The California Democrat, now serving in the U.S. Senate, has been referred to the Department of Justice over accusations that he falsely claimed “primary residence” status in both California and Maryland — a move that experts say could bring stiff fines, restitution, and even criminal sanctions.
Between 2013 and 2019, Schiff allegedly claimed his Potomac, Maryland home as his “primary residence,” lowering his mortgage rates significantly. At the same time, he also claimed his Burbank, California home as his primary residence — reaping $7,000 in tax exemptions, according to reports from the Washington Times.
Financial experts say this form of dual residency misrepresentation is classic mortgage fraud — and highly prosecutable. “If the financial records clearly show he claimed both properties as his main residence, there’s not much to dispute in court,” said Florida criminal defense attorney Keith Gross.
What’s more shocking is that Schiff himself once accused Trump of manipulating business records and called on Republicans to uphold legal integrity. “The party, formally of the moral majority, is now... trying to fashion some kind of immoral majority,” Schiff declared just last year.
But now, the tables may have turned. In a Truth Social post, former President Trump called Schiff a “scam artist” and said Fannie Mae’s Financial Crimes Division had uncovered a sustained pattern of mortgage fraud by the Senator.
“If charges are brought, Schiff could face fines, restitution, and other penalties — possibly even losing his Senate seat,” said one DOJ insider. “It’s all about whether he signed the documents and actually lived in both places full-time.”
Schiff maintains his innocence, claiming both mortgage lenders were aware of his bi-residential lifestyle and that neither home was used as a vacation property.
Still, legal observers warn: “This is the kind of case that ends in a plea deal, not a trial.”
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