Don't be fooled by foreclosure fraud

The Ventura County district attorney's office has issued a consumer protection advisory to county residents who may be facing foreclosure due to their inability to make timely payments on their home loans.

Homeowners facing foreclosure should be wary of individuals and businesses offering loan modification services.

Once a notice of default is recorded and available to the public, distressed homeowners will likely receive multiple loan modification solicitations from entities who often seek payment of funds in advance of performing any beneficial services to the homeowner.

Homeowners facing foreclosure are urged to read an advisory letter, which is available in English and Spanish at www.da.countyofventura.org / refraud_unit.htm.

The letter also contains information about free resources that offer genuine assistance to distressed homeowners.