Central Florida Mortgage Loan Application Fraud Defense
Accused of Falsifying or Forging Your Loan Application?
There are many ways for homebuyers to land in trouble with federal authorities while applying for a mortgage. Criminal intent may be assigned to honest mistakes in a mountain of required documentation, or charges could result from the lax practices of mortgage professionals trying to help buyers qualify for loans.
If you have been questioned by investigators or formally indicted for loan application fraud as a buyer, contact the Orlando mortgage fraud defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, P.A. We offer a discreet consultation at 407.401.7224 or 866.784.0023, serving clients throughout Florida.
Defense of Real Estate Buyers
Borrowers are often accused of buyer fraud when all they did was trust the advice of an unscrupulous professional. Some brokers, for instance, will tell homebuyers how to fill out the mortgage application so as to increase their chances of approval. Or, an appraiser may inflate the value of a property, which ultimately harms the lender and the borrower.
Investigators may discover overstated income, false employment claims and other false entries which can cause a criminal investigation. The borrower may not be at fault if a real estate professional filled out the information incorrectly. It is not uncommon for loan applications to be signed by the borrower without them properly reading the application.
We have also represented buyers accused of mortgage fraud on grounds, including cases of falsified documents, fake identity, false statements about who is providing the down payment, or claiming a home will be a primary residence when it is a second home or investment property.
We defend buyers on fraud-related charges such as conspiracy, which investigators may suspect in cases of straw purchases or the purchase of multiple properties using the same real estate agent and appraisers.
Responding to Investigators
We make every attempt to engage government officials before charges are brought and to persuade them that no fraud was committed, or that our client was not complicit in any deception. Early involvement by a lawyer may help prevent criminal charges from being filed and convince prosecutors to drop the investigation.
If charges are brought, even first offender homebuyers can face jail and other serious penalties upon conviction. Early representation protects the client's rights and allows us to vigorously defend the client in court.
If you have come under the scrutiny of regulators or criminal investigators, don't answer questions without legal counsel. The Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz will help you respond to the allegations and work to defend your interests. Call 407.401.7224 or 866.784.0023. Or, contact us online.
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