If you're trying to avoid foreclosure, you could become the target of some new scams.  The California Association of Realtors and the Kern County District Attorney's office are joining forces to provide the warning signs of fake modification schemes.  LeFrancis Arnold, President of the California Association of Realtors, says the scammers ask you not to make your mortgage payments and to avoid talking with the bank -- the worst thing you can do.  To avoid being scammed, get tips at www.car.org.  The Homeownership Preservation Foundation reports attempted rip-offs have climbed nearly 60 percent nationwide in 2012 alone.