NEW YORK – Reported incidents of mortgage fraud jumped 42 percent nationwide, with Florida reporting the highest number of cases, according to industry data released Monday.

Properties in the Sunshine State accounted for nearly a quarter of all mortgage fraud incidents, the Mortgage Asset Research Institute said.

California ranked second, followed by a three-way tie for third among Illinois, Maryland and Michigan.

The report is based on data submitted by institute subscribers about loans that were originated in the first quarter of this year and have since been classified as fraudulent.

The most common mortgage fraud cases included misrepresenting income, employment history, and debt and assets.

The increase in reported incidents comes as lenders raise credit standards to curb rising foreclosures.