When the economy falters, it’s prime time for ploys that claim to help consumers out of money messes.

Consumer Reports recently cataloged some troublesome offers being promoted right now. One of the common themes: Their financial fine print could leave consumers in even worse shape than before.

• Foreclosure fiasco. Public notices of foreclosure proceedings usually trigger mail, phone and even door-to-door solicitations. But consumers should steer clear of any company that initiates such contact, demands a fee before providing services, or advises cutting contact with the mortgage company.

Instead, Consumer Reports’ experts recommend that anyone anticipating problems making mortgage payments should seek legitimate free or low-cost help as soon as possible. Contact a housing counseling agency certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (www.hud.gov/foreclosure or 800-569-4287). Advice is also available at the Homeowner’s Hope Hotline, at 888-995-4673.

• Hard-sell reverse mortgages. Helped along by TV ads featuring actor James Garner and other celebrities, financial firms are enticing seniors to take equity out of their homes through reverse mortgages. Federally insured reverse mortgages allow homeowners 62 and older to borrow against home equity and receive tax-free cash. The money borrowed plus interest is repaid only after the homeowner dies or moves out.

But a reverse mortgage should be a last resort. When homeowners use it to splurge on travel or pay off credit cards, they lose an important safety net that might be needed for an emergency. Instead, people considering tapping home equity can contact a HUD-approved counselor (800-569-4287).

• High-fee debt settlement. Debt-relief companies say they’ll work with creditors to reduce total debt and get it paid off. Yet regulators say that under the typical arrangement, companies charge up-front fees totaling 15 percent of the debt to be settled, a monthly service fee of $50 and if they do reach a settlement, a contingency fee of 20 percent or more of the amount they’ve allegedly saved. And the Internal Revenue Service might consider forgiven debt to be taxable income.

Instead, consumers struggling with credit-card debt should first consider negotiating directly with creditors. Credit-card issuers are reaching out to offer repayment plans to card members carrying significant debt loads.