A report from the California State Department of Real Estate says mortgage relief and loan scams are on the rise.

According to the new report, the department is filing record numbers of actions against persons illegally offering loan modification and loan mortgage relief services, which often include fraudulent charges and guarantees. The typical scam involves the assurance of a loan modification in exchange for an upfront fee, but once the fee is paid, little or nothing is done to obtain a mortgage modification.

The Department of Real Estate has set up more than 4,500 cases that involve loan modification complaints since 2008. These filings have resulted in 244 Desist and Refrain orders to halt illegal operations, which name 785 separate respondents. Additionally, the department has filed 88 accusations accusing 159 different real estate licensees of violating the real estate law in connection with offering loan modification services.

Scammers are upping the pressure on vulnerable, financially stressed homeowners. If you are facing foreclosure, contact an experienced and trustworthy Maryland Mortgage Modification Lawyer of Chaifetz & Coyle P.C. by calling 443-546-4608 to discuss your legal options.