Asset protection maneuver which occurs via two methods: 1) a mortgage lender or private party extends credit or a loan against existing equity to homeowners attempting to avoid creditor collection activities. (The additional encumbrance makes the property unattractive to creditors) or 2) through a process whereby a third-party purchases the house for the mortgage balance and sells it back to the homeowner, charging fees that strip equity from the homeowner. Also called equity skimming.