Mortgage fraud charges may be brought against both a mortgage lender or broker, or against the borrower. Most mortgage fraud schemes involve some type of material misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission relating to the property or potential mortgage relied on by an underwriter or lender to fund, purchase or insure a loan. Mortgage brokers, real estate agents, salespersons, buyers, sellers, and other individuals who are involved in deceptive mortgage practices may be charged with various crimes involving:

• Misstating the borrower's income
• Falsifying the borrower's tax returns
• Falsifying the borrower's credit rating
• Falsifying the borrower's assets
• Using inflated appraisals
• Equity skimming
• Accepting kick backs
• Silent second mortgage schemes
• Using a false or stolen identity, or false or stolen Social Security number
• Secret commissions
• Property flipping

Mortgage fraud can be, and often is, charged as a felony. It may be prosecuted in either California state court or in federal court. The fines, penalties and incarceration periods are severe. If you are facing investigation, arrest, or criminal charges for mortgage fraud, please contact Anchor Criminal Defense for a free consultation.