Many homeowners are still facing mortgage default, and while the best bet is to contact your lender directly, there are tempting advertisements out there for companies that claim they can solve your financial crisis.  Fraud is rampant, so look out for the following warning signs.

• Don't believe the hype when you hear, "We’ll stop the auction!” or, "Debt eliminated, guaranteed!”  If it sounds too good to be true, it is!
• You should be suspicious of any company that tries to gain your trust by imitating a government agency.  They may (illegally) publish government logos and names, or even copy the look of an official website, so pay attention to the details.
•  Back out of any deal that requires you to pay any fees upfront.  There is no need to pay anyone to modify your mortgage terms, because your lender, and only your lender, can do that.
•  Most importantly, do not make mortgage payments to anyone but your lender.  If a person or company presents you with an official looking statement that indicates payments should now be made to them, don’t walk – run for the door, and call the Better Business Bureau.