- (1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-6-1202 apply to this section.
(2) An actor commits mortgage fraud if the actor does any of the following with the intent to defraud:
- (a) knowingly makes any material misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission during the mortgage lending process, intending that it be relied upon by a mortgage lender, borrower, or any other party to the mortgage lending process;
- (b) knowingly uses or facilitates the use of any material misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission, during the mortgage lending process, intending that it be relied upon by a mortgage lender, borrower, or any other party to the mortgage lending process;
- (c) files or causes to be filed with any county recorder in Utah any document that the actor knows contains a material misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission; or
- (d) receives any proceeds or any compensation in connection with a mortgage loan that the actor knows resulted from a violation of this section.
(3)
(a) Notwithstanding any other administrative, civil, or criminal penalties, a violation of Subsection (2) is a:
- (i) class A misdemeanor if the value is or exceeds $500 but is less than $1,500;
- (ii) third degree felony if the value is or exceeds $1,500 but is less than $5,000;
- (iii) second degree felony if the value is or exceeds $5,000; and
- (iv) second degree felony if the object or purpose of the commission of an act of mortgage fraud is the obtaining of sensitive personal identifying information, regardless of the value.
- (b) The determination of the degree of any offense under Subsection (3)(a) is measured by the total value of all property, money, or things obtained or sought to be obtained by a violation of Subsection (2), except as provided in Subsection (3)(a)(iv).
- (4) Each residential or commercial property transaction offense under this section constitutes a separate violation.
Amended by Chapter 111, 2023 General Session