5 Common Types of Mortgage Fraud & How to Detect Them
Mortgage fraud is a serious crime that involves intentionally providing false or misleading information during the mortgage application process to obtain a loan or secure a property. Detecting mortgage fraud is crucial for both lenders and borrowers to prevent financial losses and legal consequences. Here are five common types of mortgage fraud and how to detect them:
- Income Fraud: This type of fraud involves misrepresenting or inflating income on a mortgage application to qualify for a larger loan than the borrower can truly afford.
Detection:
- Review income documentation carefully, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and employment verification.
- Compare reported income to industry standards for the borrower’s occupation and location.
- Look for inconsistencies in reported income across different documents.
- Occupancy Fraud: Occupancy fraud occurs when a borrower misrepresents the intended use of the property. For example, claiming a property will be a primary residence when it’s actually an investment property.
Detection:
- Investigate any discrepancies between the stated use of the property and the borrower’s actual circumstances.
- Verify occupancy through utility bills, driver’s licenses, and voter registration.
- Watch for frequent address changes or contradictory information.
- Appraisal Fraud: Appraisal fraud involves manipulating the property’s appraised value to secure a larger loan amount or to artificially inflate the property’s worth.
Detection:
- Ensure that the appraiser is reputable, licensed, and knowledgeable about the local market.
- Compare the appraised value to recent sales of similar properties in the area.
- Look for inconsistencies in property descriptions, photos, and comparisons.
- Identity Fraud: Identity fraud occurs when a person’s personal information is used without authorization on a mortgage application.
Detection:
- Verify the borrower’s identity using government-issued IDs and social security numbers.
- Check for any unusual or inconsistent information in the borrower’s credit history.
- Cross-reference information with other documents to ensure consistency.
- Straw Buyer Fraud: Straw buyer fraud involves using a third party, often with better credit, to apply for a mortgage on behalf of someone who would not otherwise qualify.
Detection:
- Scrutinize relationships between buyers, sellers, and third parties involved in the transaction.
- Verify the legitimacy of the buyer’s financial situation and history.
- Look for patterns of frequent or suspicious third-party involvement in multiple transactions.
To effectively detect mortgage fraud, lenders, borrowers, and industry professionals should exercise due diligence, review documentation carefully, verify information, and work with reputable professionals such as appraisers and attorneys. Additionally, staying informed about common fraud schemes and red flags can help prevent falling victim to mortgage fraud. If you suspect mortgage fraud, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities and seek legal advice.
Common Foreclosure Fraud And Scams
Foreclosure fraud and scams are unfortunately prevalent in the real estate industry, targeting homeowners who are struggling to keep their homes or potential buyers seeking deals. It’s crucial to be aware of these scams to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Here are some common foreclosure fraud and scams to watch out for:
- Phantom Help or Rescue Scams: Scammers pose as foreclosure “rescue” consultants or agencies, promising to help homeowners avoid foreclosure in exchange for upfront fees. They often ask homeowners to sign over the title of their home or make mortgage payments to them instead of the lender.
- Equity Skimming: Scammers offer to take over the mortgage payments or ownership of the property in exchange for a promise to help the homeowner avoid foreclosure. However, the scammer ultimately gains control of the property and any remaining equity.
- Bait-and-Switch Scams: Fraudsters attract potential buyers with enticing deals on foreclosed properties, but once the buyer is interested, they’re told the advertised property is unavailable. The scammer then tries to sell a different, less desirable property at a higher price.
- Rent-to-Own Scams: Scammers pose as landlords offering a rent-to-own arrangement, often on a foreclosed property. They collect upfront fees or rent payments, but the buyer never gains ownership of the property as promised.
- Forgery and Title Fraud: Scammers fraudulently transfer ownership of a property by forging signatures on documents, often without the homeowner’s knowledge. They may then take out loans against the property or sell it without the owner’s consent.
- Fake Counseling Services: Fraudulent foreclosure counselors charge homeowners upfront fees for counseling services that are typically available for free through legitimate housing counseling agencies.
