16-9-60. ‘‘Foreclosure fraud’’ construed; penalty.

For purposes of this Code section, the term ‘‘foreclosure fraud’’ shall include any of the following: knowingly or willfully representing that moneys provided to or on behalf of a debtor, as defined in Code Section 44-14-162.1 in connection with property used as a dwelling place by said debtor, are a loan if in fact they are used to purchase said property or such debtor’s interest therein; or knowingly or willfully making fraudulent representation to a debtor about assisting the debtor in connection with said property.#

Any person who by foreclosure fraud purchases or attempts to purchase residential property by means of such fraudulent scheme shall be guilty of a felony.#

A person who violates subsection (b) of this Code section shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than three years or by a fine of not less than $1,000.00 nor more than $5,000.00, or both.#