According to FBI statistics, real estate and mortgage fraud cost the American public over one billion dollars in 2005. This is double the amount from the year before, and if the prognosticators are right, 2006’s losses will be even higher. Many people may not realize they are victims until they find themselves in foreclosure or are facing eviction. Bottom line: For many, the American dream of homeownership has become a nightmare.

With that in mind, I am pleased to announce that starting in January, I will host a monthly teleconference call to offer free advice on how to avoid real estate and mortgage fraud, and what to do if you believe you have been targeted. January’s call–which will cover the signs of real estate and mortgage fraud and will give listeners tips for both prevention and solutions if they feel they’ve been scammed–is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time / 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. Subsequent calls will be scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month.

There is no charge to participate in next Tuesday’s call (except for normal long distance telephone rates if applicable), but registration is required. To register, please contact my assistant, Kym Johnson, at (586) 751-0000 or email her at kymjohnson@ralphroberts.com.