A series of small loans for out-of-state properties exposed underwriting flaws and a sophisticated fraud scheme. In early 2023, we closed six loans with a new borrower. Although it was unusual for us to fund multiple loans for a single borrower without a prior history with us, the deals appeared low risk. The loans were [...]
Kansas City, MO | April 30, 2026 - The American Association of Private Lenders today announced a new member discount partnership with Business Screen, a team of licensed private investigators specializing in business and principal background checks. As part of the collaboration, Business Screen has designed checks specifically for private lender underwriting and due diligence. [...]
We are issuing this notice to raise awareness of a borrower profile recently presented to one of our members that exhibited multiple indicators of material misrepresentation. Based on the structure and coordination observed, there is a reasonable likelihood that similar scenarios may be presented to other private lenders. The transaction was positioned as a well-documented [...]
“Zombie liens” can jeopardize private lending and property transactions. Everything about the Brazos County, Texas, deal just south of Austin looked solid. The borrower had purchased a single-family home, secured financing through Ternus, completed renovations on time, and found a buyer within the target window. The title had been cleared when the borrower acquired the [...]
Assignment layering and masked entities are turning routine deals into high-risk traps. Straw buyer fraud in hard money lending often reveals itself through contract assignments within wholesale transactions. Fraudsters often try to obscure their identity by layering multiple assignments, making it difficult to trace who originally entered into the purchase agreement and who ultimately controls [...]
Our private lending startup almost lost more than half a million dollars to fraud. Here’s what you can learn from our experience. Ternus is a young private lending company that prides itself on operating differently. We’re investor-focused, values-driven, and transparent. But in March, we came terrifyingly close to losing $645,000 in a sophisticated wire fraud [...]
From comps to construction costs, lenders who question everything stand the best chance of protecting themselves from fraud. Private lenders face a material risk of fraud, and the cases have become increasingly more sophisticated. Mix in the complicated nature of lending for renovation or construction in the residential space, and you have a recipe for [...]
From subtle name alterations to false ownership claims, train (and re-train ... then train again) your team on the biggest bottom-line-busting misrepresentations. In the labyrinthine world of investment real estate, the complexities of transactions provide fertile ground for sophisticated forms of fraud. Cybercrimes (phishing, wire fraud, etc.), flipping/equity stripping schemes, identity fraud, appraisal/valuation fraud schemes, [...]
Using deceptive practices to strike the weakest point of your operations—you and your team—attackers gain unauthorized access to sensitive financial data. Social engineering is a manipulation technique attackers use to exploit human psychology and trust. It differs from traditional hacking methods by bypassing technical barriers. It poses substantial risks for private lenders, including unauthorized access [...]
If background verification is just another checkbox in your due diligence process, you’re likely exposing your fund to unnecessary risk. Transparency and accountability are more than just industry buzzwords—they’re essential for protecting both funds and investors. As such, thorough background checks and due diligence reviews aren’t merely best practices; they’re nonnegotiable. These processes act as [...]
Membership Questions?
Call 913-888-1250
Nominations are open until August 30, 2026, with voting from September 7-30, 2026. We’ll announce recipients at our Annual Conference.
Member of the Year (MOTY): This award goes to a member based on their deep expertise, unique value, and strong commitment to clients and the industry.
Rising Star: Rising Stars are members who have accomplished outstanding growth in their company or industry sector over the past year.
Community Impact: Recipients improve their local communities or our industry through volunteering, development programs, or civic efforts.
See past award winners, award rules, and participate in the 2026 nomination and voting process here.
VIP RECEPTION // Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while catching up with VIPs from across the country, all overlooking the gorgeous Las Vegas Strip. AAPL Members may RSVP during conference registration at no additional cost; for non-members it is $199/ticket.
NETWORKING BREAKFASTS & SESSION BREAKS // Early-risers will appreciate plentiful coffee and a selection of pastries, protein, and more – along with the opportunity to talk shop in a quieter atmosphere. Session breaks feature an energetic environment with a variety of snacking options.
AFTER-HOURS RECEPTION // Continue conversations with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers in the Exhibit Hall while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tokens.
OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY // For those who hate to say goodnight, each year a few sponsors plan a little something extra to wrap up your day … or help segue from all-business to all-fun. We’ll mark the party as official and provide information about how to attend.
AAPL APP // The app is your insiders’ guide to getting the most out of #AAPLANNUAL and includes your personalized schedule, conference navigation system, and more! Download now!
Grand Prize – Custom Championship Belt & VIP Admission to Power Room event in St. Augustine, FL (February 27th – March 1st, 2023)
2nd Place – 2023 AAPL Annual Conference Bundle to include Individual Membership, 1 Conference Ticket and 1 VIP Reception pass.
3rd Place – 1 year AAPL Individual Membership