FHFA Director Bill Pulte Urges Public to Report Mortgage Fraud Amid Agency Shakeups

In a bold move to combat mortgage fraud, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte has introduced a public tipline, inviting citizens to report fraudulent mortgage activities. Announced via social media, Pulte emphasized the importance of collective vigilance, stating, "We will be establishing a tip line where anyone and everyone can submit tips on anyone fraudulently filling out mortgage apps." 

While the initiative underscores a commitment to transparency, specifics regarding the monitoring and investigative processes for the submitted tips remain undisclosed. Traditionally, the FHFA’s Office of Inspector General handles such investigations, with potential prosecutions by the Department of Justice.​

This development follows significant internal reforms under Pulte's leadership. Notably, he dismissed 100 Fannie Mae employees over alleged unethical conduct and restructured the boards of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shortly after his appointment. These actions were in response to Fannie Mae's reported $752 million credit loss attributed to fraud or suspected fraud by the end of 2024. ​

The introduction of the tipline reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding the mortgage industry, emphasizing the role of public participation in identifying and addressing fraudulent activities.​

Sources:

• "FHFA Director Bill Pulte Calls on Americans to Report Mortgage Fraud," The Real Deal, April 16, 2025.

• CoreLogic Mortgage Fraud Report, Q2 2024.

• Aces Quality Management Mortgage Defect Index, H1 2024.