Section 8 of RESPA prohibits which of the following?

Section 8 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) specifically prohibits any person from giving or receiving referral fees or kickbacks in connection with the settlement services related to a real estate transaction. This is designed to ensure transparency in the mortgage process and to prevent practices that could inflate costs for consumers due to unduly influenced business decisions.

By prohibiting referral fees, Section 8 seeks to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensures that consumers receive unbiased advice regarding settlement services needed in connection with their mortgage loans. This regulation helps to promote fairness and prevents the type of market manipulation that could disadvantage consumers.

In contrast, the other options do not fall under the specific prohibitions established by Section 8. Advertising settlement services (option B) is allowable as long as it complies with other regulations and does not mislead consumers. The transfer of title insurance ownership (option C) and providing promotional items (option D) can be permitted under certain circumstances, as they do not directly involve the payment of consideration for referrals or kickbacks that would violate the intent of RESPA.