The federal government issued guidance and a strong warning Thursday to mortgage lenders who deal with members of the military. The National Credit Union, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other agencies expressed concern about lending practices that may mislead service members, who are often required to relocate. The concerns included, failing to give service members accurate information about federal mortgage assistance programs, urging them to waive special protections and advising them to skip payments in order to get help. The agencies indicated that they would crack down on any inappropriate practices. "Many of those families live in California, Nevada, Texas, Florida and other areas hardest hit by the real estate market collapse," Holly Patraeus, who oversees service member affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau told msnbc.com. "I hope that it's reassuring for them to know that someone is looking out for them."
