These precautions can help you avoid being "taken" by a scam artist:

• Don't sign any papers you don't fully understand.
• Make sure you get all "promises" in writing.
• Beware of any sales contract that assumes the loan where you are not formally released from liability (responsibility) for your mortgage debt.
• Check with a lawyer or your mortgage company before entering into any deal involving your home.

If you're selling the house yourself to avoid foreclosure, check to see if there are any complaints against the prospective buyer. You can contact your state's Attorney General, the State Real Estate Commission, or the local District Attorney's Consumer Fraud Unit for this type of information.