Buyer Fraud

Central Florida Mortgage Fraud Lawyers

Accused of Fraud in Buying a Home?

There are many ways for homebuyers to land in trouble with federal authorities while applying for a mortgage. Criminal intent is assigned to honest mistakes in a mountain of required documentation, or charges result from the lax practices of industry professionals trying to help buyers qualify for loans.

Contact the Orlando, Florida mortgage fraud defense attorneys of the Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, a Professional Association, if you have been questioned by investigators or formally indicted for buyer fraud. Our early involvement may help prevent criminal charges or convince prosecutors to drop the case. We offer a discreet consultation at 407.401.7224 or 866.784.0023, serving clients throughout Florida.

Our attorneys stand willing to represent borrowers accused of mortgage fraud. We know that there is often a non-criminal explanation for the "red flags" that auditors and investigators consider as indications of fraud:

• Statements on loan applications regarding income, assets, or employment that don't match tax returns
• Inflated appraisals
• Increased commissions or bonuses to appraisers and brokers
• Higher-than-normal loan origination fees and closing costs
• Signing incomplete or blank loan applications

We have also represented buyers accused of fraud on less ambiguous grounds: 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.

Lastly, many borrowers are accused of buyer fraud for trusting the advice of unscrupulous professionals. Some brokers, for instance, explain to homebuyers how to fill out mortgage applications to increase the chances of approval, or appraisers say that it is legal to inflate valuations to what the market will bear.

Responding to Investigators

We make every attempt to engage government officials before charges are brought and persuade them that no fraud has been committed, or that our client was not complicit in any deception. If charges are brought, even first offender homebuyers can face jail and other serious penalties upon conviction. We prepare a vigorous defense in case we must go to trial, and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or minimize the consequences.

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, a Professional Association, will help you respond to the allegations and work to get you out of the situation. Call 407.401.7224 or 866.784.0023 or contact us online.