Q.I read an advertisement about a company that sells fake paycheck stubs so that "America can stop foreclosures!" How prevalent was the fraud in the industry? I owe $40,000 on my home, which is worth $300,000-$350,000. I lost my job and I missed two house payments. This Web site is tempting because I need the equity (my savings account) to live and get through this crisis. What are the legal ramifications of using the Fakepaycheckstubs.com software? Can I get away with using fake income verification in today's credit world?

A. Right away, we have a big problem with Fakepaycheckstubs.com. The word "fake" tells you that this is a sham, probably illegal and could result in your being charged with bank fraud. That may not be likely, but it's possible.

Even on their home page, they warn: "www.quickstubs.com or any of its affiliates are not responsible for any misuse associated with this program once the buyer has filled it out with the information they choose to use."

Lenders are checking every aspect of mortgage applications more closely than they have in years, and even if you weren't pursued for filing false documentation, chances are you would be caught misrepresenting yourself.

We are sympathetic to your situation, but this is not a wise solution.