Wednesday, December 10, 2008
California Man Arrested for Real Estate Fraud
Anthony Vargas, 34, was arrested by investigators from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit at his office in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Vargas is a Real Estate Agent for Prudential California Realty and markets himself to the public as ”Anthony The Realtor.”
In February 2008, Vargas fraudulently acquired a property in Rancho Cucamonga that belonged to an elderly Rancho Cucamonga couple. Vargas completed a Grant Deed and forged the victims’ signatures, granting the property into his name. Vargas recorded the Grant Deed with the San Bernardino County Recorder’s Office and became the owner of record of the residential property. The victims owned this property outright with no mortgage owed. Vargas immediately took out a loan on the property in the amount of $250,000. The loan closed in March 2008, and after loan fees were paid, $205,828.64 was wired into Vargas bank account. During the loan process the property was appraised at $1,200,000.
After an extensive criminal investigation by District Attorney Investigators, it was determined the victims didn’t know Vargas nor did they give him their property.
The victims filed a complaint with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit, which filed Felony counts of Grand Theft (PC 487), Forgery (PC 470), Filing a False/Forged Document with the County Recorders Office (PC 115a) and Financial Elder Abuse (PC 368d). Vargas was transported and booked into the Sheriff’s West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Bail was set at $1,450,000.
mortgage fraud
this same scenario is currently happening to my husband and I.We are about 3 months into this whole ordeal and so far the criminals haven’t even broke a sweat.I hope our story ends up like yours with someone getting put behind bars.So far all we have seen are outrageous attorney fees and all parties involved acting like it is no big deal.I’ll keep saying my prayers.
Posted by on 04/07 at 08:00 PM
Something simulair happened to me approx 2 years ago. I would like to know if it is to late to do something about it and just discuss the details.
please email me.
A grant deed was forged, nortorized and property sold. I was lied to and given $8000 under false pretences. I was not aware that I was taken off title while still on the loan. By the time I knew anything property had been sold.
Posted by on 05/08 at 07:32 AM
My advice to you is to contact a real estate attorney in your area.Give them all the details concerning your situation.They should let you know if you have a case or not.There probably will be a fee involved. Good luck.
Posted by on 05/10 at 08:54 AM
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The prosecution and defense rested Thursday in the mortgage fraud cases against Teresa Marie WIlson and Angelo Surveo Williams.
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A Wyoming woman is facing felony charges accusing her of stealing her sister's identity to obtain a mortgage...then defaulting on that mortgage, leaving taxpayers on the hook.
U.S. Attorney Targets White-Collar Crime
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In San Francisco, Mr. Russoniello said he is trying to crack down on cases like mortgage fraud, though he doesn't have the budget to hire additional white-collar prosecutors.
Arrests Made in Orlando Mortgage Fraud Roundup
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During the real estate boom two years ago, some units were going for a half million dollars. Now some are short selling for just 50 grand.
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Strodtman Jury Selected in Mortgage Fraud Trial
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Attorneys will deliver opening statements this morning in the trial of Mark Strodtman, who is accused of bilking homeowners in a mortgage scheme years ago.
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Most banks rejected Ms. DeForte because her debt level was too high and her credit score too low. But Lend America put Ms. DeForte into a $402,000 loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration...
Mortgage Fraud Probe Nets 105 Across State
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At least one local man is among 105 people arrested across the state following a nine-month investigation into organized mortgage fraud.
Mortgage Fraud Increases
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The number of frauds involving professional advisors, such as accountants and lawyers, has increased from two to four since March 2008.
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Trial coverage provided by Anne Mitchell, Crazy Fish Realty.
F. Jeffrey Miller Update - October 20, 2009
A hearing was held in Topeka, Kansas in front of Judge Julie Robinson. Miller is currently being held pending his sentencing which is set for December 22nd, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.. Steve Vanatta and Hallie Irvin, Miller's codefendants, will be sentenced at that time also.
Several motions were heard this week. One was a motion for Miller to be released pending his sentencing. Miller's attorney, Jeff Morris, argued that the court had dismmissed with predjudice the matter involving Miller's purchase of a commercial lawnmower, violating the court ordered monitoring agreement. He also argued that Miller was not a flight risk and should be released. This motion was denied.
Another motion heard by Judge Robinson was that of an escrow account containing proceeds from the sale of Miller's forfeited assets. This account has a balance of $143,000. Attorney Morris argued that his firm was due $100,000 for work done in the Miller matter, to date. The government argued that his 'un-itemized fees' were 'exhorbitant'. The balance of the funds, Morris argued, should be released to the Miller family to help pay for mounting household expenses.
The government argued that the 'Asset Forfeiture Provision' applies down to 'the last penny' and that 'the rights of the victims to made whole are of paramount immportance' and that no routine household expenses like Visa bills, are allowed.
Attorney Morris argues that there is more than enough assets to satisfy the jury's judgement of $2.65 million dollars. The government argues that the estimated value of his assets are only $1.4 million.
The government also stated that Miller has been paid dividends from a company Miller has an ownership interest in; Boreflex. From July, 2008 to present, Miller has been paid $330,509.30 from Boreflex, unbeknownst to the court appointed monitor.
Present in the courtroom was Todd Earnshaw. Earnshaw was indicted along with Miller and others in what is commonly referred to as 'Miller I'. That trial is scheduled to begin on January 11, 2010 in Topeka, Kansas.
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Rachel Dollar, the editor of Mortgage Fraud Blog, is an attorney and Certified Mortgage Banker who handles litigation for lending institutions and secondary market investors. She is an author and a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of mortgage fraud. Ms. Dollar is a shareholder with the law firm of 
