HSBC Beneficial We have been with the company since 2004. when my husband retired we told them change in income and wanted to lower payments because I have medical problems. In January 2011 we asked for a hardship mo Carol Stream, Illinois

" When my husband retired we informed them of it. "  
  They don't care.  All they care about is that you repay your loan according to the agreement. 

" I got sick and we asked for a hardship modification and we thought it was permant in January 2011 but it turned out it wasn't  "

   Generally a forebearance can be quickly granted for something temporary, like an illness.   They were under no obligation to give you a break back then, but they did.

" in September 2011 we agin asked for hardship mod  "

   This is probably about the time they realized that you were not going to be paying this back.  

" was asked when I could send money I told them I wasn't sure when I could.  "

  That probably sealed the deal.    Lenders rarely do modifications.  When they do, it is only for people who have a good chance of turning things around and getting back on track.   What I get from your post is that you think your loan should be reduced just because you can't afford it anymore.   It really doesn't work that way.    Ultimately, the lender is going to decide how they can get out of this with the least amount of loss to themselves.  That doesn't make them a ripoff.  They're actually the victim in this case.  From what you have posted, they held up their end of the deal, you did not.

The bank is not required to honor your request for a loan modification. You were not swindled and there was no fraudulent activity by the bank; therefore, you have not been scammed or ripped off.