Federal authorities in NY announce mortgage fraud charges against 41 peopleOctober 15th, 2009 41 people charged in mortgage fraud in NYNEW YORK — Federal authorities have charged 41 people in a mortgage fraud involving tens of millions of dollars across New York state. The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan scheduled a news conference Thursday to reveal details of the case.
FTC files charges against 2 mortgage rescue firms, accusing them of posing as gov't agenciesSeptember 17th, 2009 Authorities crack down on 2 mortgage aid firmsWASHINGTON — Federal authorities are cracking down on two companies that promised homeowners help with their mortgages, accusing them of posing them as government agencies. The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday said it filed charges against two companies — Nations Housing Modification Center and Infinity Group Services.
10 states' top prosecutors, 4 federal agencies form task force to combat mortgage fraudAugust 24th, 2009 Feds, 10 states join to fight mortgage fraudOLYMPIA, Wash. — Ten state attorneys general and four federal agencies are forming a task force to combat mortgage fraud.
Clarification: Mortgage fraud storyAugust 13th, 2009 Clarification: Mortgage fraud storyLOS ANGELES — In the first paragraph of an Aug. 10 story about a mortgage fraud trial, The Associated Press reported that real estate agent Joseph Babajian was acquitted in the scheme, while two others were found guilty.
High-profile Beverly Hills real estate agent acquitted of mortgage fraud scheme; 2 convictedAugust 11th, 2009 High-profile Calif. real estate agent acquittedLOS ANGELES — A high-profile Beverly Hills real estate agent has been acquitted of participating in a massive mortgage fraud scheme that caused federally insured banks to lose more than $40 million.
Federal authorities create mortgage fraud task force in ConnecticutJuly 31st, 2009 Federal authorities create mortgage fraud teamNEW HAVEN, Conn. — Federal authorities are creating a mortgage fraud task force in Connecticut to investigate schemes that contributed to the economic crisis and emerging crime trends associated with the growing tide of foreclosures.
Feds charge 41 in Fla. mortgage fraud schemes involving $40 million in 6 different casesJuly 28th, 2009 Feds charge 41 in Fla. mortgage fraud schemesMIAMI — Federal prosecutors say 41 people have been charged in the latest round of South Florida mortgage fraud schemes.
Federal authorities say 6 peoploe have been arrested in Wall Street securities fraud caseJuly 8th, 2009 6 arrests in Wall Street fraud caseNEW YORK — Federal authorities say six people have been arrested in a securities fraud investigation involving a Wall Street brokerage firm. The case involves an alleged $140 million scheme that spanned a decade.
Falling house prices, downturn in economy drive up mortgage fraudJuly 8th, 2009 Falling house prices drive up mortgage fraudWASHINGTON — Falling housing prices are driving up reports of mortgage fraud, with the FBI saying Tuesday that reported losses are up 83 percent last year and climbing even higher in 2009. In its 2008 Mortgage Fraud Report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said the downturn in the economy, a spike in foreclosures and defaults and diminishing credit availability "fueled a rampant mortgage fraud climate fraught with opportunistic participants desperate to maintain or increase their current standard of living."
"Industry employees sought to maintain the high standard of living they enjoyed during the boom years of the real estate market and overextended mortgage holders were often desperate to reduce or eliminate their bloated mortgage payments," the report said.
Federal prosecutors in file criminal fraud conspiracy charges against Beazer HomesJuly 1st, 2009 Criminal charges filed against Beazer HomesATLANTA — Federal prosecutors in North Carolina have filed criminal fraud conspiracy charges against Beazer Homes USA. The Atlanta-based homebuilder has been under scrutiny for certain business and financial practices.
Former NJ mortgage executive admits $139 million fraud that bankrupted his companyJune 12th, 2009 NJ mortgage company president guilty in $139M scamNEWARK, N.J. — The former president of a New Jersey mortgage company has pleaded guilty in a $139 million fraud scheme that bankrupted his firm.
Summary Box: Government accuses Mozilo, 2 others of civil fraud in Countrywide mortgage caseJune 5th, 2009 Summary Box: Mozilo accused of civil fraudFORMER COUNTRYWIDE CEO CHARGED: The government has accused Angelo Mozilo and two other former executives of the fallen mortgage lender of civil fraud and insider trading. The three dispute the civil charges by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SEC charging former Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo, 2 other execs with civil fraudJune 4th, 2009 SEC charging ex-Countrywide CEO Mozilo with fraudWASHINGTON — The government is charging Angelo Mozilo, the former chief executive of mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp., and two other company executives with civil fraud. The case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission also accuses Mozilo of illegal insider trading, according to an agency spokesman.
Lawyer Dreier set to plead guilty to $700 million fraudMay 12th, 2009 Lawyer set to plead guilty to huge fraudNEW YORK — A prominent Manhattan lawyer has pleaded guilty to defrauding hedge funds of more than $400 million. Fifty-eight-year-old Marc Dreier on Monday pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
Criminal charges added in first bank bailout fraud case; Lawyer says guilty plea plannedApril 22nd, 2009 Criminal charges added in bank bailout fraud caseNASHVILLE, Tenn. — A defense lawyer says a former financial adviser in Tennesee will plead guilty to criminal charges in the first fraud case related to the federal bank bailout program.