understanding of the loans they are considering and thereby reduce the number of foreclosures resulting from inappropriate loans
• File a Complaint with IDFPR
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Frauds & Scams
• FDIC - Predatory Lending Resources

If you believe your rights may have been violated or are a victim of housing discrimination, we encourage you to submit a complaint. Because there are time limits on when a complaint can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should submit a complaint as soon as possible. You may file a complaint online, call us toll-free at (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339, or email ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov.