What Is Straw Buying?

Straw buying refers to using someone else's name or a fake name to buy goods. Fannie Mae has identified certain characteristics of straw buyers, such as inconsistent signatures in their files and a preference for loans with an early payment default. Straw-buying is an illegal activity.

Basics

Straw buying, an illicit activity involving purchasing goods or services on behalf of an ineligible individual, has become a prevalent issue. Particularly in mortgage fraud, this deceptive practice employs straw buyers as loan applicants to conceal the true buyer's identity or the transaction's true nature. By assuming the role of intermediaries, these unscrupulous individuals obtain mortgages through fraud, compromising the lending process's integrity.

Unveiling the Complexities of Straw Buying in Various Scenarios

Straw buying manifests in diverse scenarios, often employed to bypass legal restrictions hindering individuals from acquiring specific assets or securities. For instance, a Chinese citizen with overseas real estate purchasing limitations may enlist an agent to navigate such regulatory constraints discreetly.

Furthermore, the term "straw buyer" encompasses fabricating fictitious identities to orchestrate purchases or secure loans. Take, for instance, the infamous "air loan" scheme, where unscrupulous brokers arrange mortgages in the name of a straw buyer for a nonexistent property, enabling the illicit collection of loan proceeds.

Fannie Mae has outlined key attributes that characterize straw buyers engaging in mortgage fraud:

1. Mortgage payments originate from an entity other than the borrower.
2. Early payment defaults prevail, with loans delinquent for more than 90 days or defaulting within the first year.
3. First-time homebuyers experience a significant surge in housing expenses.
4. Buyers exhibit no intention to occupy the property, showcase unrealistic commutes, or display incongruity concerning property size or condition.
5. Transactions lack involvement from real estate agents, indicating non-arms length dealings.
6. Power of attorney arrangements may be utilized.
7. Contracts feature standardized language with minimal customized content, lacking the essence of genuine negotiations.
8. Income, savings, and credit patterns contradict the applicant's overall profile.
9. High loan-to-value ratios, limited reserves, and seller-paid concessions are prevalent.
10. Inconsistent signatures appear throughout the documentation.
11. Down payments and closing costs rely heavily on gift funds, with minimal borrower contribution.
12. Property title transfers occur after the sale has concluded.

Understanding the intricacies of straw buying is essential in combating fraudulent practices that undermine the integrity of various industries.

Examples of Straw Buying

Within the realm of mortgage fraud, one prevalent form of straw buying emerges. In this scheme, a straw buyer assumes the role of the mortgage applicant for a property they will not control or inhabit. Typically, the straw buyer possesses superior credit, allowing them to masquerade as the legitimate buyer and secure loan approval. As an incentive, the participation of the straw buyer is often rewarded with monetary compensation.

The utilization of straw buying extends to the domain of automobile purchases as well. Individuals facing obstacles such as poor credit enlist the assistance of another person to execute the purchase on their behalf. Subsequently, the initial individual becomes the primary user of the vehicle, assuming responsibility for loan repayments.

Conversely, dealers may instigate straw purchases by persuading individuals with unfavorable credit histories to apply for loans alongside or through a different person. This ploy can lead to fraudulent schemes involving purchase contracts featuring exorbitant interest rates. While certain cases may be legitimate, such as when the co-signer possesses good credit, ensuring loan approval, they often serve as a ruse to impose unfavorable terms or elevated interest rates. Consequently, dealer-initiated straw purchases are generally deemed illegal due to their exploitative nature.

Conclusion

Straw buying poses a significant threat in various industries, particularly mortgage fraud and auto purchases. By employing deceptive tactics, such as assuming false identities or using intermediaries, the true nature of transactions is concealed. Fannie Mae has outlined specific characteristics associated with straw buyers engaged in mortgage fraud. Understanding these complexities and examples is essential in combating this illicit practice. Vigilance, proactive measures, and safeguarding financial systems are crucial to mitigate the detrimental effects of straw buying and ensure consumer protection.