The California Attorney General’s Office is warning homeowners who are already in foreclosure or who are in foreclosure danger to be aware of the dramatic rise in foreclosure rescue scams. Visit the Consumer Alert to be aware of the common signs of a foreclosure rescue scam.

Services are available at little or no cost to help homeowners save their home. For information about these services, visit www.yourhome.ca.gov or contact HOPE - Center for Foreclosure Solutions, a community-based organization that is available to assist with foreclosure-related issues, at (888) 995-HOPE or online at www.995hope.org. Homeowners considering paying for foreclosure-assistance services, such as loan modification, should beware of anyone who tells them not to contact their lender or charges an upfront fee. It’s unlawful for companies that promise to help consumers in foreclosure to collect any money from them before they've done what was promised. Also, consumers should remember that they may not transfer title on their property to avoid foreclosure without the consent of their lender.