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How to avoid mortgage loan modification scams

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Con artists have been taking advantage of people who are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. Federal and state officials are trying to crack down on the bogus loan modification firms.

They pocket money upfront from people in trouble and then don’t actually help them adjust their loans. Officials say Orange County has been a hotbed for the scams.

Patricia Pinto, an attorney with the Orange County Legal Aid Society, specializes in helping people in foreclosure. Many have been victims of various scams. After a crowded press conference was wrapping up yesterday, she talked with KPCC’s Shirley Jahad.

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