- Unnecessary Fees and Services: Scammers offer to negotiate with lenders on behalf of homeowners to reduce their mortgage payments or modify their loans. They charge excessive fees for services that homeowners can often do themselves or get help with for free.
- Mortgage Modification Scams: Scammers promise to help homeowners modify their mortgages or lower their interest rates in exchange for upfront fees. They often provide no real assistance and disappear once the fees are paid.
- Identity Theft and Rental Scams: Scammers post foreclosed properties for rent online, often at low prices. They collect deposits and rent from unsuspecting renters, who later discover they’ve been scammed.
To protect yourself from foreclosure fraud and scams:
- Be Skeptical: If an offer seems too good to be true or feels suspicious, it probably is.
- Verify Credentials: Check the credentials of anyone offering foreclosure assistance or services. Legitimate professionals will have proper licensing and affiliations.
- Avoid Upfront Fees: Be cautious of anyone asking for upfront fees before providing a service. Legitimate organizations usually charge fees after services are rendered.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re facing foreclosure, consult with a reputable housing counselor, attorney, or financial advisor who specializes in foreclosure prevention.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about common scams and red flags associated with foreclosure fraud.
If you encounter any potential foreclosure fraud or scams, report them to your local law enforcement, state attorney general’s office, and relevant regulatory agencies.
How to report mortgage frauds in Massachusetts
Reporting mortgage fraud is essential to help prevent fraudulent activities, protect yourself and others from financial harm, and assist law enforcement in taking appropriate action. If you suspect mortgage fraud in Massachusetts, you can follow these steps:
- Contact Your Lender: If you suspect fraudulent activity related to your mortgage, start by contacting your mortgage lender or loan servicer. They may have specific procedures for reporting and addressing such issues.
- Contact Local Law Enforcement: If you believe you have been a victim of mortgage fraud, you can contact your local law enforcement agency. Explain the situation and provide any relevant details or evidence you have.
- Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General: The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office investigates and takes action against various forms of fraud, including mortgage fraud. You can file a complaint with their Consumer Advocacy & Response Division:
- Online Complaint Form: Visit the Massachusetts Attorney General’s website (www.mass.gov/ago) and navigate to the “Consumer Resources” or “File a Complaint” section to submit an online complaint form.
- Phone: You can call the Consumer Hotline at 617-727-8400 to report mortgage fraud or seek guidance.
- Federal Law Enforcement Agencies: You can also report mortgage fraud to federal law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over such cases:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): You can file a complaint online through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Report fraudulent activities related to housing and mortgages to HUD’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) at www.hudoig.gov/hotline or call their hotline at 1-800-347-3735.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): You can submit a complaint to the CFPB online at www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint or call their hotline at 1-855-411-2372.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): If the fraudulent activity involves a business or service provider, you can file a complaint with your local BBB.
- Massachusetts Division of Banks: The Division of Banks oversees the licensing and regulation of mortgage lenders and brokers in Massachusetts. You can contact them to report suspicious mortgage-related activities:
- Website: Visit the Massachusetts Division of Banks website (www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-banks) for contact information and guidance on reporting.
When reporting mortgage fraud, provide as much detailed information as possible, including names, contact information, dates, documents, and any evidence you have. Keep copies of all communications and documentation related to the fraud.
Always consider seeking legal advice or consulting with professionals who specialize in mortgage and real estate matters if you’re unsure about the appropriate steps to take. Reporting mortgage fraud helps protect consumers and contributes to efforts to combat fraudulent activities.
Are you ready to take the next step to buy(or sale) your home and start building a legacy for your family?…Let me help you!
“Your Dream Home is my Mission”. I am a Brazilian Licensed Realtor at Re-Connect, LLC with 18+ years of experience in the Real Estate industry. I speaks 3 languages (Portuguese, English, Spanish). Let me join your journey in the Real Estate Industry, and receive my assistance above and beyond to accomplish your DREAM!
CALL NOW: (617) 201-9188 Ana Roque | 209 West Central Street, Natick, MA
