I was proactive from the very beginning when my family member experienced identity theft last year in October, 2017. I contacted Countrywide and nofified the representatives of my situation, conveyed to them about identity theft, expressed this was the reason for my late payments, and spoke about my securing a loan modification. I continued to contact Countrywide and was told that I could not gain immediate assistance for a loan modification because my home loan was not in foreclosure. I asked if this was the only way to gain immediate assistance and was told yes. In May of 2017, I was contacted by a Countrywide representative. The representative conveyed that I have a fixed rate loan for the next 30 years and payments due were added to the arrear of my loan. I expressed that the value of my home depreciated and asked if my principal could be reduced for my loan. I was told no. She continued to explain that I have a thirty year fixed loan and needed to sign the necessary documents, otherwise Countrywide would proceed with foreclosure. I questioned her because she told me that my interest rate increases every year until 2017. I told her to my understanding, this loan is not a fixed rate loan, however something similar to an adjustable or subprime loan. She told me too bad, sign the documents, there wasn't anything I can do, and just make sure I have everything notarized, and return FedEx. I complied and returned the documents with much hesitation. Since that time, I contacted the President of Countrywide and received the same results. Since that time, I have written letters to government officials. Yesterday, September 1oth, I received a letter from Countrywide about a data breach which means my personal information may be sold, otherwise identity theft. This is the very same thing my family member experienced last year which caused us a delay in mortgage payments. Countrywide has known about the data breach since August, 2017, and I as well as many customers have been notified late. It is sad that Countrywide representatives are very uncooperative in assisting customers, even after Bush signed the law into effect for Countrywide and other mortgage lenders to work with their customers to avoid more foreclosures, yet customers are to accept the late notification about a data breach. In closing, do not expect Countrywide to work with customers with negotiating a loan which match today's property value.
