KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said he's working to crack down on mortgage scams. He said he wants to make sure homeowners know how to avoid becoming a victim.

With so many workers losing their jobs and desperate to make house payments or refinance loans, authorities said mortgage fraud numbers are on the rise across the metro. With the economy down, crooks are taking advantage of homeowners looking for help.

Fraudulent companies are tricking homeowners into thinking they are helping them avoid foreclose or get better rates, Koster said at a news conference in Kansas City on Monday. But in many cases the victims lose everything -- money, equity and even the home itself.

Kansas Rep. Dennis Moore, along with the Kansas and Missouri attorneys general, addressed the growing problem. Mortgage fraud is up 50 percent in the Kansas City area over the past 18 months.

Moore and Missouri Rep. Cleaver are sponsors of the Fight Fraud Act that would tighten mortgage fraud laws.

Federal Bureau of Investigation supervisor Bob Herndon said mortgage fraud on paper is well documented. He said agents will track down and hold accountable those responsible.

Moore warned people to be on high alert for mortgage fraud. He said thieves won't come at residents with weapons. Instead they come with a smile and a handshake.

If you receive any offers that sound to good to be true, they probably are, agreed all of the speakers at the news conference. They recommended if you suspect mortgage fraud, save the offer and call your state Attorney General's Office to help stop these mortgage scams.