Real Estate Fraud

Real estate fraud involves deliberate deception or misrepresentation in property transactions. The main goal is to secure an unfair financial gain. At Logue Law Group, we recognize the seriousness of these accusations and provide the expert legal guidance of our attorneys to support you through this challenging time.

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

• Employing straw buyers to secure loans under false pretenses
• Using stolen identities to obtain mortgages
• Illegally transferring titles to artificially inflate property values
• Selling or leasing properties without legal ownership
• Offering investments secured by unrecorded or fraudulent deeds
• Engaging in predatory lending that targets vulnerable individuals
• Falsifying income or wage documents to secure financing
• Acquiring loans using deliberately false information
• Executing complex foreclosure schemes

While real estate fraud cases often involve professionals like investors, appraisers, and brokers, homeowners can also be charged. If you are facing an accusation of real estate fraud, our dedicated legal team is here to provide the support you need. A skilled Wellsburg criminal lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

What Constitutes Real Estate Fraud?

Real estate fraud has become more common, particularly since the housing market downturn in the late 2000s. This has led the federal government to increase its efforts in investigating and prosecuting these types of cases. Federal real estate fraud is defined as any misrepresentation made during a real estate transaction with the intent to defraud a bank or deceive another person.

Here are several common examples of real estate fraud schemes:

• Equity skimming: An investor convinces a homeowner to sign over their property deed, often with the false promise of handling mortgage payments. The investor then collects rent from tenants without making any mortgage payments, eventually leading to foreclosure.
• Mortgage fraud with stolen identities: Using a stolen or fabricated identity to apply for and obtain a mortgage.
• Illegal property flipping: Purchasing a property and then artificially inflating its value through false appraisals before quickly reselling it for a profit.
• Predatory lending: Imposing unfair, deceptive, or abusive loan terms on a borrower.
• Straw buyer schemes: An individual’s credit and identity are used to obtain financing for a property, but possession is transferred to another individual after the sale closes.

Scammers often target individuals who are at risk of foreclosure, using deceptive methods to take advantage of their situation. Seeking advice from a Wellsburg DUI attorney can also be beneficial if related charges arise. Here are some frequent schemes to watch out 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 significant fees for simple tasks they could perform themselves for free, such as negotiating with lenders.
• Rent-to-buy schemes: Homeowners are pressured into signing over their property’s title with the promise of being able to rent the home and repurchase it later. However, the terms are often designed to be unaffordable, causing the homeowner to lose their property while the scammer profits from the equity.

What Are the Penalties?

The consequences for being involved in real estate fraud schemes are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences. Federal prosecutors often pursue additional charges, such as wire and mail fraud, since many transactions involve communication via email or services like FedEx. Moreover, charges of money laundering or bank fraud can also be part of the prosecution, complicating the legal battle. With so much at stake, having a knowledgeable Wellsburg criminal lawyer is essential.

How a Wellsburg DUI attorney Can Help

If you are charged with real estate fraud, it is vital to secure an experienced attorney immediately. Our skilled Wellsburg DUI attorney will thoroughly review your case, collect all relevant information, and carefully examine the evidence presented against you. We will clearly explain your available defense options and guide you in making the best decision for your circumstances, always striving for the most favorable outcome possible.

Do not wait to seek legal representation. The longer you delay, 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 an experienced Wellsburg criminal lawyer. A proactive approach is your best defense.

Take action today to protect your rights and your future!