Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum unveiled a new Web site to help homeowners avoid mortgage fraud scams. The Web site - http://myfloridalegal.com/mortgagefraud - gives consumers easy access to current investigations, complaint forms, and tips to identify and avoid foreclosure rescue fraud. Fraud involving loan modifications related to foreclosures is the complaint topic most commonly reported to the Attorney General's Office. The complaints many times relate to an up-front fee.

"Companies and individuals are taking advantage of our homeowners in these tough economic times by preying on their financial situations," says McCollum. "If we can increase consumer education and empower people to spot scams and avoid them in advance, we can help decrease the number of victims targeted by this fraud."

Consumers can obtain information about active litigation and download affidavit forms to fill out if they have been victimized by one of the listed companies. Consumers can also access a list of active investigations to see if a company is questionable.

The Web site also features frequently asked questions, consumer tips and a list of warning signs if a company is engaging in foreclosure rescue fraud. The Web site includes links to the new Florida Bar Web site with information for attorneys and consumers, housing help workshops and clinics in Florida, and information about the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service and qualified legal aid agencies.

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