## Mortgage Fraud Index Report (December 16, 2013)
The Mortgage Fraud Index for December 16, 2013 highlighted shifting patterns in fraud risk across the U.S. housing market. Analysts noted an uptick in suspicious activity reports related to income misrepresentation and occupancy fraud as lenders worked through a backlog of distressed loans. At the same time, heightened regulatory scrutiny and improved underwriting technology helped detect fraudulent schemes earlier in the loan process.
This report drew on data from multiple sources, including suspicious activity filings, credit bureau alerts and property valuation discrepancies. Overall fraud risk remained lower than during the peak years of the housing crisis, but certain hotspots—such as states experiencing rapid price appreciation—showed elevated levels of mortgage fraud attempts. Fraud categories such as straw buyers and identity theft remained relatively contained, while documentation misrepresentation grew modestly.
Lenders and investors use the Mortgage Fraud Index to calibrate risk models and allocate compliance resources. By understanding regional and category-specific patterns, stakeholders can fine-tune their due diligence, implement training for loan officers and invest in automated fraud detection tools.
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