It's a Scam: 1-800-540-1288 Meridian Financial

I have always appreciated caller id because it allows me to duck calls from telemarketers who have no respect for the "do not call" list. Caller id also gives me the chance to research a number before I decide if I should return the rare voicemail.

Thank goodness for websites that share information on these "800" numbers that never have a name attached. One I just let go to voicemail earlier this afternoon turns out to be mortgage scammers.

If you get a voicemail from "Linda" claiming to be with your mortgage company, offering you a 5.875% loan, and urgently telling you call "James" the senior underwriter at 1-800-540-1288, ext. 1722, it's a scam.

Based on my research, this number is for Meridian Financial, a company that buys mortgage data from legitimate companies and tries to get you to refinance a new 30-year mortgage at a higher rate (most 30-year mortgage rates are less than 5% currently).

You may also see "Petry Maintenance" or a variation of that company name on your caller id, but it's still Meridian Financial.

Just remember: if your real mortgage company wanted to refinance your loan, they would send you a letter and have you contact them. That's how legitimate companies do it.