When I was a kid, my dad would leave muddy work boots on the porch so it always looked like someone was home. It was a simple way to send a message: don’t bother, someone’s here.
Protecting your title works the same way: you don’t need to make it bulletproof—just unattractive. If it looks complicated, fraudsters will move on.
In this article, I’ll break down four practical ways to protect yourself and your biggest asset.
1. Keep Your Mortgage Charge on Title After It’s Paid Off
Most people dream of the day they make their final mortgage payment—popping champagne, dancing a little jig in the kitchen. But don’t be too quick to erase the bank’s name from your title; their name there is actually a layer of protection.
When your mortgage is registered, it acts like a neon sign saying: This property is tied to a major financial institution. Fraudsters don’t like that—it’s messy and risky for them.
👉 Bottom line:
Instead of rushing to discharge your mortgage, leave the charge on title even after you’ve paid it off. It costs nothing and makes your home less appealing to fraudsters.
2. Register a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
It might sound counterintuitive—why register a loan you’ll never use?
But when a HELOC is registered, it shows up as a lender’s interest on your title. Think of it like a “title lock.” Any change to your title has to go through your lender first, which makes it far harder for a fraudster to sneak anything past.
Why it works:
- No borrowing required—the HELOC can sit unused.
- Makes your title look “busy”—fraudsters prefer a clean slate.
- Widely available—most big banks and credit unions offer HELOCs, and even some monoline lenders are starting to as well.
👉 Bottom line:
A registered HELOC adds a layer of protection at little to no cost, even if you never touch the credit.
3. Get Owner’s Title Insurance
While owner’s title insurance doesn’t prevent fraud—it protects you financially if fraud ever happens.
Owner’s title insurance covers:
- Legal costs to restore your ownership if fraud occurs
- Compensation for losses related to fraudulent transfers or liens
- Other hidden risks, like errors in public records
📍 Important: In BC, there’s a difference between lender’s title insurance (which protects your bank) and owner’s title insurance (which protects you). When you’re at the lawyer’s office, make sure you have both—not just what your lender requires.
👉 Bottom Line:
Title insurance can’t stop fraud from happening, but it can stop it from becoming a financial disaster.
4. Additional Protective Steps
On top of my big three, here are a few more small but smart moves:
- Check your title once a year through the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC.
- Use a trusted lawyer or notary for all property transactions
- Shred sensitive documents (yes, even the junk mail with your name and address).
Final Thoughts
The key takeaway: title fraud is preventable. By leaving charges on your property, registering a HELOC, getting owner’s title insurance, and taking a few simple precautions, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected.
Not sure which steps make the most sense for you? Book a complimentary consultation and we can go over your best options together.
Important:
I’m not a lawyer, and this article isn’t legal advice. If you’re considering changes to your title or title insurance, it’s always smart to check with a lawyer or notary first.
About the Author
Paul Hudson is an award-winning mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience helping homebuyers in British Columbia secure the right mortgage for their dream home.
