18 U.S.C. § 1001 and § 1014 - False Statements

Updated 2026-05-17

This page describes two distinct but related federal statutes concerning false statements: 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 18 U.S.C. § 1014. Both statutes prohibit making false statements, but they apply to different contexts.

18 U.S.C. § 1001 - Statements or Entries Generally

18 U.S.C. § 1001 is a federal statute that prohibits making false statements or concealing material facts in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States.

Relevance to NMLS Attestations

In the context of NMLS Renewal Attestations, particularly for federal agency-regulated institutions and their individual registrants, this statute is explicitly cited. It serves as a warning that any misrepresentation or omission of a material fact in the information submitted to NMLS may subject the individual and/or institution to legal sanctions, including administrative and criminal action. This underscores the serious legal implications of providing inaccurate information during the NMLS renewal process.

18 U.S.C. § 1014 - False Statements to Financial Institutions

18 U.S.C. § 1014 is a federal criminal statute that prohibits knowingly making any false statement or report, or willfully overvaluing any land, property, or security, for the purpose of influencing in any way the action of various financial institutions (including banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders) upon any application, advance, discount, purchase, commitment, or loan.

This statute is a primary legal basis for prosecuting Mortgage Loan Fraud and Misrepresentation. Specific examples of fraud that fall under 18 U.S.C. § 1014 include:

• Mortgage Loan Fraud and Misrepresentation (falsifying income, assets, or employment).
• Mortgage Loan Fraud and Misrepresentation (misrepresenting property occupancy).
• Mortgage Loan Fraud and Misrepresentation (intentionally overvaluing property).
• Mortgage Loan Fraud and Misrepresentation (omitting or misrepresenting existing debts).

Violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1014 can lead to severe federal penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment.