Title Fraud and Unsolicited Offers

Title fraud

Title fraud is when someone uses stolen or fake identity documents to sell or mortgage a home they don’t own. Homes that are mortgage-free, vacant, or owned by older people are common targets.

• Check with your municipality that property tax bills still arrive in your name
• Be suspicious of any mail about a mortgage you didn’t take out
• Keep ID documents and your home’s papers locked away
• Ask your lawyer about title insurance and whether a title alert service is available
• If a home is empty, have someone check it regularly

Ontario has a Land Titles Assurance Fund that can compensate people who lose property through fraud, but prevention is much easier.

“We’ll buy your house” offers

Letters, calls and door-knockers offering to buy your home quickly for cash are common. Some are genuine, but many offer far below market value. Never sign anything at the door. Get a free market evaluation and show any offer to your lawyer first.

Pressure from anyone

Sometimes the pressure comes from people close to you. You always have the right to take time, to get independent advice, and to say no. If you are worried about someone, call the Seniors Safety Line at 1-866-299-1011, available 24 hours a day.