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Lawmakers are establishing agencies that investigate and prosecute real estate fraud.

They don't wear black hats. There is no twirling mustache. They aren't accompanied by a big beefy man with knuckle rings and a grimace, to imply that if you don't cooperate your knees may soon bend backwards. In fact, they're often wearing a suit, tie and concerned look on their face. What's so insidious about a bad guy involved in mortgage fraud is that he (or she) is disguised as the white knight come to pull you out of the mess that you've found yourself in.

Losing your house to a con artist may be a lonely affair, but those who have had it happen aren't alone. According to FBI statistics, mortgage fraud and deed theft costs homeowners up to $6 billion every year. That's a big part of why Congress is looking at a number of bills, which, if enacted, will create law enforcement units that can specifically combat mortgage fraud.

So if you're currently in foreclosure and are worried about what predators are out there, or want to make sure that you never get in that position, look out for these red flags when it comes to mortgage fraud:

• Too Good to Be True
• Entitled to Your Title
• Promise You the World