Pontiac, Michigan September 26, 2006 -- When it comes to stealing, criminals these days are saying there's no place like home - yours.

Called the "new street hustle," real estate fraud has skyrocketed across the country and Michigan has been named as one of the top 10 hotspots for mortgage fraud by the FBI.

On Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Oakland County Clerk/Register Ruth Johnson is sponsoring a free seminar for seniors on how to avoid being the victim of real estate fraud. The event is being held at the Older Persons Commission, 650 Letica, in Rochester.

"We've had homeowners who have no idea that their home has been bought and sold with fraudulent documents," said Johnson. "Victims have literally found out when the bank comes to foreclose on fraudulent mortgages obtained by the thieves. It can cost victims thousands of dollars in attorney fees to untangle the mess."

Unfortunately, seniors are often targeted because their homes have been paid off so there is more to gain by these white-collar criminals, Johnson added.

Real estate fraud can include everything from forged documents and property deeds to predatory lending practices that can cost victims their homes.

"Dirty Deeds: What You Need to Know About Real Estate Fraud," will include several speakers, including: Clerk/Register Ruth Johnson; Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard or his representative; Michigan Rep. Fran Amos (R - Waterford); Toni Chrabot, supervisory agent of the FBI's Oakland County office; Steve Hagar, the president of the Michigan Mortgage Brokers Association; Phil Seaver of the Phillip R. Seaver Title Co. and representatives from Oakland County Equalization and the Oakland County Community and Home Improvement Division.

Johnson created a Fraud Task Force with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office. She also installed security cameras in her offices to help deter and identify criminals. Even though other regions have been harder hit by real estate criminals, residents here still need to know about the potential for fraud.

Seniors will learn what real estate scams have surfaced in Oakland County, questions to ask lenders and new tools homeowners can use to protect themselves and their biggest assets - their homes.

Seats are still available. To register, call (248) 656-1403. For additional information and directions to the OPC, visit the Oakland County Clerk/Register's web site at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod.