Foreclosure scams are spreading like wild fire.

"The FBI has reported a 63 percent increase in mortgage fraud cases that they are investigating," Washington State Attorney Rob McKenna said. "And we also know with a lot of pay option adjustable-rate mortgages coming due, that we can expect another round of rescue scams and loan modification scams."

So how do you know which programs are legitimate? KOMO News posted the following tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.

Dos:

Contact your lender yourself
"As many as half of the people in foreclosure problem never contact their lender," McKenna said. And that's a mistake.

Get free advice from a housing counselor
McKenna says you can find plenty of government-certified counselors who offer their advice for free by visiting the state's Web site or by calling 1-877-894-HOME (1-877-894-4663).

Verify a loan modification business is licensed
You can check them out on BBB.org, the Department of Financial Institutions' Web site or by calling 1-877-RING-DFI.

 Read more at KOMO by clicking here.