It's estimated that as many as a million people across the country could lose their homes this year.

Luckily, the housing market is better in the Puget Sound area. But even here, some people are facing foreclosure.

And so-called foreclosure rescue companies are there to help -- for a fee.

"We're seeing some unethical companies seeing their chance to step in and make some money off of these troubled homeowners," says Karen Malven, President of the BBB in Clearwater, Florida a part of the country where many of these rescue companies are located.

They promise to keep you in your home - "GUARANTEED!" Pay the fee -- usually around $1,200 -- and there's a good chance you may never hear from them again.

"And there are many people out there that are losing an awful lot of money and their houses through these unethical foreclosure rescue operations," Malven says.

So how do you protect yourself? Never trust anyone who contacts you, unsolicited and promises to help you avoid foreclosure. Never!

If you find yourself falling behind in your monthly mortgage payments, contact your lender and talk to a HUD-certified housing counselor.

For More Information:

Read Herb's MSNBC story: BBB warns of shady foreclosure rescue firms