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Ethics & Fraudmedium18% of exam

A borrower asks the originator to leave a $410 monthly obligation off the application so the ratio works. How should the originator respond to the request to conceal the debt?

Correct Answer

B) Refuse to conceal the debt, document it accurately and evaluate its effect under the loan program

B. Refuse concealment and correct the file. The borrower is asking for deliberate omission, not a legitimate underwriting exclusion. Verify the obligation and calculate its treatment under the applicable program rather than retain a knowingly inaccurate ratio. Scope and exceptions: Disclosing a liability does not mean every payment must enter every program’s DTI calculation. The cited Fannie Mae requirements are program guidance, not proof that every omission satisfies a particular criminal statute. Source: General Information on Liabilities; Monthly Obligations Not Included in Liabilities — https://guide-selling.fanniemae.com/sel/b3-6-01/general-information-liabilities

Answer Options
A
Agree where the borrower signs a statement about the $410 debt
B
Refuse to conceal the debt, document it accurately and evaluate its effect under the loan program
C
Decline, but continue with the file without correcting the ratio
D
Agree, because the credit report will disclose it to the lender

Why This Is the Correct Answer

B. Refuse concealment and correct the file. The borrower is asking for deliberate omission, not a legitimate underwriting exclusion. Verify the obligation and calculate its treatment under the applicable program rather than retain a knowingly inaccurate ratio. Scope and exceptions: Disclosing a liability does not mean every payment must enter every program’s DTI calculation. The cited Fannie Mae requirements are program guidance, not proof that every omission satisfies a particular criminal statute.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: Agree where the borrower signs a statement about the $410 debt

A separate acknowledgement does not justify concealing the debt in the application.

Option C: Decline, but continue with the file without correcting the ratio

Refusing verbally while retaining an inaccurate calculation does not resolve the problem.

Option D: Agree, because the credit report will disclose it to the lender

The credit report is a verification source, not permission to omit debt.

Exam Tip

Disclosure and underwriting treatment are separate steps.

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