HUDOIG drafted a fraud bulletin on how to identify anticompetitive bidding schemes that may occur in COVID-19-Related procurements.

HUD OIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential common reverse mortgage schemes that borrowers may face, along with actions to take and not take if you are considering a reverse mortgage loan.

HUDOIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential schemes where unscrupulous actors use misleading product information to entice business owners and government agencies to purchase defective or ineffective equipment or products that are purported to protect people from COVID-19.

The urgency in post-disaster recoveries often leads State and local officials to work to quickly restore infrastructure and public services and help make repairs. Such urgency can sometimes result in cutting corners with CDBG program requirements. However, grantees and sub-recipients that do not follow all CDBG program requirements may be forced to repay Federal funds.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer have identified an ongoing fraud scheme intentionally targeting small businesses, large corporations, government vendors, and contractors for the purpose of obtaining electronic equipment such as laptops, mobile phones, hard drives, digital projectors, solar panels, and other high-value merchandise. The…

The OIG investigation focused on the Cairo, IL, based Alexander County Housing Authority's (ACHA) improper usage of HUD subsidized Asset Management Project (AMP) funds with prosecutorial consideration being given to 18 USC 666 (Theft, Intentional Misapplication of Funds), 18 USC 1001, (False Statements) and 18 USC 371 (Conspiracy). These funds (also referred to as operating funds and low rent housing project funds) and Capital funds are governed…

HUD OIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential common reverse mortgage schemes that borrowers may face, along with actions to take and not take if you are considering a reverse mortgage loan.

Dishonest people may approach you with fraudulent offers of assistance during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for these common schemes. Note that scam attempts may be made by phone, mail, text, email, social media, or in person.

Be aware that dishonest people may take advantage and could attempt to harm renters through scams or forms of harassment.

HUD OIG drafted a fraud bulletin outlining potential loan modification and foreclosure rescue schemes that borrowers may face. 

Protect yourself and avoid falling victim to Section 8 housing voucher fraud schemes.

Be aware! Mortgage loan modification scams are schemes to take your money, often by making a false promise of saving you from foreclosure.

Be aware! Phone and computer scammers may contact you and claim to be from the government. These scammers may threaten you with jail or fines if you do not send them cash or gift cards within a short period.

Landlords cannot change the rent without obtaining approval from the local housing authority and cannot avoid Federal rent limits by making side deals with tenants.

The Lead Disclosure Rule requires landlords to provide disclosures concerning lead paint to prospective tenants in “target housing,” which includes most houses constructed before 1978.

Fraudulent deed activity can impact anyone who might buy, sell, or own property; however, the elderly, distressed homeowners, and unwitting buyers and renters have been particularly impacted by this scheme.

Reverse mortgages are complex loans, making them the perfect breeding ground for a scam. Scammers use this type of loan to take advantage of older Americans— stealing their hard-earned money and, in some cases, their homes.

Be aware that individuals purporting to be landlords are listing properties for rent that they do not own on various rental websites. These impostor landlords may be part of a complex organized criminal enterprise operating outside of the United States.