Best, Worst Mortgage Markets
While lenders face the highest risk of delinquency from mortgages on properties in California markets, the risk was lowest on loans in Texas markets. Three California markets had the highest risk of mortgage fraud.

The second quarter Core Mortgage Risk Index from First American CoreLogic jumped 16 percent from the second quarter 2007. The index has been up each of the last four reporting periods.

CoreLogic noted that the index, which measures the risk of residential loan delinquencies, "is likely to follow historical trends and continue rising nationally over the next 18 months."
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Alt-A Fraud Worse than Nonprime
Mortgage fraud is far more common in Alt-A loans than in nonprime or conforming loans, according to a new report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Annual losses from mortgage fraud could be in excess of $10 billion.

Pair Accused of Secondary Fraud
A pair of former executives of a New York-based mortgage banker have been charged with duping secondary market lenders on mortgage purchases exceeding $40 million.

Committee Passes $300 Billion Bailout Bill
A bill passed yesterday by a congressional committee would provide up to $300 billion in loans for delinquent borrowers. Under the proposal, existing lenders would have to accept substantial write-downs, while the government would acquire an equity interest in the properties.Also included in the legislation are funds to hire additional FBI agents and Department of Justice prosecutors to combat mortgage fraud.

Technology Alliances and Enhancements
Recent enhancements and alliances in mortgage technology promise to improve loan program searches, mortgage documents and appraisal ordering. One collaborative effort will help better identify mortgage fraud during due diligence.

Mortgage Fraud Index Jumps
Mortgage fraud surged in several states -- lifting the first quarter FraudBlogger Index higher.

Collapse Tied to Fraud
A $15 million mortgage fraud judgment has driven a Virginia-based mortgage company into bankruptcy liquidation. Among creditors listed in the bankruptcy filing are a number of failed wholesale mortgage lenders.

Avoiding Rising Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage brokers originated more than half of the loans where a report of mortgage fraud was filed, according to a new government report. A number of recommended steps lenders can take to avoid fraud appear to be working.

Mortgage Technology Activity
Mortgage technology continues to expand as innovators launch new offerings. Among the latest activity are new services that help prevent mortgage fraud, predatory lending and bad appraisals.

Mortgage Fraud Losses Could Top $10 Billion
A new report suggests losses from mortgage fraud could top $10 billion over the next five years.