Quicken Loans Asked for a credit card number prior to doing any research and representing themselves as having a special relationship with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Told me that Updated rules for HARP loans were released. Internet Only Internet

I went through Lendingtree to see what was available for refinancing options.  I filled out my information and only received responses from Quicken Loans and Loan Depot.  No other banks (traditional).  I was already suspicious and did not request a phone call. Suddenly both companies began calling and callinig.  I looked up Loan Depot and all I saw was complaints.

I work with Quicken using Turbo Tax so I picked up the call to find out what they could do.  The told me that new rules for the HARP program were just released (Not True) and that they have a direct connection to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that will enable them to get a quick approval within just a couple minutes (Not A Special Relationship) We went through the questionaire and he was a very nice person.  He then told me that he was able to secure at 2% decrease in my interest rate.  That 2% decrease is going to save me $500 a month (Not True At All)

All I was going to need is give them a $500 'good faith' deposit that more than likely will be credited if there is no need for an appraisal. WV (my state) has an appraisal wavier process (Not True). All we needed to do now was to complete the application and he'll get on the phone with Fannie Mae and get the process going.  Did I have a credit card that I could use for the deposit? Sure.  Just go ahead an give me the number and we'll get your $500 savings underway.  Credit card now, up front, with no guarantees and nothing in writing?  Not a chance.   

I didn't let it get to the point of a rip off but I could have easily been taken. I hate that I gave them all my information (SSN, address, phone, income, employer) but Lending Tree and the name Quicken are (or were) reputable. I'm going to have to looking to the relationship between Quicken and Quicken Loans.