TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline)-Kansas Attorney General Steve Six is suing five companies for allegedly scamming struggling homebuyers facing foreclosure.

The Democratic attorney general filed the lawsuits last week as a part of his office's Operation Homestead.

Three of the companies are accused of collecting excessive fees from consumers who wanted to modify their mortgages. The other two firms are accused of defrauding homebuyers.

"During these tough economic times when more Kansans face foreclosure, unscrupulous people are trying to take advantage of homeowners under the guise of offering assistance," Six said in a statement. "With these lawsuits, we are working to stop the exploitation of Kansas homeowners already in difficult financial situations."

The attorney general is asking the courts to stop the companies from engaging in nefarious practices and to pay restitution to consumers, in addition to at least a $75,000 fine in four of the five cases.

Sued were ABS Saveco of Canton, Ga.; Apple Asset of Overland Park, Kan.; Helping Hands Support Services Inc. of Costa Mesa, Calif.; Kirkland Young of Miami and Rush Properties Inc. of Olathe, Kan.

The lawsuits accuse Apple Asset and Rush Properties of operating redemption rights scams, while the other three companies -- Kirkland Young, ABS Saveco and Helping Hands Support Services -- are alleged to have operated loan modification scams.

"Foreclosure can be a lengthy and difficult process for homeowners. It can be confusing and intimidating to talk with lenders and financial institutions, especially if one does not know their rights and options," Six said. "It is important for Kansans to learn their rights and ask questions before it's too late."

From Legal Newsline: Reach staff reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.