If you're a homeowner now, there's a bulls eye on you by every scammer, con man and con company. Especially if you're in foreclosure, strapped for cash or have a desperate need to borrow money.

Your biggest shield of protection in times like these is current information. The biggest advantage any con artist has over you is your lack of information. As financial desperation continues to grow, more and more people will have temptations to find ways to separate you from your hard-earned money.