With all the dubious assistance programs and out-right scams preying on home owners facing foreclosure, it can be difficult to find legitimate help.

Here’s a list of programs that are either operated by the U.S. government or have its seal of approval:

• To find a counselor, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (800) 569-4287 or (877) 483-1515, or go to www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm
• Call (888) 995-HOPE, the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline to reach a nonprofit, HUD-approved counselor through HOPE NOW, a cooperative effort of mortgage counselors and lenders to assist homeowners.
• Visit NeighborWorks America’s Web site at www.nw.org/network/home.asp
• Go to this Web site for information on federal mortgage modification and refinancing programs:www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
• The Controller of the Currency’s consumer information site for banking-related questions is www.helpwithmybank.gov
• OCC Customer Assistance Group and consumer assistance site: www.occ.gov/customer.htm
• Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea04.shtm
• Federal Reserve Board: www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm
• NeighborWorks America: www.nw.org
• HOPE NOW: www.hopenow.com