Real Estate Fraud

Real estate fraud is a serious crime involving dishonest practices during real estate transactions, typically aimed at gaining financial benefits through deceitful means. At Logue Law Group, we recognize the complexity and impact of such cases, providing the expertise of our criminal lawyers to guide you every step of the way.

Cases Handled by Our Indiana Real Estate Fraud Lawyers

Our skilled Indiana PA criminal lawyers are experienced in dealing with various fraud situations, including but not limited to:

• Using straw buyers for property transactions
• Identity theft to obtain real estate loans
• Inflating property value through fraudulent title transfers
• Selling or leasing properties without proper ownership rights
• Offering investments backed by unrecorded deeds
• Engaging in predatory lending practices
• Falsifying income or wage documentation to secure loans
• Misrepresenting information to acquire loans
• Running foreclosure-related fraud schemes

While real estate fraud often involves investors, appraisers, and brokers, homeowners may also face accusations in certain cases. Should you find yourself facing such allegations, our Indiana PA DUI attorneys are ready to help with dedicated legal support.

What Is Real Estate Fraud?

Real estate fraud has been on the rise since the housing downturn of the late 2000s. Observing its growing prevalence, federal investigations and prosecutions have become more rigorous. Federal real estate fraud includes any misrepresentation or deceit in real estate transactions to defraud financial institutions or mislead individuals.

Common Real Estate Fraud Schemes

Here are examples of the most typical real estate fraud practices:

1. Equity Skimming
2. Mortgage Fraud using stolen or falsified identities
3. Illegal Property Flipping
4. Predatory Lending Practices
5. Straw Buyer Schemes, where an individual’s identity and credit are misused to obtain financing, then the property is transferred to another individual after the transaction is closed

Fraud practices often target vulnerable individuals, such as those facing foreclosure. Below are several schemes you should watch for:

Foreclosure Prevention Schemes

Deceptive organizations may falsely advertise the ability to stop foreclosures, charging exorbitant fees without offering any legitimate solution to the homeowner.

Phony Mortgage Counseling

Scammers trick homeowners into paying considerable fees for basic tasks they could easily complete independently or access for free.

Rent-to-Buy Schemes

Fraudsters persuade homeowners to hand over their property title in exchange for remaining in the house, paying rent, and allegedly having the option to repurchase it later. However, the terms are often impossible to meet, causing homeowners to lose their property while fraudsters profit.

Penalties for Real Estate Fraud Offenses

Being involved in real estate fraud schemes can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment. Many of these cases involve electronic communications or courier services, resulting in additional charges of wire and mail fraud. It’s also common for prosecutors to pursue related charges such as money laundering or bank fraud.

How an Criminal Lawyer Can Help You

If you’re accused of real estate fraud, having an experienced Indiana PA DUI attorney can be pivotal to the outcome of your case. Our legal team will thoroughly review your case, analyze the evidence, and provide a clear understanding of your defense options.

Here’s how our criminal lawyers will assist you:

• Case Assessment: We’ll collect all relevant details and evidence to build your defense.
• Clear Guidance: Our team ensures you’re fully informed about your defense options and the potential outcomes.
• Strategic Defense: Indiana PA criminal lawyer will craft a customized strategy tailored to your case, working diligently to secure the most favorable results for your circumstances.

Do not delay in seeking necessary legal help. The longer you wait to involve a trusted attorney, the more challenging it can become to establish a strong defense.

Contact Logue Law Group Today

Take the first step toward protecting your rights by reaching out to the Logue Law Group. Schedule a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable Indiana PA DUI attorney today. Contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI to get started. Act quickly to ensure your best chance at a successful legal resolution!