Las Vegas NowMortgage Fraud Task Force Raids Title Company

Mortgage Fraud Task Force Raids Title Company

HENDERSON, Nv. -- A Henderson title and escrow office was the focus of a raid by the Nevada Attorney General's Office. Mortgage fraud investigators took over the office Tuesday morning to investigate.

The office of American United Title and Escrow had a steady stream of investigators in and out of the business all day. The AG's office is not releasing any details about the investigation because charges have not been filed.

Agents were seen going through paperwork in several of the offices. Also, an SUV parked in front of the office was being taken away on a tow truck.

The mortgage fraud task force is conducting this raid -- a group that was formed about a year ago as a response to the rise mortgage scams around the state.

American United only has been licensed by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry for about six months. They were up for review next week.

A spokesperson with the Department of Business and Industry says the Las Vegas foreclosure environment is perfect for scammers to pop up and they are popping up in all kinds of ways. "Whether it's loan modification services, whether its working for some type of mortgage company and not providing the services that they agreed to provide or using information that they received inappropriately for identity theft or some other various purpose," said Elisabeth Daniels with the Nevada Department of Business and Industry.

During the first half of the year, the department saw about 30 complaints come in about mortgage fraud. In the past four months, that number has jumped up to almost 120 complaints about fraud.

The mortgage fraud strike task force is currently working close to 150 cases. They are usually called in when there is a string of complaints that lead them to believe fraud may be the intent of a business.