Mortgage fraud has rarely been a focus for law enforcement. However the combination of high foreclosure rates, lots of media attention, and the element of organized crime moving into mortgage fraud has put this serious crime on the radar screen of prosecutors across the country. Indiana’s Attorney General has taken a lead role in prosecuting mortgage fraud in his  state, bringing disciplinary complaints against 170 appraisers in the state.

This is a welcome trend as mortgage fraud has been rampant the past few years. Instead of turning a blind eye and encouraging more of this behavior, a vigorous prosecution will reduce mortgage fraud significantly.

There currently are 640 active investigations of real estate brokers and salespeople under way, according to figures provided this week by Carter’s office. “I would consider it a No. 1 priority in our state,” said Tim Reed, chairman of the Indiana Real Estate Commission. “Anything dealing with those type of cases. Mortgage fraud, it’s No. 1 at the attorney general’s (office) right now.”

Investigations and complaints by the attorney general’s office against real estate professionals have soared since its “homeowner protection unit” opened for business in July 2005.A trial run of the unit was authorized by the Indiana Homeowner Protection Act, passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 2004 in response to predatory lending in the state. Both houses have passed bills this year to make the unit permanent.
“We hope that more people will recognize that there is a place to turn for help if they believe they have been the victim of, or suspect, questionable business practices,” Carter said. via nwi.com

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