Stopping Scammers from Selling Your Home

Imagine coming back from vacation only to discover that a stranger has sold your home while you were away. As shocking as it sounds, this nightmare scenario is a real risk for homeowners due to a crime called title fraud. In these cases, scammers steal your identity using forged documents or fake identification, then transfer your property’s title to themselves. They can then sell your home or take out a mortgage in your name-leaving you to deal with the financial and legal fallout.

The good news: you can take proactive steps to protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind.

What Is Title Fraud?

Title fraud usually begins with identity theft. A criminal obtains your personal information, creates fake documents, and then forges your signature to transfer the title of your home to themselves or an accomplice. Once they control your property’s title, they can:

• Sell your home without your knowledge
• Take out a mortgage against your property
• Disappear with the proceeds, leaving you with the mess to clean up

Title fraud is especially common when a property is vacant, fully paid off, or owned by someone vulnerable, such as an elderly homeowner.

How to Protect Yourself from Title Fraud

• Be careful with your personal information
  • Only share sensitive information with trusted parties.
  • Shred documents containing personal details before discarding them.
  • Retrieve your mail regularly to prevent mail theft.
  • Update your address with all contacts and service providers when you move, and set up mail forwarding.
• Monitor your finances and property
  • Check your bank and credit card statements for irregularities.
  • Regularly review your credit report for unauthorized activity.
  • Search your property’s address online periodically to ensure it isn’t fraudulently listed for sale or rent.
• Get title insurance
  • Title insurance won’t prevent fraud, but it does protect you from financial loss if you become a victim.
  • It covers legal costs to restore your title and can compensate you if your home is fraudulently sold.
  • Title insurance is a one-time purchase and protects you as long as you own your home.
• Work with trusted professionals
  • Always use licensed real estate agents and legal professionals for real estate transactions.
  • Avoid cash payments and insist on official documentation for every transaction.
• Special steps for mortgage-free homes
  • In some regions, you can pull and secure the Duplicate Indefeasible Title Certificate (DIT), which “freezes” your property title and prevents any changes without your consent.

Recognizing Red Flags

Be alert for these warning signs:

• Unusual activity on your financial accounts
• Missing bills or statements
• Notices about changes to your property you didn’t initiate
• Your property appearing online for sale or rent without your knowledge

Final Thoughts

Title fraud is a growing threat, but you don’t have to be a victim. By staying vigilant, protecting your personal information, monitoring your property, and investing in title insurance, you can safeguard your home-often your largest financial asset-from scammers.

If you have questions about title insurance or want to learn more about protecting your property, reach out to a trusted real estate professional today. Your peace of mind is worth it. 

Learn more at www.canada.ca

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified lawyer or legal professional.

Looking to buy, sell, or invest? As your REALTOR®, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and let’s turn your real estate dreams into reality!

For more information, contact:

Susan Moffat, REALTOR® with Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc., Brokerage
519.377.5154
susan.moffat@c21.ca