A house last sold for $185,000 in January. In March it changes hands 3 times in 9 days, reaching $410,000, with the same appraiser and the same closing agent on every leg. Assuming the parties colluded to inflate appraisals without improvements to support the higher prices, what fraud scheme does this pattern illustrate?
Correct Answer
C) Illegal property flipping using collusive, falsely inflated appraisals
C. The collusive false appraisals establish the scheme described. The stem supplies intentional appraisal fabrication. Speed and price increases are investigative signals, not standalone proof. Scope and exceptions: Rapid profitable resales can be legitimate. The archive supplies terminology, not a current resale restriction. Source: Typical fraud schemes: Property Flips — https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2005/december/operation-quick-flip-1
Why This Is the Correct Answer
C. The collusive false appraisals establish the scheme described. The stem supplies intentional appraisal fabrication. Speed and price increases are investigative signals, not standalone proof. Scope and exceptions: Rapid profitable resales can be legitimate. The archive supplies terminology, not a current resale restriction.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Fraud for housing, since somebody will end up living in the property
Eventual occupancy does not explain this scheme.
Option B: A permitted arbitrage, because each buyer agreed to the price they paid
Agreed prices do not excuse fabrication.
Option D: A legitimate rehabilitation if receipts cover the 2.2 times markup
Receipts cannot legitimize stipulated false appraisals.
Exam Tip
Focus on falsity, not profit alone.
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