Picture this: you’re sipping your morning coffee when you stumble across a shocking discovery—your home is listed for sale, and you didn’t put it there.
Cases of title fraud in BC are rare—but serious. When a home is targeted, owners can be locked out of their own property, tied up in months of legal disputes, have refinancing or sales frozen, and face thousands in legal bills.
As a licensed mortgage broker here in BC, I’ve noticed more and more people asking about title fraud—what it is, how it happens, and how to prevent it.
In this article, we’ll break down what title fraud looks like in practice and why it’s a risk you shouldn’t ignore.
What is Title Fraud?
Title fraud happens when someone illegally changes the ownership of your property. Unlike mortgage fraud, which targets lenders, title fraud goes straight after your home.
Criminals may forge documents or impersonate the property owner to take control, sometimes even trying to sell or mortgage the property without your knowledge.
How Title Fraud Happens in BC
- Fraudsters gather publicly available information about your property.
- They impersonate the owner using fake ID or forged documents.
- They attempt to register a transfer at the Land Title Office.
- They may try to sell the property or take out a mortgage in your name.
5 Risks Every Homeowner Should Know
- Financial and Legal Consequences
Homeowners may face fraudulent sales or mortgages, steep legal fees, and lengthy court battles to reclaim their property. Even when resolved, the process can take months and create substantial stress. - Difficulty Selling or Refinancing Your Home
Ownership disputes caused by title fraud can freeze transactions. If you plan to sell or refinance, any fraud attempt could delay or even block your plans until the issue is fully resolved. - Identity Theft Risk
Criminals often need personal information to commit title fraud, putting homeowners at risk of broader identity theft. This can affect not only your property but also your financial and personal security. - Increasing Cases in BC
Title fraud in BC remains relatively rare, but the number of suspicious transactions is on the rise. According to FCT Canada, suspicious residential transactions totalled $96 million in 2020, grew to $231.9 million in 2021, and reached $350 million in 2022. - Vulnerability of Certain Properties
Some homes are more attractive targets than others. Vacant homes, rural properties, and clear-title homes are often at higher risk because they have fewer checks in place from lenders or local authorities.
A $400,000 Surprise
Not so fun fact: A Richmond pensioner’s mortgage-free home was fraudulently transferred, and a $400,000 mortgage was registered without his knowledge. He only discovered it when his annual property assessment didn’t arrive—and suddenly, the house wasn’t his anymore.
This isn’t the kind of story that makes it to the big screen. The thief got the money, the mortgage went into default, and everyone else—the victim, his lawyer, the bank, and the land titles office—was left cleaning up the chaos.
How BC’s Land Title System Helps (but Doesn’t Guarantee Safety)
BC’s land title system is pretty solid—it keeps an official record of who owns what and usually makes property transactions straightforward. Think of like a security guard for your home.
But even the best guards can be outsmarted. Criminals have found ways to exploit gaps, especially with mortgage-free or vacant properties. That’s why it’s worth knowing how the system works and learning a few practical steps to protect your home—which we’ll dive into in our follow up article.
Ways to Protect Against Title Fraud in BC
Understanding the risks of title fraud is a great first step. To take action, check out 4 Ways to Protect Against Title Fraud in BC, where we share practical steps homeowners can take to make their property a harder target.
Conclusion
Title fraud in BC may be uncommon, but the risks are real. Homeowners who understand how fraud happens, who are most at risk, and what to watch for are better positioned to protect themselves and their property.
Stay alert, and don’t wait until a $400,000 surprise shows up in your mailbox.
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.
