The increase in foreclosures has resulted, predictably, in a surge in the number of scamsters pretending to want to help homeowners in need. Here are some of the scams to be aware of:

• The Bailout: The homeowner is led to believe that by signing over title to the house he or she can remain as a renter and buy the house back over time. The terms of the buyback are impossible to meet and the homeowner loses possession. The scam artist ends up with the property.
• Equity Skimming: A "buyer" approaches you with an offer of help. He will pay off your mortgage but you must move out and deed the property to him. The buyer puts a tenant in the property and collects the rents. But he does not make any mortgage payments and allows the lender to foreclose.
• The Bait and Switch: Homeowners are led to believe that they are signing documents to bring the mortgage current. Instead, they are actually turning over their ownership of the property to the scam artist.
• High Powered Help:Companies promoted as heroes to homeowners charge large and excessive fees to save the property. They perform very little work and the home is lost anyway.

How do you avoid one of these scams?

First, never be pressured to sign a contract. Take your time. If it is such a good service they will offer it tomorrow, despite their pressure to sign today. Suggest that you must have your lawyer review it (even if you don't have a lawyer). If the person says a lawyer wouldn't understand this or wouldn't approve of it - you know you are dealing with a scam artist.

Second, never sign away your ownership to the property. People who put you in this position are only maneuvering to take away your home.

Third, never make a mortgage payment to anyone but the lender. If the scam artist suggests that they will pay the mortgage be assured that they will not.

Fourth, do not sign any document with blanks or lines that are not filled in. Scamsters will later add language to your detriment.

Finally, always seek the counsel of a good, local lawyer. Their job is to protect you from ever being scammed in these ways. And in this current environment there are plenty of scams to know about and avoid.