The Federal Reserve is taking over the big screen, showing ads at movie theaters that warn against foreclosure fraud.

The spots will run in 14 cities with high-foreclosure rates and an abundance of financial scam artists who often result.

The ads last 30 seconds and feature photos of individuals and families. They open with the question, “Are you facing foreclosure?” and close with the reassurance, “It shouldn’t hurt to get help!” Before the fade, there are foreclosure tips.

“Everyone goes to the movies at some point,” says Sandra Braunstein, director of the Fed’s Division of Consumer and Community Affairs “The more attention we can put on this, the more consumers can protect themselves from scam artists.”

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Sudeep Reddy (03/27/2009)