A legitimate housing counselor is specially trained to help you assess your financial situation, evaluate options if you are having trouble paying your mortgage loan and make a plan to get you the help you need. Unlike a broker, servicer, or another representative of your mortgage loan company, a housing counselor can offer independent advice. These services are often provided at little or no cost to you. Foreclosure prevention counseling and counseling services for homeless persons are available free of charge through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Housing Counseling Program. Call the CFPB at 1-855-411-CFPB (2372) to be connected to a HUD-approved housing counselor today.