Refinancing your mortgage has the potential to save you a lot of money – unless you get taken by a scam. Refinancing scams prey on your desire to refi at a low rate. Once they get you hooked by having you put money down or using delay tactics, you have little time to back out. To protect yourself from losing money on your next refinance, watch out for these signs of fraud.

1. Failure To Disclose Rates, Terms, And Closing Costs

Information is your greatest tool when making financial decisions. With online lenders you can rapidly compare rates, fees, and terms. Many lenders also offer loan estimates, disclosing pertinent information before you begin an application.

Anytime a lender delays or refuses to provide information, you should be cautious. By law, financial company have to tell you the rate, fees, and closing fees of any loan product. You should also know how much time you have to close the deal before rates are subject to reevaluation.

The most common scam involves not telling you when locked in rates run out. Then at closing, the lender will quote you a new rate a point or two higher.

2. Requests To Sign False Or Blank Loan Forms

Whenever a lender asks you to falsify information or sign blank forms, run away. If you knowingly give false information, you risk legal and financial problems. While you can still go to the authorities, you will have little recourse.

Blank forms provide frauds a license to draw up any kind of loan terms they want. You may end up with higher rates, balloon payments, or signing away your home's title.

3. Pushes You To Agree To High Balances Or Payments

Be aware when lenders try to push you to agree to a high balance or payment. While all lenders will encourage you to borrow more in order to increase their profits, the good lenders aren't trying to force you into foreclosure. Legitimate lenders want to collect interest. Scammers want to take your home.

The best protection from scammers is information. Check out lenders' sites, ask questions, and don't be afraid of backing out of a deal. Good rates and good terms are out there for those willing to do a little research.