(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Alarming foreclosure rates in South Florida are prompting many homeowners to seek the services of foreclosure rescue and loan modification companies.  To help consumers avoid being victimized and losing their money, the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department and Mayor Carlos Alvarez's Mortgage Fraud Task Force are holding educational presentations in English and Spanish.  The English session will be held Wednesday, May 13 at the North Dade Regional Library, 2455 N.W. 183rd Street in Miami Gardens, at 6:30 p.m.  A Spanish session will be held Wednesday, May 27 at the West Kendall Regional Library, 10201 Hammocks Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.

Representatives of the Consumer Services Department and the Mortgage Fraud Task Force will discuss the methods con artists use to carry out foreclosure rescue and loan modification fraud and answer questions.  They will also provide consumers with information to obtain legitimate assistance to help save their homes.

About CSD
The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department (CSD) investigates and mediates consumer complaints, enforces the County's consumer protection laws and business regulations, and licenses certain businesses.  In addition, the department's Cooperative Extension Division provides technical assistance to commercial agricultural growers, backyard gardeners, homeowners, and manages youth and family development programs.  The department also educates consumers on issues that affect them and provides resources to the public to improve their quality of life.