Consumer advocates say they’re getting more complaints about home mortgage foreclosure “rescue” scams. There are a variety of ruses all designed to defraud homeowners in financial distress.

In one common scenario, the scam operator offers to “buy” the homeowner’s property by paying off the overdue loan amount. He convinces the homeowner to move out and deed the property over to a third party. The homeowner is given the option of renting the property with the chance to buy it back later. The catch is that the rent is usually higher than the homeowner can afford. One of two things happens: Either the original homeowner can’t make the rent and is evicted, or when they express a desire to buy back the property, the scam operator sets the price higher than they can afford.

These operations advertise over the Internet and in local publications, plaster posters on telephone poles and at bus stops, stick flyers in front doors or call people whose homes are listed in public foreclosure notices.

Carefully consider the following if your mortgage is in arrears or you are facing foreclosure:

• Talk to your lender. Ask about how to restructure your loan payment or refinance.
• Try selling the house on your own to pay off the loan. Signing over a deed in no way releases you from your mortgage responsibilities.
• Beware of the personal approach. Some less-than-ethical businesses will stuff a handwritten note in your front door or mailbox implying that help is available from someone you know or who has your interests in mind. Foreclosure scam artists know exactly which neighborhoods to blanket with their offers.
• If a foreclosure “rescuer” instructs you not to contact your mortgage company or your attorney, that’s a sure sign of trouble. Your mortgage company is the very business that you should be in touch with.
• You should never sign a contract under pressure and you should never sign away ownership of your property. If you don’t understand the paperwork, ask a trusted family member, your attorney or a financial professional to review it with you.

Please, before signing any deals with a potential homebuyer promising debt relief, contact the BBB to request a report on the company and check with the state attorney general and Real Estate Commission.

Baumhart is president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, which serves the 19 northern counties of Illinois. The BBB can be reached 24 hours a day at 312-832-0500 or at www.chicago.bbb.org.