Mortgage Fraud
Both candidates say they want to go after predatory lenders. Obama introduced the STOP FRAUD Act in the Senate and now it's a part of his platform. McCain called for creating a task force to investigate criminal wrongdoing in the mortgage lending and securitization industry.
· Create a Justice Department task force that punishes individuals or firms that defrauded innocent homeowners or forged loan application documents. · Task force would also assist state attorneys general investigating abusive lending practices.
· Improve transparency in the lending process so that borrowers know exactly what they are agreeing to.
"Lenders who initiate loans should be held accountable for the quality and performance of those loans and strict standards should be required in the lending process." -- McCain*
· Boost funding for law enforcement programs aimed at housing fraud by $40 million.· Establish new federal criminal penalties for mortgage professionals found guilty of fraud.
· Require lending professionals to report suspicious or fraudulent activity.
· Establish a database of censured or debarred mortgage professionals, so borrowers can easily check the credentials of lenders.
· Establish a standardized estimate of the total annualized cost of a mortgage loan to make it easier for borrowers to compare different loans.
"We must establish stiff penalties to deter fraud and protect consumers against abusive lending practices."-- Obama**
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Last updated October 29 2008: 12:15 PM ET
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*March 25, 2008, Speech, Santa Ana, Calif.
**April 25, 2007, Press Statement, Washington, D.C.
*March 25, 2008, Speech, Santa Ana, Calif.
**April 25, 2007, Press Statement, Washington, D.C.
