With the downturn of the market and the current foreclosure crisis I have noticed it has brought out the best and worst of people in the real estate industry.  Many realtors have stepped up and gotten training on short sales and have been able to help some homeowners avoid foreclosure and at least partially save their credit.  They have worked many hours negotiating with banks and loss mitigation departments and remained persistant in marketing and finally closing the property. 

But with the good comes the bad.  Many unsavory characters have been capitalizing on the foreclosure crisis and have made a living on the misery of others by taking advantage of the situation in dishonest ways.  Locally I have heard the story of someone advertising fantastic rental properties with fair prices on craigslist and collecting a security deposit from interested renters only to turn around and disappear with the deposit. Why would they disappear you ask?  Because they advertised a foreclosed home owned by the bank as a rental property and took advantage of unsuspecting renters anxious to get into a home.  Another scam I have heard of involves people who will help you 'stop foreclosure'.  Now before anyone gets upset, I know there are a lot of good people out there who are honest and are truly helping people stop foreclosure using different methords.  BUT, for the people out there doing it the 'right way' there are also a number of people out there capitalizing on the situation and basically kicking people when they are already down by taking advantage of people in foreclosure, promising them relief and then walking away with their money, house or both through various sell, lease and buy back scams.

Please everyone, use caution when somebody makes you an offer that sounds too good to be true.  Get a second opinion, consult a real estate professional or an attorney.  Be sure you are not being taken advantage of in your time of need.