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I read several articles today in regards to scam artists (i.e. crooks!) taking advantage of homeowners attempting to save their homes from foreclosure.  One article was in the St. Petersburg Times while the other was in the  L.A. Times.

The St. Pete article stated that federal and state officials are cracking down on modification scams that take advantage of desperate homeowners. The article stated that scammers take advantage of borrowers in danger of default by charging them upfront fees of up to $3,000 for help with loan modifications. On Monday the Illinois attorney general urged people to stay away from anyone who offer to save their home by charging an upfront fee.

The L.A. Times reported that the California attorney general pledged to investigate and prosecute, when appropriate,  companies that fraudulently charge homeowners fees to help get more favorable refinancing terms. The attorney general stated there is no need to pay fees to consultants offering to persuade a lender to relax payment terms.
  At the same congressional hearing held at Los Angeles Southwest College,  Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) stated “Don’t pay anybody for mortgage modification,” Waters said. “Call your bank and tell them you want it.”

I noticed that there are a couple of blogs on askmeme.com, the homeowners info website,  that provide homeowners with tips on how to negotiate with their lenders as well as other tips on how to obtain free help in this area.  It appears free help is available from government-approved housing counselors. You may want to check  out the site before you seek outside help it may say you $$$