Dear Board of Directors,
- HECMs are available only through FHA-approved lenders. HECM originators, sponsors, and servicers collect or have access to HECM loan files, which include copies of deeds, appraisals, bank statements, or proof of down payments;
- Persons or entities perpetrating HECM fraud schemes may seek the services of credit unions for the purpose of receiving, depositing or moving funds relating to the scams; and
- Credit unions may become aware of such scams through their interactions with members who have become victims.
- Include the specific term “HECM” in the narrative portions of all relevant SARs filed; and
- In the Suspect/Subject Information Section of the SAR, include all information available for each party suspected of engaging in this fraudulent activity. This information should include the individual or company name, address, phone number, and any other identifying information.
In many cases, a senior homeowner is a victim of the scam and therefore should not be listed as a suspect. However, a homeowner can be listed as a suspect if there is reason to believe the homeowner knowingly participated in the fraudulent activity.
Where the homeowner is simply a victim of the scam, including all available information in the narrative portion of the SAR about the homeowner and his or her property will assist law enforcement in investigating these potential crimes.
You can use the following link to view a complete copy of FIN-2010-A005:
https://www.fincen.gov (opens new window) (You will be leaving NCUA.gov and accessing a non-NCUA website. We encourage you to read the NCUA's exit link policies. (opens new page).) .
If you have any questions regarding this Regulatory Alert or FIN-2010-A005, please contact your district examiner, regional office, or state supervisory authority.
Sincerely,