Unit 3 PROCESSING Flashcards
The key to defining fraud is…
Intent
Formula for Fraud
Lie or Truth + Intent = Fraud/Not Fraud
When the borrower intends to deceive the lender
Lie
Examples of suspicious activity
- multiple properties
- unusual or unverifiable income sources
- lack of necessary docs
- untraceable funds
When seeing potential suspicious activity the MLO is expected to…
Ask questions to determine the reason behind the actions
T/F
If an MLO suspects fraud, they are obligated to report it.
True - at either the state/fed level
Penalty for mortgage fraud
1 million dollar fine AND/OR 30 years prison
T/F: The MLO may be able to stop fraud before it happens
True
These MLO actions can help address the Bor’s potential fraud, if encountered.
- Asking proper questions
- Providing quality counsel/education
T/F: Since mortgage fraud has occurred, lenders now review less applicant information.
False - more is reviewed
Technology has impacted Borrower submission of ____, since it brings more risk of fraud.
Documentation
Submission of fraudulent Borrower documentation has increased a lender’s risk
Asset Fraud
Bor provides false info about assets
Ex: artificially increased account balances, fake accounts
Income Fraud
- False sources of income
- Verbal or conspiratorial means
- Document modification
Ex: friend acts as employer to confirm false work/income
Conspiracy method
When people work together to deceive
Example in the book:
Two friends working together to show income. The friend deposits money into the account, which is shown to the lender as income. After the loan funds, the friend returns the money, as it was just a loan of assets - not consistent income.
Bank fraud
(Similar to asset fraud)
- Bor manipulation of accounts through money transfers and short term loans
Example of bank fraud, and explain
Check kiting
Fraudster writes a check from one account to another without funds to cover the amount written on the check
If reviewed at the right moment, the borrower can appear to have met certain qualifications, when the balance on paper doesn’t actually exist.
Occupancy fraud
Provide example
When a borrower applies for a mortgage claiming a less risky occupant type, than what their true intention is.
Ex: Claiming a mortgage on a primary residence (20% downpayment), rather than an investment property (25% downpayment/higher rate due to risk) - when they hope to rent it out.
Most prevalent form of Bor fraud
Occupancy fraud
T/F: Occupancy fraud is solely the Borrower’s fault.
False - The MLO may take some of the blame, if the occupancy types are not explained properly (ie. Primary, secondary, investment…)
since they’re responsible for educating the Borrower
Verbal fraud
Lying while verbally filling out the URLA, with the intent to fraudulently obtain personal gain, and deceive the lender.
Ex: purposefully advising an inflated monthly income
T/F: verbal fraud does not require intent:
False - intent IS required, when determining if a Borrower is lying.
T/F: we assume the borrower is telling the truth
True
Conspiracy fraud
When more than one person works together to commit an act of (Mortgage) fraud.
Who is a conspirator?
Provide example
A participant in fraud, (think a borrower’s accomplice)
Ex: Bor lists conspirator’s name and number as employer, so the party can verbally confirm inaccurate employment
Modified documentation (fraud)
Using a computer scanner’s software to alter Bor paystubs, W-2s, tax returns, etc.
Bona fide error
Unintentionally misinterpreting information, misspelling a name, or entering an incorrect date by accident
Examples of Bor Fraud
- Property flipping (with intent to falsely represent improvements/higher property value)
- Straw buyer
- Buy and bail
Property Flipping
Buying a house and selling it in a short period of time, for an increased profit since sold at a higher price.
Conspiracy fraud
When more than one person works together to commit an act of (Mortgage) fraud.
Who is a conspirator?
Provide example
A participant in fraud, (think a borrower’s accomplice)
Ex: Bor lists conspirator’s name and number as employer, so the party can verbally confirm inaccurate employment
Modified documentation (fraud)
Using a computer scanner’s software to alter Bor paystubs, W-2s, tax returns, etc.
Bona fide error
Unintentionally misinterpreting information, misspelling a name, or entering an incorrect date by accident
Examples of Bor Fraud
- Property flipping
- Straw buyer
- Buy and bail
Property Flipping
Buying a house and selling it in a short period of time, for an increased profit since sold at a higher price.
Property flipping (fraud)
Buying a house and selling it at a profit in a short period of time, with intent to falsely represent improvements/higher property value. Typically the appraiser inflates the value, while buyer/seller takes advantage of the cash out from the sale.
Cash-out property flip
Buyer may offer a considerably higher than asking price amount, when speaking to the seller. The buyer may conditionally ask for part of the difference between the offered price+asking price back, in cash after closing.
Other red flags include
- Appraisals that have a lack of sufficient information re: the value
- the property selling higher than market
- seller claiming significant renovations w/o proof.
Straw Buyer
When an unqualified Bor attempts to obtain a mortgage by using other name/qualifying info to mask the actual Bor’s intent to purchase the property.
T/F: Straw buyers may either volunteer (family) or get paid for their participation.
True
Straw Buyer Red Flags
- Use of funds far more than 1 entity for the downpayment/to pay fees.
- Exercising a power of attorney when closing the loan
- Possible signs the Bor will not occupy the residence (unrealistic commute)
- Large downgrade in value/size from Bor’s previous home
Buy and Bail
Borrowers buying a new home, and immediately bailing on their previous old home mortgage, forcing it into foreclosure. Credit factors are kept in good condition until ready to abandon the old mort., while the old property can even be used as a fake rental property.
Popular during 2008 when Bor’s were upside down in their mortgage, and they wanted to cancel out the debt.
Liability is dependent on…
…the mortgage contract and legal jurisdiction
Buy and Bail red flags:
- new home value is significantly lower than current home
- rental agreements lack deposits
- current loans terms that may increase w/ the chance of foreclosure