The Toronto Police Service recently published an update regarding an individual allegedly posing as a private mortgage broker who placed fraudulent mortgages on homes without the owners’ knowledge. We understand this fraudster may now be in British Columbia and poised to perpetrate similar frauds here. Take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your clients. Remember to carefully verify your client’s identity for loan transactions and be on the look-out for anything suspicious. If a mortgage broker is involved, consider checking the BC Financial Services Authority’s records to see if they are currently registered under the Mortgage Brokers Act. For more resources, including tips to help keep you safe, see Real estate: Value, identity and other frauds, the Discipline Advisory – Private Lending, Real estate transactions – know your client primer and the Client ID & Verification web page. If you have questions about these types of scams or verifying your client’s identity, contact Barbara Buchanan, QC (bbuchanan@lsbc.org or 604.697.5816).