{"id":369314,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/how-to-avoid-mortgage-fraud.html"},"modified":"2021-11-22T13:35:09","modified_gmt":"2021-11-22T18:35:09","slug":"how-to-avoid-mortgage-fraud","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/how-to-avoid-mortgage-fraud.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Chris Meyers, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The process of buying or selling a house involves multiple parties and a lot of money, providing both opportunity and motive for mortgage fraud. Consumers should be aware that it is a crime to provide false or inaccurate information when applying for a home loan. If someone in the lending process encourages you to "fudge the truth," they are not looking out for your best interest. You could end up in trouble.<\/p>\r\n

There are some important steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of mortgage fraud<\/a>. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), among numerous other state and federal agencies, investigates mortgage fraud. The FBI suggests the following to reduce your chances of becoming the victim of a mortgage fraud scheme:<\/p>\r\n