Struggling homeowners continue to be a favorite target for scammers. according to the National Association of Realtors.  Scammers are passing themselves off as Homeownershio Preservation Foundation (HPF) counselors & using federal programs such as HARP & HAMP to trick homeowners.  There are CLUES to watch for:   (1) ask for a fee in advance to work with the homeowner’s lender to modify, refinance or reinstate a mortgage, (2) guarantees they can stop a foreclosure or get the loan modified, (3) advised the homeowner to stop paying the mortgage company & start paying them instead, (4) pressures the homeowner to sign over the title to their home.  Call HPF directly at 888-995- HOPE to verify a trained counselor.