Who is that stranger on your driver’s licence? Welcome to identity theft, where appearances are never what they seem. You may not know the criminal posing as you, but they know enough about you to take your home.

Who’s the Target

You’re never too old or too young to be a victim of real estate fraud in Canada, especially if you:

spend your winters abroad
are an absentee landlord
or paid your mortgage in full.

A Classic Case of Real Estate Fraud

A Toronto-area couple who lost their home to homeowner impersonators wants you to know it could happen to you. Their title was stolen when they moved overseas to work. Three top scams according to Toronto real estate fraud lawyers.

“Stephanie” and “Derrick” were looking forward to moving back home. Little did they know homeowner impersonators had closed their mortgage loan under false pretences. Not only that, but the transfer fraudsters had sold the distraught couple’s Etobicoke house to a stranger. Get a declaration of guarantor for proof of identity (Ontario).

Organized Crime Wants Your Home

The couple were astounded to find the new buyer living in their home. A Toronto Police Service photo of the homeowner impersonators is circulating. But the scam is nothing new. Protect important documents from identity thieves.

Homeowner Impersonators Photographed, Sold Condo

A former Toronto resident, Muffy Yu, lost her million dollar Yonge Street condo to homeowner impersonators who arranged a photo shoot, listed it on the MLS, and sold it for $970,000.

Her property currently has a caution on title to warn future “buyers”. Yu, now in China, is shocked by the “bizarre” incident and uphill battle to get her title back. Like other defrauded homeowners, she can’t sell, mortgage, or borrow against her own property.

The theft is a slam dunk for organized crime rings. They profit while Yu makes the social media rounds to caution other Asian buyers. Real estate fraud common, private investigator says.

Tips for Stopping Fraudsters

Could transfer fraud happen to you? Here’s what to do if you’re worried it might.

Protect Yourself When Buying Property

Only deal with licenced mortgage brokers http://mbsweblist.fsco.gov.on.ca/agents.aspx or lawyers and designated property appraisers. Hire a property appraiser in Ontario.
Don’t leave signature blocks blank or sign legal papers you don’t understand. Homeowner impersonators may substitute their name for yours or dazzle you with terms and conditions only a real estate lawyer could decipher.
Check private home sellers’ reputation on the Internet and social media. Look for independent websites the seller hasn’t suggested.
Have an Axess Law real estate lawyer search title to a property. See who really owns it and how many times it’s been sold. While you’re at it, chat up the new home’s neighbours.
Arrange title insurance when your real estate lawyer closes the deal. Title insurance reimburses you if you are victimized by transfer fraud, plus pays your legal expenses. Spend a few dollars more to cover your spouse or child. Why you need title insurance.

Avoid Being Scammed as a Seller

Use the MLS or established real estate brokerages to list your home. Locate a REALTOR® near me.
Hold good faith deposits in your lawyer’s trust account.
Don’t be rushed into completing a sale. Work with a trusted real estate law firm like Axess Law to ensure a sale is valid.
Check references and verify identity documents before renting your home. Organized crime rings offer homeowner impersonators $10,000 to $15,000 to pose as renters.
Prevent identity theft by ensuring mail is forwarded or held if you go away or lease property you own.
Cruise MLS listings and for sale by owner websites to see if your home has been falsely listed.

Using a real estate lawyer to close mortgage transactions.

If You’re a Victim of False Pretences

Are you a victim of an organized crime real estate fraud? Call the police, your real estate lawyer, and title insurer. You can report homeowner impersonators to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Ask Ontario’s Land Titles Assurance Fund (LTAF) about compensation for financial, legal, or related costs of transfer fraud. Contact the LTAF.

Discovering your needs for paper work

Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer

Prevent organized crime from getting ahold of your next real estate transaction. Our professional legal teams arrange a property title transfer (Ontario only) online or in person. Axess Law has licensed virtual real estate lawyers anywhere in Ontario.

Your licensed real estate lawyer searches title to property to determine whose name is on title documents. We advise you if contractor liens or unresolved financial claims could block a transfer of deed. Add a spouse or family member to your title. Axess Law shows you how to change name on property title deeds in Ontario.

Bring a mortgage document a home seller or lender asks you to sign to Axess Law. Our mortgage refinance lawyers go over the terms and conditions to ensure you give informed consent when you sign. We can liaise with a bank, trust company, credit union, or private lender to finalize mortgage documents to buy a home or refinance your own. Legal advice on refinancing a mortgage.

Affordable Real Estate Lawyers, Anywhere You Are

Access lawyers for less in the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario when you buy, sell, or transfer property. Axess Law’s flat fee real estate lawyers are affordable, and our rates are all inclusive (excluding taxes, disbursements, and third-party charges). Axess Law offers you only the legal services you absolutely need. Your final invoice includes no surprises or hidden charges. Your itemized statement of adjustments is explained when we deliver it, and we answer any questions you have about it.

Hire a real estate lawyer near me.

Book Legal Appointments By Phone or Online

Phone for legal appointments that suit your schedule. Call toll free to 1-877-402-4277 (647-479-0118 in Greater Toronto Area) to meet in person at any of our conveniently located Greater Toronto Area or Ottawa law offices. Book online if you prefer. Our easy web form lets you finalize appointments in minutes.

Day or evening appointments are available anywhere in Ontario via secure, online video conference call. Ask us how to use your home computer, laptop, mobile device, or smartphone to close mortgage or real estate transactions.

Axess Law has onsite parking and easy transit access.