Would you hand over the deed to your home to a radio host? How about a former stripper? Because that’s what over 48,000 people have done this year alone, falling victim to foreclosure rescue scams. MSNBC’s Bob Sullivan, author of the Red Tape Chronicles, explained how easy these scams are to fall into.

When people begin the process of foreclosure on their homes, their names become a matter of public record, which turns them into easy targets for predators. He’s heard of homeowners getting up to 700 letters offering them chances to stay in their home, but he stressed that these are almost always solicitations from for-profit companies and involve complex deals that usually are nothing more than rip-offs. There are endless stories about people who accidentally signed away the deed to their home because they trusted these scam artists.

The easiest way to know something’s up, Sullivan said, is when they offer to negotiate with your bank for you. Always stay in touch with your bank yourself.

If, by chance, you fall prey to a foreclosure scam, there is no easy recourse once you give your title or title away. Sullivan suggested contacting the nearest free legal aid office and always using HUD-approved housing counselors during any transaction or negotiation. You can find a list of them by state here.