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Lennox C. James, Sales Representative · Skybound Realty, Brokerage
Leaf season in Burlington.
Staying safe

Real estate scams to watch for

The tricks that show up most around buying, selling and renting, and how to stop them. General information, not legal advice: your lawyer can help with your own situation.

Deposit and closing money scams

A scammer sends an email or text that looks like it's from an agent, lawyer or brokerage, with "new" account details for your deposit or closing funds.

  • Deposits go into a brokerage's or lawyer's trust account. Never to a person's own account, and never by gift card or cryptocurrency.
  • Payment details that change by email are a warning sign. Call your lawyer or the brokerage on a number you found yourself before you send anything.
  • Ask for a receipt for every deposit.

Title fraud

Title fraud is when someone pretends to be the owner of a home to sell it or borrow against it. Homes that are empty, rented out or have no mortgage are more likely targets.

  • Open mail about your property right away, especially anything about a mortgage, sale or tax account you don't recognize.
  • Ask your real estate lawyer about title insurance and about checking your property's records.
  • If you're away for a long time, have someone you trust check the mail.

Fake rentals

  • A price well below others nearby, a "landlord" who can't show the inside, or a request for money before you've seen the place are warning signs.
  • Don't pay a deposit for a place you haven't seen in person.

Mortgage fraud

The Province of Ontario's advice for buyers: be suspicious if anyone asks you to overstate your income, say you'll live in a home when you won't, sign forms with blanks, or take a fee for using your name or credit. Be wary if you're discouraged from visiting, appraising or inspecting a home. Read the Province's guide.

Check who you're dealing with

Every real estate agent and brokerage in Ontario must be registered with RECO. Look them up on the RECO agent and brokerage search before you sign anything. To check a message that says it's from Lennox C. James, see Is this really Lennox C. James?

If it happens to you

Call your bank first if money has moved, then the Halton Regional Police. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501, weekdays). Reporting helps even if no money was lost.