Fraud is not new to private lending, but the speed and sophistication we are seeing today represent a concerning shift. What once appeared as isolated attempts to exploit documentation gaps has evolved into coordinated,
technology- driven schemes that challenge even the most experienced operators. AI-generated documents, deepfake impersonation, and synthetic identities are active threats.

I’m not being alarmist; I’m calling for leadership. We need more lenders to collaborate to build strong controls, consistent processes, and an industry culture that values accuracy over speed.

AAPL has responded with tools designed to strengthen lender readiness and reinforce the integrity of our profession, but without leaders amplifying these signals, it won’t be enough. We need you to step up to ensure awareness—and we also need you to share what’s working in your organizations.

New AAPL Resources

Partnership with RicherValues. The OverSight Report offers a second evaluation layer for appraisals and comes with both a proven track record and ratings agency approval.

Expanded education offerings. AAPL video courses have expanded and are free for members. Truepic helps course participants spot manipulated photos, video, and documents (with important limitations on DIY approaches), and Business Screen shares how to conduct and evaluate your own public records searches. Two other offerings on straw borrower fraud and appraisal/valuation fraud are in development.

AAPL member screening. We now conduct background checks on all new and reinstated members, reinforcing our expectation that trust, transparency, and accountability remain foundational to our community.

Fraud will continue to evolve, but so will we. The lenders who lead the next era of private lending will be those who pair innovation with discipline, growth with responsibility, and opportunity with ethics. AAPL remains committed to supporting that leadership through standards, education, and a community grounded in doing things the right way. Help us spread the word—and raise the bar.