Special Alert: SLS00349

In accordance with Stewart Information Services Corporation's ("SISCO") Anti-Fraud Plan,   Stewart is committed to the prevention and detection of fraud.  In furtherance of these goals and at the request of Countrywide Home Loans, Stewart is providing you with the following bulletin from Countrywide.  Since the following information addresses your obligations to Countrywide Home Loans, please address any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this bulletin directly to Countrywide as noted below.

To:  Title & Settlement Vendors of Countrywide

The topic of Fraud Prevention is of critical importance to Countrywide.  This correspondence asks you to raise awareness within your management and employee rank and file that support either CMD or Full Spectrum Lending.  Countrywide's engagement with your company for title & settlement services requires that you understand the expectations we have from your organization and that you fully comply with the terms and conditions with both our Closing Instructions (section I) and within our fully executed Professional Services Agreement and Statement of Work.

While the instructions in the Closing Instructions are very straightforward, these instructions specify escalation related to fraud detection during the closing event.   Please  be reminded, however, that fraud can be detected at any time during the loan process and even include situations that can occur after document signing; such as signed documents that never make their final destination back to Countrywide.  

Escalation Processs

At any time during the loan process (up to and including the final receipt of signed documents by Countrywide), if you suspect fraud, please refer to Section I of our Closing Instructions for the exact contact and telephone number at Countrywide.

Your company may be asked to take immediate action to cooperate with Countrywide on any borrower communication if specifically requested to do so.  Your company may also be asked to take immediate action regarding any sub-contractors including, but not limited to, abstractors, closing attorneys, escrow officers, settlement agents and/or notaries.  This action includes, but is not limited to, immediate removal of the sub-contractor from the Countrywide approved list.   The actions following the initial notification are not necessarily limited to what is described herein but are offered as examples only.

When you raise awareness of this topic to your staff, emphasis that timely escalation to the appropriate parties noted below is expected. The specific contact information is located in the Closing Instructions.  

Thank you.

Richard J. Marron
Executive Vice President
Director of Strategic Partnerships
26745 Malibu Hills Road
Mail Stop: MH 51-A
Calabasas Hills, CA 91301
818-871-2477 Office
92-588-2477 Internal