Mortgage Fraud Is Evolving: Is HELOC Fraud the Next Target?

In financial crime, fraudsters are always looking for new avenues to exploit. The mortgage industry has traditionally been a primary target for fraudsters. But with the 30-year fixed-mortgage rate average above 7.19% for the month of September, it has caused an inherent slowdown in the volume of home purchases. As a result, criminals are turning to other lucrative opportunities in mortgage transactions. They have evolved their techniques to capitalize on unsuspecting homeowners and lenders by shifting their focus from home purchases to Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), as they see it as a more compelling option. 

Understanding mortgage fraud 

Mortgage fraud occurs when individuals or groups intentionally misrepresent information during the mortgage application process for personal gain. The most common forms of mortgage fraud include income misrepresentation, false identity, property flipping schemes, and inflated property appraisals. Over the years, financial institutions and regulatory bodies have implemented robust measures to combat such fraudulent activities. 

As the mortgage industry adapts to counter established forms of fraud, perpetrators are constantly seeking new opportunities to circumvent detection. This has led to a shift in fraud trends, with fraudsters turning their focus to alternative aspects of the mortgage market. One area that has captured recent attention is HELOC fraud, also known as home equity loan fraud. 

HELOC fraud: An attractive target for fraudsters 

What is a HELOC? 

HELOCs are financial products that allow homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes, often providing flexible access to funds. While HELOCs can be a valuable financial tool for homeowners, they also present an attractive opportunity for fraudsters due to their unique characteristics. 

HELOC fraud schemes 

An example of a home equity loan fraud scheme is a fraudster misrepresenting himself to deceive a credit union call center employee into changing a member’s address and phone number. Three days later, the fraudster calls back to reset the member’s online banking password, allowing the fraudster to login to the member’s account. Once logged in, the fraudster orders share drafts to be delivered to the new address they now control. The fraudster then forges three share drafts totaling $309,000 and funds them through unauthorized advances against the member’s HELOC through online banking platforms. 

 Why HELOCs are becoming the next target for mortgage fraud 

1. Rising popularity: HELOCs have gained significant popularity in recent years, enticing fraudsters seeking out opportunities with larger potential payouts. 
2. Vulnerabilities in verification: The verification process for HELOCs might be less rigorous than traditional mortgages. Fraudsters could exploit these vulnerabilities to manipulate property valuations, income statements, or other critical information. 
3. Lack of awareness: Unlike conventional mortgages, there may be a lack of awareness among homeowners and lenders regarding the specific risks associated with HELOCs. This knowledge gap can make it easier for fraudsters to perpetrate their schemes undetected. 

Home equity loans do not have the same arduous process that traditional first mortgages do. These loans do not require title insurance, have less arduous underwriting processes, and do not always require the applicant to be physically present at a closing table to gain access to cash. The result is that those looking to defraud banks can apply for multiple HELOC loans simultaneously while escaping detection. 

Prevention and safeguards 

There are several preventive measures and fraud prevention solutions that can be established to help mitigate the risks associated with HELOCs. These include: 

1. Education and awareness: Homeowners and lenders must stay informed about the evolving landscape of mortgage fraud, including the specific risks posed by HELOCs. Awareness campaigns and educational materials can play a significant role in spreading knowledge and promoting caution.  
2. Enhanced verification protocols: Lenders should implement advanced verification processes and leverage data analytics and modeling thorough property appraisals, income verification, and rigorous background checks. Proper due diligence can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to HELOC-related fraud. 
3. Collaboration and information sharing: Collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement agencies is essential to combat mortgage fraud effectively. Sharing information, best practices, and intelligence can help identify emerging fraud trends and deploy appropriate countermeasures. 

Acting with the right solution 

Mortgage fraud is a constant threat that demands ongoing vigilance and adaptability. As fraudsters evolve their tactics, the mortgage industry must stay one step ahead to safeguard homeowners and lenders alike. With concerns over HELOC-related fraud rising, it is vital to raise awareness, strengthen preventive measures, and foster collaboration to protect the integrity of the mortgage market. By staying informed and implementing robust safeguards, we can collectively combat and prevent mortgage fraud from disrupting the financial security of individuals and the industry. 

Experian mortgage is powering advanced capabilities across the mortgage lifecycle by gaining market intelligence, enhancing customer experience to remove friction and tapping into industry leading data sources to gain a complete view of borrower behavior.  

To learn more about our HELOC fraud prevention solutions, visit us online or request a call.