Real Estate Fraud

Real estate fraud is a serious crime that involves deceptive practices during real estate transactions to gain financial benefits through false representations. At Logue Law Group, we recognize the severity of such cases and provide the expertise of our Greensburg criminal attorneys to guide you through your legal challenges.

Types of Real Estate Fraud

Our Greensburg real estate fraud lawyers are well-equipped to handle various scenarios, including:

• Using straw buyers
• Identity theft for obtaining loans
• Title transfer to inflate property value
• Selling or leasing properties without ownership rights
• Selling investments secured by unrecorded deeds
• Predatory lending practices
• Falsified income or wage documentation for securing loans
• Acquiring loans with false information
• Foreclosure schemes

While investors, appraisers, and brokers are commonly involved in real estate fraud, homeowners can also face charges in certain situations. If you are accused of real estate fraud, our Greensburg DUI attorneys are ready to help.

What is Real Estate Fraud?

Since the housing downturn in the late 2000s, real estate fraud has become more prevalent. Consequently, the federal government has ramped up its investigations and prosecutions. Federal real estate fraud includes any misrepresentation in a real estate transaction intended to defraud banks or deceive individuals.

Common Real Estate Fraud Schemes:

• Equity skimming
• Mortgage fraud using stolen or fabricated identities
• Illegal property flipping
• Predatory lending practices
• Straw buyer schemes – Using someone’s credit and identity to obtain financing and transferring possession after closing.

Scammers often target individuals facing foreclosure, using deceptive tactics to exploit their vulnerability. Beware of these common schemes:

Foreclosure Prevention Schemes:

Organizations falsely claim they can prevent foreclosure, charging high fees without providing substantial help.

Phony Mortgage Counseling:

Homeowners are tricked into paying large fees for simple, free tasks they could easily manage themselves.

Rent-to-Buy Scheme:

Homeowners are pressured into surrendering their property’s title in exchange for continuing to live there, paying rent, and repurchasing the house later. The terms are often unaffordable, leading to property loss while the organization profits from the homeowner’s investment.

Penalties for Real Estate Fraud

Penalties for involvement in fraud schemes can result in imprisonment. Federal prosecutors may pursue additional charges related to wire and mail fraud, as many transactions involve email or FedEx communications. Money laundering or bank fraud charges may also be included.

How a Greensburg Real Estate Fraud Attorney Can Help

If charged with real estate fraud, having an experienced Greensburg criminal attorney is crucial. Our skilled Greensburg criminal lawyer will assess your case, gather necessary information, and examine the evidence. We will explain your defense options and help you make the best decisions, working towards the most favorable outcome.

Don’t delay in seeking legal representation—the longer you wait, the more challenging it becomes to defend your case successfully. Contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Greensburg DUI lawyer. Take action today and protect your rights!