Testimony of The Honorable David A. Montoya Inspector General Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on HUD Management Issues (03/29/2012)

While the majority of companies promoting FHA reverse mortgages are safe there are some mortgage fraudsters out to take your money, your house, or even your identity. Reading this alert is your best defense. A reverse mortgage allows borrowers to convert part of the equity in their homes into cash without having to sell their homes. To aid in this process, borrowers must meet with an FHA-approved Reverse Mortgage Lender to discuss program…

This bulletin provides an overview of areas in which to prevent fraud and mismanagement. All public housing agency (PHA) commissioners should know steps to take in maintaining integrity at their PHA. HUD-OIG will issue more in-depth coverage for each of these areas in future bulletins.

Goods and services must be procured in an effective manner and in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws.  Although the majority of public housing agencies (PHA) comply with these rules and regulations, we are issuing this bulletin to assist you in identifying weaknesses in procurement and contracting procedures. 

Now you can read this important message in several languages!   Is Fraud Worth it? - In Arabic Is Fraud Worth it? - In Cantonese Is Fraud Worth it? - In Korean Is Fraud Worth it? - In Vietnamese Is Fraud Worth it? - In Russian Is Fraud Worth it? - In Spanish Is Fraud Worth it? - In Mandarin

HUD OIG drafted a bulletin outlining guidance that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has provided for borrowers and servicers to implement the forbearance provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

HUD OIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential loan modification and foreclosure rescue schemes that borrowers may face. 

HUD OIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential common reverse mortgage schemes that borrowers may face, along with actions to take and not take if you are considering a reverse mortgage loan.

HUDOIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential schemes where unscrupulous actors use misleading product information to entice business owners and government agencies to purchase defective or ineffective equipment or products that are purported to protect people from COVID-19.

Landlords cannot change the rent without obtaining approval from the local housing authority and cannot avoid Federal rent limits by making side deals with tenants.

Fraudulent deed activity can impact anyone who might buy, sell, or own property; however, the elderly, distressed homeowners, and unwitting buyers and renters have been particularly impacted by this scheme.

Reverse mortgages are complex loans, making them the perfect breeding ground for a scam. Scammers use this type of loan to take advantage of older Americans— stealing their hard-earned money and, in some cases, their homes.

Be aware that individuals purporting to be landlords are listing properties for rent that they do not own on various rental websites. These impostor landlords may be part of a complex organized criminal enterprise operating outside of the United States.

Identity theft is a common fraud scheme that can negatively impact HUD programs and its beneficiaries. ID theft happens when someone steals your personal information or create false identities to commit fraud, such as using a stolen identity to apply for and illegally receive HUD benefits.

HUD OIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential common reverse mortgage schemes that borrowers may face, along with actions to take and not take if you are considering a reverse mortgage loan.

Dishonest people may approach you with fraudulent offers of assistance during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for these common schemes. Note that scam attempts may be made by phone, mail, text, email, social media, or in person.

Be aware that dishonest people may take advantage and could attempt to harm renters through scams or forms of harassment.