Mortgage Fraud Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
Mortgage fraud is a serious federal or state offense that can result in steep fines, prison time, and long-term damage to your personal and professional life. If you're under investigation or have been charged, don’t wait. At Combs Waterkotte, our white-collar defense attorneys know how these cases are prosecuted—and more importantly, how to dismantle them. With decades of experience and a reputation for trial readiness, we’re here to fight aggressively for your freedom and your future.
If you’ve been accused, arrested, or charged, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online now to speak with a St. Louis mortgage fraud lawyer during a free, confidential consultation.
What Qualifies as Mortgage Fraud in St. Louis, MO?
The FBI defines mortgage fraud as “a material misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission in connection with a real estate transaction, relied on by one or more parties.” In plain terms, when the FBI is investigating, it’s a federal crime, and one that prosecutors pursue aggressively. Under Missouri law, even minor misstatements can result in serious consequences if they impact the outcome of a loan or property transfer. If you’re under investigation or already charged, you need an experienced fraud defense attorney who knows how to push back hard, fast, and effectively.
At Combs Waterkotte, we help clients across Missouri defend against every kind of mortgage fraud scheme, including:
- Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Promising to “save” someone’s home from foreclosure while quietly stripping equity or hijacking the deed.
- Loan Modification Fraud: Falsifying documents or making misleading claims to get more favorable terms—or being accused of doing so by a lender or the government.
- Illegal Property Flipping: Buying, inflating, and reselling properties with false appraisals or phony improvements to extract profits fraudulently.
- Builder Bailouts: Coordinated efforts involving appraisers, brokers, and settlement agents to prop up failing developments through fraudulent transactions.
- Equity Skimming & Stripping: Targeting distressed homeowners with predatory lease-back deals or false promises of relief, often resulting in foreclosure anyway.
- Silent Seconds: Taking out a second loan that goes undisclosed to the primary lender, violating federal mortgage laws and underwriting guidelines.
- Reverse Mortgage Fraud: Misusing home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) outside of permitted legal frameworks, especially for older homeowners.
- Commercial Mortgage Fraud: Manipulating valuations, income data, or lease agreements to qualify for or enhance large-scale business loans.
- Air Loans: Fabricated borrowers, nonexistent collateral, or completely fictitious mortgage transactions orchestrated by unscrupulous brokers or insiders.
No matter the accusation, federal investigators are building their case with financial records, phone logs, wire transfers, and witness testimony. Don’t give them a head start. Work with a firm that knows the playbook, and how to beat it.
Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us now for a free, confidential consultation with a St. Louis mortgage fraud lawyer who’s ready to defend your future.
Penalties for Mortgage Fraud in Missouri
Mortgage fraud charges in St. Louis may be brought under both state and federal law, and the penalties are harsh. At the federal level, most cases are prosecuted under mail fraud, wire fraud, or bank fraud statutes. The consequences can include:
- Federal prison sentences of up to 30 years per count
- Fines up to $1 million
- Asset forfeiture of property or gains related to the offense
- Restitution to financial institutions or victims
- A permanent felony record and serious damage to your career and reputation
Mortgage fraud is frequently tried in the Eastern or Western District Courts of Missouri, located in St. Louis and Kansas City. These federal courts have vast resources and experienced prosecutors dedicated to white-collar cases. You need a defense team that knows how to navigate that environment and fight back effectively.
How Do You Fight Mortgage Fraud in St. Louis, MO?
You hire Combs Waterkotte, and we get to work. Mortgage fraud cases are often complex and document-heavy. Our defense starts by examining every detail of your case, from loan applications to communications with brokers or underwriters, to find inconsistencies, weaknesses, and points of leverage. Our approach may include:
- Challenging the prosecution’s proof of intent to defraud
- Demonstrating honest mistakes, misunderstandings, or reliance on others’ information
- Asserting lack of material impact on the loan decision
- Disputing the admissibility of documents or electronic evidence
- Negotiating to reduce charges or penalties
- Preparing for trial with strategic litigation planning
Why Hire Combs Waterkotte for Mortgage Fraud Defense in St. Louis, MO?
Not all criminal defense firms are equipped to handle both state and federal white-collar litigation. At Combs Waterkotte, we bring:
- More than 50 years of combined experience in complex financial crime defense
- Trial-tested attorneys, including former prosecutors
- In-house resources and partnerships with forensic accountants, appraisers, and industry experts
- Personalized defense strategies built around your unique case
- Deep knowledge of the Missouri federal courts and U.S. Attorneys’ tactics
We understand that your life, your family, and your future are on the line—and we treat your case with the urgency and care it deserves. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
