New PSAs Bring Increased Awareness to Mortgage Fraud

The recent economic downfall led to foreclosed homes and dismal mortgage situations for homeowners across the country. According to the FBI’s most recent Mortgage Fraud Report, more than $10 billion in loans originated with fraudulent application data in 2010. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), with funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, has recently produced new radio public service announcements (PSAs) to warn individuals about mortgage fraud and how to avoid falling victim. The PSAs encourage listeners to consult NCPC’s Web site for resources including free legitimate housing counselors who can help protect citizens from con artists trying to steal their homes. The new PSAs are available on NCPC’s Web site, along with additional resources on mortgage fraud, such as podcasts and Webinars, for prospective homebuyers, current home owners and victims of mortgage fraud. Also on the website is information regarding NCPC’s upcoming Mortgage Fraud Virtual Conference, which will take place spring 2013. The conference is designed to teach about mortgage fraud, preventative measures for avoiding it and what resources are available to its victims. Additionally, the conference will provide information for service providers and fraud counselors to teach them how to most effectively help those who come to them for help. In upcoming months, NCPC will continue to add to its resource portfolio with a new public education toolkit and online videos about mortgage fraud awareness and prevention, both of which will be hosted on the Web site.