The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stepped up enforcement on mortgage modification scams. They have set up Operation Home Lies which is a national federal and state law enforcement effort to go after mortgage modification scams that target homeowners facing foreclosure.

If you are in need of mortgage assistance, be vigilant of companies offering to help modify your mortgage while asking you to pay an advance fee to stop foreclosure.

If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment, the first call you should make is to your loan servicer. If you feel you are not getting resolution with your servicer and think you are in danger of facing foreclosure, you can call the Homeowner's HOPE(TM) hotline at 888-995-HOPE.

The Homeowner's Hope Hotline information can be verified on the White House Blog.