Warning about foreclosure rescue scams

TAMPA - Many homeowners are willing to do whatever it takes to save their home from foreclosure, but Florida's Attorney General is warning that where there are desperate homeowners, there are scam artists promising to work with banks to get mortgages modified.

Attorney General Bill McCollum is investigating, and in some cases, shutting down many of these companies.

"Some of these scam artists are saying 'don't make your mortgage payment -- pay us instead.' Man, don't ever fall for that," McCollum said.

McCollum says many homeowners are reluctant to reach out to their mortgage holders. But he says most mortgage companies are now under pressure to work with you, rather than trying to take back your home.

"They don't want to go through foreclosure - it costs them money too," he said.

If the bank won't work with you, McCollum recommends calling an attorney -- not a home rescue service looking for business.

Here are some agencies that will help homeowners facing foreclosure:

Hope Now, an industry-backed support group for homeowners facing foreclosure: www.hopenow.com

Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation: (727) 446-6222

Florida Attorneys Saving Homes (FLASH): www.floridabar.org
Toll-free hot line 1-866-607-2187.

If you do contact a loan modification service, remember this: do not pay any money upfront for their services. Under Florida law, they can only charge you after they have performed their services.