SALINAS, Calif. -  In recent weeks, state lawmakers have passed a number of bills directed at a growing problem--mortgage fraud. With foreclosures on the rise, there's a growing number of fraud victims in Monterey County.

Advertisements for ways to save homes from foreclosure have been popping up in local magazines, radio spots, and on the internet; some of them carry the intent to steal.

"There was a (magazine)  ad charging only 3500 dollars," said Socorro Bernal, lead housing counselor for the Housing Resource Center in Salinas.  "We called and found out he was an unlicensed individual."

Monterey County Deputy District Attorney John Hubanks handles the county's mortgage fraud cases as part of the D.A.'s consumer protection division; he says it's hard to determine just how many have been targeted for a rescue scam, but there can be many plantiffs under one complaint.

"I compare it to a 'fish in distress syndrome'," Hubanks said.   "You have a shark looking for prey, a potential con-artist who's looking for distressed homeowners."

Homes under foreclosure become public record, giving scam artists the information to find potential targets.

"Its an easy amount of information to obtain from a title office or county recorder," said Hubanks.

For homeowners who are in trouble, Hubanks says it's important to double-check anything that sounds too good to be true and always get references.

"You have to be diligent when approached by mail, a knock on the door," he said.  "Verify the licensure of the person approaching you."

Both Bernal and Hubanks believe one of the more important bills passed is AB-94, which makes it illegal for lenders or lawyers to charge advance fees for loan modifications.  Bernal adds that anyone who doesn't feel comfortable trying to fix their loans on their own should know that help is out there.

"They will provide a list of non-profit HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that will give the services completely for free."

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