Federal authorities arrested three men in connection to a real estate fraud scam that defrauded homeowners, real estate investors and banks, causing more than $10 million in losses.

The men are alleged to have approached distressed homeowners and using fraudulent short sale approval letters, then assuming the role of the homeowner. In certain cases, the men would sell or refinance the property without permission.

Federal agents searched homes in Coto de Caza, Tustin and a business in Santa Ana. Atiqullah Nabizada, 29 of Coto de Caza, Kenneth Moore, 49 of Tustin and Ahmed Tariqu Asghari 32, of Sherman Oaks were all taken in to custody by FBI agents.

The search warrant indicates the FBI is interested in looking in the sale of homes in Coto de Caza, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Anaheim, Pomona, Woodland Hills, Glendale, Los Angeles, Palm Desert and Cerritos.

Two of the men, Nabizada and Moore are facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity theft while Asghari is charged with attempted bank fraud and aggravated theft. Officials recovered cash, luxury cars and jewelry along with $1.7 million in bank accounts.