How can I protect myself from mortgage fraud?

To avoid unknowingly taking part in a mortgage fraud, be suspicious if you are:

• asked to say that you make more money than you really do
• asked to lie about whether you will live in a property or rent it out
• asked to sign documents that have blanks, or asked not to fill out certain sections of a form or document
• offered a fee for the use of your name and credit information
• discouraged from visiting the property, or having it appraised or inspected 

If a registered real estate professional commits mortgage fraud, The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) can take away their registration or prosecute them.

See RECO’s website for more information on mortgage fraud.