Popcorn, candy, movies -- and foreclosure scams

Sandwiched between the soft-drink popcorn ads and sneak previews at movie theaters, you'll soon see an ad from the Federal Reserve.

The ads are an effort to warn homeowners about foreclosure scams.

Starting April 9, the ads will run in 14 cities in seven states with high-foreclosure housing markets. Valley cities are among them. The ads also will run in California, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Nevada and Ohio.

The Fed said scammers are charging homeowners for help, which is available free from non-profits working with the government.

The 30-second ad is built around text and an audio voiceover and features still photos of individuals and families facing foreclosure.

Five tips for avoiding foreclosure scams from the Fed:

• Work only with a non-profit, HUD-approved counselor.

• Don't pay an arm and a leg; most HUD-approved housing counselors provide no-cost counseling.

• Be wary of "guarantees." A reputable counselor will not guarantee to stop the foreclosure process under any circumstances.

• Know what you are signing and be sure YOU sign it after making sure you understand it thoroughly.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it proabably is. If you suspect you may be the victim of foreclosure fraud, seek help.

On the Net:

• Fed foreclosure scams