When it comes to financial documentation, the temptation to forge documents is too great for some people to turn down. As one of the most serious white collar crimes, a forgery conviction can result in a large fine and imprisonment among other consequences.
Lying on a loan application is never a good idea
Maybe you're buying a home or car. Or maybe you're interested in securing a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Regardless of the type of loan you're applying for, your lending institution will ask you to complete an application and provide valid information.
What constitutes bank fraud?
Bank fraud is a common type of crime in Tennessee, and it can take many forms. In general, this type of fraud consists of the use of illegal means to obtain money and other assets by fraudulently posing as a financial institution.
Bank fraud shows no signs of dying down any time soon
Bank fraud can happen anywhere to anyone and Tennessee is no exception. In 2017, CNBC reported that account-takeover fraud was on the rise and could drain a person’s bank account. To do this, someone else sources a bank user’s personal information and uses it to gain access to their account and transfer money. Between 2015 and 2016, this type of fraud increased by 61% and led to $2.3 billion in losses.
Examples of financial institution fraud
There are numerous ways one can commit financial institution fraud in Tennessee. Victims can be retail banks, credit unions, savings and loans associations, investment banks, insurance companies, brokerage firms and mortgage companies.
Mortgage fraud may lead to severe penalties
Many Tennessee residents know that applying for a mortgage may be confusing and frustrating, especially with the lending changes that have occurred since the 2008 housing market crash. Making minor false statements on a loan application may seem innocuous, especially if listing factual data makes it difficult to qualify for a mortgage. However, the recent increase in mortgage fraud cases and convictions shows that there may be significant consequences to such actions.
