Fraud can take many forms. In North Carolina the list of possible charges is extensive, covering everything from alleged mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, real estate fraud, consumer fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft to suspected forgery of checks, identity cards and immigration documents. Any individual facing any of those charges should be in contact with an attorney to ensure their rights are fully protected.

Suspicion of fraud, though, doesn't always target an individual. As we have come to learn in recent years, the government is willing to apply the concept of white collar crimes to broader activities, including those allegedly practiced by large mortgage banks through the so-called "robo-signing" of foreclosure documents.

As most people are probably aware, five major banks that have been at the center of accusations of abusive mortgage practices have agreed to pony up $25 billion as part of a deal with the federal government. It's crucial to note that while no one faces incarceration but the money is expected to help about 1 million homeowners affected by the foreclosure mess.

The agreement follows 16 months of negotiations between the banks and state and federal officials. Provisions of the deal call for Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank and Ally Financial to cut customer mortgage amounts and provide $2,000 payments to people who lost their homes.

The deal also shields the banks from some civil lawsuits by governments for the debacle. But they are not shielded from all legal enforcement action or possible lawsuits by angry investors.

Here in Horry County, officials estimate one in every 451 homes is in foreclosure. In Pee Dee, things are slightly better. Florence County is seeing one in every 1,200 homes in foreclosure. Nationally, the average is said to be one in every 600 homes in foreclosure.

Source: Reuters, "U.S. banks agree to $25 billion in homeowner help," Aruna Viswanatha, Feb. 10, 2012; SCNow.com, "$25 billion settlement could help foreclosures in Horry County," Mason Snyder, Jan. 24, 2012