Governmental organizations aren't the only ones looking out for homeowners who might be adversely impacted by mortgage fraud. There are a number of nongovernmental organizations that can help consumers address fraudulent cases.

Each of these organizations has websites and resources that may be contacted if you believe you may be a victim or mortgage fraud or if you think someone is trying to get you to commit a fraudulent activity.

National Fraud Information Center

The NFIC exists to give consumers the information they need to avoid becoming victims of telemarketing and Internet fraud and to help them get their complaints to law enforcement agencies quickly and easily. The Center is a division of the National Consumers League. Call 202-835-3323 or visit www.fraud.org for more information.

Better Business Bureau

The BBB will investigate businesses that are said to have engaged in fraudulent activities. Often the Bureau is a great resource for consumers to contact while they are also getting in touch with the necessary governmental agencies. Filing a complaint is something that consumers who have been affected by fraudulent mortgage lenders should do immediately.

Visit the main web site at www.bbb.org for more information, then follow the links to the web sites for specific states for more detailed information.

Internet Crime Complaint Center

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The IC3 accepts online Internet crime complaints from either someone who believes they were defrauded or from a third party to the complaint. The IC3 gives the victims of cybercrime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations.

Visit www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx to begin the process of filing a complaint.

National White Collar Crime Center

The NW3C is not an investigative agency but it does provide training, investigative support and research to law enforcement agencies and other entities involved in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of economic and high-tech crime.

A nonprofit organization, the NW3C has been continuously funded through competitive grants for over three decades. Membership consists of Law Enforcement agencies from all 50 states and four continents.

Call for Action

Empowering consumers is the mission of Call for Action, which is an international, nonprofit network of consumer hotlines affiliated with local broadcast partners. Its services are free, confidential and available to individuals and small businesses, and the organization can be a good resource for consumers looking to combat fraudulent mortgage lenders.

The nearest Call for Action office can be found by visiting www.callforaction.org/offices.

Consumer Fraud Reporting

This free online service warns consumers about specific types of financial and other scams via the Internet. It also provides a means to report scams and fraud. The website has a significant amount of information, links, phone numbers and guidance on its website to help consumers report a possible crime and recover their loss.