The US Attorney General (AG) has released numbers (and some names) on mortgage assistance fraud schemes.  These types of fraud are up 400% from five years ago.

     According to the AG, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has 2,100 mortgage fraud cases under investigation.  These usually involve individuals contacting home owners and offering assistance with their mortgage...for an up front fee of $1,000 to $3,000.  These are presented as "loan modifications" and are usually fraudulent.

      Mortgage companies are honest folks who are doing their jobs to earn a living, just like most of us.  It is unfortunate, as with most professions, there are some who are not so law abiding and want to make a fast busc the illegal way, by stealing it from the rest of us.

      Please remember, anyone offering you mortgage assistance for an upfront fee are almost always fraudulent.  There is free help for those who are in financial difficulties and need assistance.

      Free housing counselors can be found at http://www.makinghomesaffordable.gov or by calling (888) 995-HOPE.