PITTSBURGH -- Federal agents have charged 24 people for allegedly committing mortgage fraud in the greater Pittsburgh area.

But according to U.S. Attorney Mary Bet Buchanan, for hundreds of local people it has been a nightmare, especially for first time home buyers.

The typical mortgage fraud scheme involved false loan application documents, fraudulent appraisals and unlicensed appraisers.

Locally, the scope of the fraud investigations involves at least 24 cases, hundreds of victims and $13 million in losses. So far, two of the 24 defendants have turned themselves in and have posted bond. The remaining people are the subject of summonses.

The locations of the companies involved include what used to be "People's Mortgage" in the West End, and "Sprouts Mortgage" in Uniontown.

Federal officials have created a Mortgage Fraud Task Force to counter the growth of mortgage fraud in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

There is now a hot line you can call if you think you are a victim. The number is 412-894-7550.