Despite the warnings, thousands of people drowning in debt are choosing the worst places possible to find a life raft.

There are so many shaky deals out there it's difficult to keep up.

If you're over your head in debt or facing foreclosure, you're prime bait for predators disguised as the answer to your problems.

Before you agree to any kind of financial help, go to the Internet, get on Google, Bing or another search engine, type in the category and add the word scams.

For example, try key words like "foreclosure scams," "debt consolidation scams," "mortgage loan modification scams," "credit repair scams," "financial advisor scams," etc.

You'll instantly get pages of alerts, horror stories and tips to help you make a smart decision.

This tactic works with virtually anything you're trying to research. Just beware of all those sponsored ads that pop up on the screen. They're programmed to appear based on the subject matter.

Remember, just because it's advertised on the Internet does not mean it's legitimate, reputable or in your best interest.

For more information:

Crisis Clinic

Solid Ground

Urban League

Consumer Counseling Northwest (nonprofit)

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (Nonprofit)

FTC: For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List