Real Estate Fraud

Real estate fraud is a significant crime involving deceptive actions during property transactions, designed to achieve financial gain through misleading information. At Logue Law Group, we recognize the severity of these accusations and provide the expertise of our criminal defense attorneys in Steubenville to support you through every stage of your legal process.

Our team of real estate fraud lawyers is prepared to manage a wide range of fraudulent activities, including:

• Utilizing straw buyers to secure loans
• Committing identity theft to obtain mortgages
• Manipulating title transfers to artificially inflate property values
• Illegally selling or leasing properties without ownership rights
• Offering investments backed by unrecorded deeds
• Engaging in predatory lending tactics
• Submitting falsified income or wage documents to secure financing
• Acquiring loans using deliberately false information
• Executing foreclosure rescue schemes

Although real estate fraud cases often involve investors, appraisers, and brokers, homeowners can also find themselves facing charges. If you are accused of this crime, our dedicated Steubenville criminal lawyer is ready to assist you.

What is Real Estate Fraud?

The prevalence of real estate fraud has risen, particularly since the housing market downturn in the late 2000s. This increase has led to heightened investigations and prosecutions by the federal government. Federal real estate fraud is defined as any misrepresentation made during a real estate transaction with the intent to defraud a financial institution or deceive an individual. A skilled Steubenville DUI attorney can help navigate these complex charges.

Here are several common types of real estate fraud schemes:

• Equity skimming: An investor convinces a homeowner to sign over their property deed, promising to make mortgage payments but instead collecting rent and defaulting on the loan.
• Mortgage fraud using stolen identities: Using stolen or completely fabricated identities to apply for and secure mortgages.
• Illegal property flipping: Purchasing a property and then artificially inflating its value through false appraisals to resell it at a much higher price.
• Predatory lending practices: Imposing unfair or abusive loan terms on a borrower, often targeting vulnerable individuals.
• Straw buyer schemes: An individual’s credit and identity are used to obtain financing for a property, but possession is transferred to another person after the transaction closes. A Steubenville criminal lawyer can offer essential defense insight if you are charged with any of these offenses.

Scammers frequently target individuals at risk of foreclosure, using deceptive strategies to exploit their situation. Here are some common schemes to watch for:

• Foreclosure prevention schemes: Fraudulent organizations claim they can stop a foreclosure, charging high fees without delivering any real help.
• Phony mortgage counseling: Homeowners are tricked into paying large fees for simple, often free, tasks they could manage on their own.
• Rent-to-buy schemes: Homeowners are pressured into surrendering their property’s title with the promise of being able to rent the home and buy it back later. However, the terms are typically unaffordable, leading to the homeowner losing the property while the scammer profits from the equity. If you’re facing charges or investigations related to any of these schemes, a Steubenville DUI attorney can help protect your rights and build a strong defense.

What Are the Penalties?

The penalties for participating in real estate fraud schemes can be severe, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences. Federal prosecutors may also file additional charges for wire and mail fraud, as many transactions use services like email or FedEx. Furthermore, charges such as money laundering or bank fraud can be added, increasing the potential consequences.

How a Steubenville Real Estate Fraud Attorney Can Help

If you are facing real estate fraud charges, it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side. Our proficient Steubenville criminal lawyer will thoroughly evaluate your case, collect all pertinent information, and scrutinize the evidence presented against you. We will clearly explain your defense options, help you make the best decision for your circumstances, and work tirelessly to secure the most favorable outcome possible.

Do not wait to seek legal help— the more time that passes, the more difficult it can be to build a successful defense. Contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI to schedule a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable Steubenville DUI attorney.

Take action today to protect your rights!