Smallest State, But Big Mortgage Fraud Problem. So, Rhode Island Has A New Task Force

Mortgage fraud is a big problem across the country – and, apparently, even in the tiny state of Rhode Island. To combat the problem there, the U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island, Peter F. Neronha, and Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch have formed a Rhode Island Mortgage Fraud Task Force. They also have already held the task force’s first meeting. 

Consisting of several federal and state agencies and working closely with local police departments, the task force is going to pool investigative and prosecutorial resources and target deceptive mortgage foreclosure and loan modification operators. Its goals include seizing assets from scam artists and paying restitution to victims, as well as:
 
·                     Streamlining the procedures for criminal mortgage fraud referrals;
·                     Developing and implementing a training program for state and federal investigators and prosecutors who handle mortgage fraud cases;
·                     Sharing useful information with and encouraging cooperation among the many agencies that have a stake in these cases;
·                     Tracking open investigations to ensure that partner agencies do not duplicate their efforts;
·                     Pursuing asset forfeiture and securing restitution for victims;
·                     Advising the public about common scams and schemes to help prevent more people from becoming victimized.