Mortgage Loan Modification Scams
Be aware! Mortgage loan modification scams are schemes to take your money, often by making a false promise of saving you from foreclosure.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Cash or Gift Card Phone Scam
Be aware! Phone and computer scammers may contact you and claim to be from the government. These scammers may threaten you with jail or fines if you do not send them cash or gift cards within a short period.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Landlord Overcharging Section 8 Tenant Fraud Scheme
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.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Lead Disclosure Rule
The Lead Disclosure Rule requires landlords to provide disclosures concerning lead paint to prospective tenants in “target housing,” which includes most houses constructed before 1978.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Deed Fraud
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.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Reverse Mortgage Fraud
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.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Impostor Landlord Fraud
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.
Fraud bulletins or alert
OIG Fraud Bulletin: Public Corruption
Description: Public corruption occurs when a public official misuses their position for personal benefit. While most public servants are honest, even a small amount of public corruption carried out by a dishonest few can have a devastating effect on the public’s trust in Government.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Identity Theft Fraud
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.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Residential Lead-Based Paint Reduction Act
Did you know there is a law that protects families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil? The Residential Lead-Based Paint Reduction Act, also known as Title X, was enacted in 1992 and includes provisions focused on educating the public on lead-based health risks and the proper steps to abate or remove the hazards of lead-based paint.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Freedom of Information Act
Did you know, the Freedom of Information Act, also known as FOIA, is a law that gives any person the right to request Federal agency records. The FOIA also requires Federal agencies to make certain types of information available to the public without the need to submit a request, such as frequently requested records.
Fraud bulletins or alert
Sexual Harassment is Illegal: Know Your Rights!
Did you know sexual harassment by a landlord, maintenance worker, or anyone with authority, control over, or official access to your rental property is against the law? No one should have to choose between having a roof over their head and the threat of being sexually harassed or sexually assaulted by their housing provider.
Fraud bulletins or alert
OIG Fraud Bulletin: Reverse Mortgages
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.
Fraud bulletins or alert
OIG Fraud Bulletin: Protect Yourself From Fraud
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.
Fraud bulletins or alert
OIG Fraud Bulletin: For Renters
Be aware that dishonest people may take advantage and could attempt to harm renters through scams or forms of harassment.
Fraud bulletins or alert
OIG Fraud Bulletin: Loan Modification and Foreclosure Rescue Schemes
HUD OIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential loan modification and foreclosure rescue schemes that borrowers may face.
Fraud bulletins or alert
COVID-19 Fraud Bulletin: For the Mortgage Industry
In response to the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which provides the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the authority to provide flexibilities to keep the industry moving. These flexibilities provide new opportunities for people to take advantage of the system.
Fraud bulletins or alert
COVID-19 Fraud Bulletin: For Renters
In response to the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which provides protections to renters who receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Fraud bulletins or alert
COVID-19 Fraud Bulletin: For Borrowers
In response to the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which provides protections to borrowers with loans insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Office of Inspector General would like to make sure you are aware that dishonest people may attempt to take advantage of the crisis to harm you.
Fraud bulletins or alert