“LexisNexis® Risk Solutions announced the findings of its annual analysis of mortgage fraud in the U.S., revealing that despite improving economic conditions, mortgage fraud is still a national problem. In fact, mortgage application fraud and misrepresentation has grown for the past three years. Seventy-four percent of loans reported in 2013 involved some kind of fraud or misrepresentation on the loan application compared to 69 percent in 2012 and 61 percent in 2011. The LexisNexis Annual Mortgage Fraud Report differs from other studies on the topic, as it seeks to provide information on the composition of proven residential mortgage fraud and misrepresentation by mortgage industry professionals. The analysis is based on data submitted to the LexisNexis® Mortgage Industry Data Exchange (MIDEX®). Analysis of the data shows that appraisal and property valuation fraud experienced a significant drop from last year, falling to 15 percent of loans reported with these problems. In 2012, 26 percent of loans reported had signs of appraisal and property valuation fraud following 31 percent in 2011 and 33 percent in 2010. Regulation changes are cited as the reason for this rapid and dramatic decline in appraisal and property valuation fraud.”