Housing counselors from federal, state and nonprofit agencies joined today for a free two-hour seminar aimed at helping homeowners protect themselves from foreclosure and foreclosure scams.

“One thing these service providers made clear today is that anyone delinquent in mortgage payments or at risk of foreclosure should contact of the five HUD-certified counseling agencies right away for help,” said U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, the event sponsor. “They shouldn’t succumb to scams by people promising an easy fix to their foreclosure problems. People facing foreclosure are frustrated, angry and afraid. They are not alone.”

The event also included discussion of the state’s new foreclosure law.

A second seminar is scheduled for Saturday at Maui Waena Intermediate School in Kahului.