COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The South Carolina Consumer Affairs Department is teaming up with the state attorney general to help residents spot and fight mortgage fraud.

The Mortgage Asset and Research Institute said South Carolina at one time was among the nation's worst for a high level of mortgage fraud.

But a spokeswoman for the Consumer Affairs Department said Tuesday the conditions improved following the formation of a mortgage fraud task force that includes the U.S. attorney's office and the FBI.

Spokeswoman Alice Brooks said mortgage fraud is again on the rise as more homeowners face foreclosure.

The state is encouraging anyone with mortgage and home-buying questions to call the hot line at 1-800-553-7723. It is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays by third-year law students from the University of South Carolina.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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