Why does it sometimes feel as if Florida is the flim-flam capital of the United States?

The state is investigating 81 "foreclosure rescue" companies it suspects might be duping the public. Some of these firms are legitimate and helpful, but I've gotten calls about convicted felons who've posed as guardian angels to defraud homeowners.

Another 86 such companies have also attracted the state's attention, though it hasn't yet opened full investigations. As attorney general Bill McCollum said last month: "The time is ripe for disreputable companies and individuals to capitalize on consumers' financial concerns .And foreclosure rescue fraud is one of the worst manifestations of the current economic situation."

Here's more.