NYC Federal Mortgage Fraud Lawyer

NYC Federal Mortgage Fraud Attorney

New York City is an attractive target for many fraudulent schemes, including those for mortgage fraud, as the real estate market in the city continues to increase. The real estate market in this area is one of the most competitive and expensive in the world, with many homes exceeding the one-million-dollar price tag in places like Brooklyn or Manhattan. If you find yourself under investigation or arrested for mortgage fraud, a NYC federal mortgage fraud lawyer can help.

At the Law Office of Jonathan Savella, our attorneys have over two decades of experience when it comes to handling these kinds of cases. We are familiar with the federal court system in New York City and understand just how frightening and overwhelming these charges can be. If you are facing these charges, it is not wise to sit idly and hope for a favorable outcome. Instead, turn to a team of experienced lawyers who can provide you with the defense you deserve.

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Common Types of Federal Mortgage Fraud Charges in NYC

In New York City, there are several ways mortgage fraud can be committed. Brooklyn specifically is a hotspot for these crimes, especially in areas where property values are rapidly increasing, such as East New York or the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. According to the FBU, mortgage fraud occurs when there has been a material misrepresentation or misstatement used to gain a mortgage loan under deceitful or false pretenses.

Some folks can commit this crime without knowing they are doing so, and it is vital that you hire an attorney to defend your innocence. In the fiscal year 2021, there were 58 individuals convicted of mortgage fraud nationwide, according to the United States Sentencing Commission. Charges related to mortgage fraud tend to fall under the following three categories:

• Fraud related to housing. This kind of mortgage fraud is often perpetrated by an individual looking to borrow money through a mortgage loan but cannot actually afford the home they wish to purchase. This can involve small lies or misrepresentations on income statements or the falsification of other documents to try to seek the necessary loan. This fraud is usually done out of desperation rather than criminal intent.
• Fraud related to profit. This form of mortgage fraud is commonly acted upon by those inside the real estate business, such as loan officers, investors, and home appraisers, who can exploit their knowledge for personal gain. In February of 2025, 2,190 homes were sold in the city, allowing for many instances of this form of fraud. This fraud can include offering inflated appraisals or flipping properties without making actual improvements.
• Fraud related to criminal enterprises. This kind of mortgage fraud can refer to acts of money laundering. While the end goal in these cases isn’t the ownership of a home but rather the concealment of unlawful funds through complex transactions regarding real estate, it is still considered to be mortgage fraud, and an attorney can help defend your rights.

If you find yourself arrested or under investigation for mortgage fraud in New York City, an attorney from the Law Office of Jonathan Savella can help you build a legal defense that stands up against these charges.

Legal Defenses for NYC Federal Mortgage Fraud Charges

Depending on the nature and severity of the alleged act of mortgage fraud, you could face several penalties. Most individuals can expect to have to pay heavy fines and serve long prison sentences if successfully convicted. This is why it is so crucial that you seek the assistance of an attorney who can help fight against these potential penalties through a solid legal defense.

Common defense strategies for NYC federal mortgage fraud charges can include the following:

• Lack of intent. If the prosecution can prove that the information you provided to secure a loan was false, your attorney may be able to demonstrate that, though this might be true, you simply made a mistake or truly believed that the information you were providing was true and that you did not intend to deceive the mortgage lender.
• Lack of false information. Your attorney may also be able to demonstrate that you did not provide any false information to secure the loan or gain any kind of financial advantage in securing a potential loan.
• Lack of reliance. In a case involving mortgage fraud, the prosecution must be able to show that the lender relied on misrepresentations or false information when it provided the defendant with the loan. If your attorney can demonstrate that the lender would have made the same decision regarding the loan without the misrepresentation or false information, then this can be used as a defense.

FAQs

Q: What Are Some Examples of Mortgage Fraud in NYC?

A: There are several examples of fraudulent mortgage schemes in New York City. These can include scams of predatory loan modification, lying about your income on a mortgage application, falsifying records of occupation, concealing any relevant finances, such as other mortgages or loans, foreclosure scams, and scams of reverse mortgages. If you have been accused of any of these, an experienced lawyer can help.

Q: Is Mortgage Fraud Decreasing in New York?

A: Yes, though New York is one of the highest states in America when it comes to the act of mortgage fraud, it is down by 6.23%. This is largely due to the fact that New York is one of the most highly populated states and has one of the highest values when it comes to the housing market.

Q: Can a Violation of Constitutional Rights Be a Defense Against Mortgage Fraud?

A: Yes, your attorney can review your case and determine whether your constitutional rights have been violated. If they have, this can be used as a defense. If you suffered an unlawful search and seizure from law enforcement when they searched your home for records, this can be used as a defense. Also, if you were not read your Miranda rights during your arrest, this can be used as a defense.

Q: What Is Title Fraud?

A: Related to mortgage fraud, title fraud occurs when there has been an improper change or transfer of title ownership without the correct and valid authority. This can happen through actions such as impersonating a property owner to transfer ownership or selling a property under false information or pretenses. Title fraud is a serious crime and could lead to severe penalties.

Consult a Federal Fraud Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been charged or are under investigation for federal mortgage fraud, it is vital that you take these charges seriously and contact a lawyer. With over twenty years of experience fighting these charges, the Law Office of Jonathan Savella is here for you. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation.