Because foreclosure is not usually a widely discussed topic, many people who experience it do not know where to turn. There are unscrupulous companies that appear reputable but are not. That is why it is important to understand that there are scams that can create even deeper problems for you. You should contact a certified homeownership counselor if you are encountering any of the following:

• Phone calls that ask for your social security number
• Offers to repay your mortgage or sell your home if you sign over the deed
• Counseling that charges a fee or asks for a membership fee
• Any binding contract that asks for your signature other than from a certified counselor

If you do encounter any of these scams, ask lots of questions and collect as much information as you can. There are people that have lost their homes and still owe a great deal of money because they were victims of a scam.