Mortgage Fraud Prevention Agencies

More government departments and groups are investigating mortgage fraud than ever before. While this is encouraging news for potential victims, the sheer volume of bogus cases makes it difficult for even these authorities to keep track of each one.

As a result, these organizations are essential tools for customers who believe they have been victims of mortgage fraud or who fear they are being urged to commit fraud. Many of the most well-known are included here, along with details about their areas of specialty.

In addition to the agencies listed below, the U.S. Department of Justice plays a key role, having formed a national mortgage fraud task force to investigate and prosecute real estate and mortgage-related crimes as the housing market fell in 2008.

1. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of investigating crimes (FBI)
   According to FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, the number of FBI officers investigating mortgage fraud more than doubled between 2006 and 2008. Indeed, since the housing bubble led more homeowners into prospective foreclosures, the FBI’s caseload for mortgage fraud has climbed dramatically.
   The FBI has 56 field offices around the United States and Puerto Rico, strategically positioned in major urban areas.

2. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a government agency (FTC)
   In April 2009, the Federal Trade Commission began a crackdown on mortgage modification and foreclosure rescue organizations for deceit and fraud. The FTC is using increased legal enforcement and consumer outreach to stop the spread of these mortgage relief frauds. In addition, the Commission intends to work closely with federal, state, and non-profit partners.

3. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are two of the most well-known mortgage companies in the United States.
   While these two groups were criticized in 2008-09 for their role in the U.S. housing bubble, they can provide homeowners with valuable materials to protect themselves from suspected fraud.

4. S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD)
   The HUD has a beneficial web page for individuals interested in learning more about predatory mortgage practices and how to protect themselves.

5. S. Inspection Service for Postal Mail
   When it comes to mortgage fraud cases, this agency frequently aids the FBI and other federal agencies, particularly when it comes to mail fraud.

6. S. Service of Secrets
   Because of its governmental ties and investigation methods, the Secret Service is sometimes called in to investigate mortgage fraud. Secret Service agents have been part of statewide and regional task forces to put an end to these criminal actions. The Secret Service’s Financial Offenses Division (FCD) develops, assesses, and coordinates criminal investigations involving a wide range of financial crimes.

7. SEC is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
   The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is another agency that will investigate fraudulent actions; however, it is not typically one of the first agencies that consumers would contact about potential instances.
   State mortgage fraud prevention agencies can be found all around the country. Many of these states have their own task forces and hold seminars to educate homeowners on avoiding becoming victims of identity theft. Go to your state’s government website or contact the attorney general’s office for further information.

In addition to federal laws and authorities dealing with mortgage fraud, each state has its own laws and institutions in place to deal with the problem. The state attorney general’s office is usually first in line when it comes to investigating and prosecuting crimes of all kinds in a state. Other state agencies, such as real estate commissioners and banking organizations, may be engaged.

The FBI, HUD, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development all have local offices in each state that play a role in combating mortgage fraud or can act as information resources for customers. The Office of Thrift Supervision is part of the Treasury Department. National non-profit groups like the Fair Housing Alliance and the Better Business Bureau can also be beneficial.

The 50 chapters that follow provide a state-by-state summary of mortgage fraud resources, including listings and contact information for federal, state, and non-profit organizations in each state.

5 Ways to Stay Out of Foreclosure

If you do not make your mortgage payments, you may face foreclosure. Your lender has the legal right to repossess (take over) your home through foreclosure. You’ll have to leave your home if this happens. A deficiency judgment may be pursued if your home is worth less than the entire amount you owe on your mortgage loan. If this happens, you will not only lose your home, but you will also owe an additional sum to your lender. Foreclosures and deficiency judgments can significantly impact your ability to obtain credit in the future. The following are some suggestions for avoiding foreclosure.

1. Don’t dismiss the issue.
   The further behind you go, the more challenging it will be to restore your loan, and the more likely you will lose your residence.

2. Open and react to all of your lender’s correspondence.
   The initial letters you receive will provide you with helpful information regarding foreclosure prevention measures that can assist you in overcoming financial difficulties. Important notices of pending legal action may arrive later in the mail. Your failure to open the mail in foreclosure court will not be considered an excuse.

3. Understand your mortgage rights.
   Locate and study your loan documentation to see what your lender may do if you default on your payments. Contact the State Government Housing Office to learn about your state’s foreclosure regulations and timeframes (since each state is different).

4. Make an appointment with a HUD-approved housing counselor.
   HUD, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, support free or low-cost housing counseling across the country. If you need it, housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your money, and represent you in lender discussions.

5. Make the most of your resources.
   Do you have any assets that you could sell for cash to assist pay off your debt, such as a second car, jewelry, or a whole life insurance policy? Is it possible for anyone in your family to pursue a second job to supplement their income? Even if these efforts don’t significantly boost your available cash or income, they show your lender that you’re willing to make sacrifices to keep your house.