Every borrower has their own story, and much of it can be told through their loan file. If you discover inconsistencies at any point of the application process, these could be tip-offs for fraudulent activity, also known as red flags. By keeping an eye out for these inconsistencies, you can identify fraudulent loan misrepresentations. Here are just a few examples of high-level red flags that may indicate fraud within the loan file:

Ability to repay, or capacity, is one of the main factors of creditworthiness- These are known as the 5 C’s: capacity, collateral, conditions, capital and character. Employment is an important component of capacity, and all too often we see consumers falsifying this crucial data validation point. Thus, as a lender, you need to keep a watchful eye to make sure your applicant’s employer is legitimate.

It’s a spooky time of year, but all tricks and treats aside, there has been some really unsettling news involving mortgage fraud schemes in recent months. Check out these haunting headlines:

It’s unclear the implications that COVID-19 will have on the housing market, but it appears the demand for mortgages isn’t going anywhere any time soon. When the market is competitive, buyers want to jump in, and as a result many will break the rules. Mortgage fraud is an ongoing problem that can cause you financial harm, so you should be taking the necessary precautions to avoid it. Here’s 5 quick facts you should know about mortgage fraud.

“Identity theft is not a joke, Jim!” This was Dwight’s reaction as Jim arrived at work donning his trademark glasses and dress shirt on NBC’s The Office. To the mortgage lending community, Identity theft is, in fact, not a joke. And the realities of it can be a quite a bit more sinister than a prank played between two coworkers. So it’s no surprise the Federal Trade Commission has declared next Monday as the beginning of Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week.

Here is some important information Fannie Mae shared recently about mortgage fraud. These statistics are based on results of 2016 and 2017 mortgage fraud numbers.

We know mortgage fraud comes in various shapes and forms. Catching it early is key if mortgage lenders want to protect their organizations from costly expenses associated with the crime. 

There are several mortgage lending services that address mortgage fraud, and being proactive and savvy to the common ways consumers try to "pull off" mortgage fraud is necessary. 

Watch out for these key indicators of potential mortgage fraud. 

In today’s financial climate, it is becoming more evident by utilizing bundled services from a single provider Lenders will be able to serve clients more effectively, profitably and will emerge as industry leaders.

Why should you bundle services? First of all, one vendor equals fewer headaches. It standardizes operations and saves time. You don’t have to call, email and wait for responses from multiple vendors. Secondly, it builds a stronger relationship. This makes for a more positive overall experience. Lastly, it helps you to stay in compliance. Compliance is ALWAYS a top priority. Bundling services minimizes the risk of being out of compliance by having all your paperwork from ONE source. Your chosen vendor should be constantly providing compliance information for your records.

More sophisticated fraud schemes and new regulations mean your mortgage lending services need to include fraud and verification tools optimized for today’s lending environment. Now, more than ever, you need to know whether the information behind loan documentation is authentic.

Since mortgage lending has changed over the last few years and more changes are coming in the years ahead, it’s imperative that your information provider has the ability to keep up with the evolution in the market.