Fraud Insights Centre

Spot it. Stop it. Secure it.

The fraud insights centre delivers expert insights, tools and strategies to help identify and prevent fraud in the real estate sector and beyond. 

Download the 2025 FCT Cybersecurity Resource Guide

Stay ahead of cyber threats with expert insights, practical tools and proven strategies to help protect your business.

Redefining fraud prevention in a digital world 

Technology has reshaped the fraud landscape, making deception more sophisticated than ever. Fraudsters now manipulate digital platforms, harness AI to mimic identities and exploit remote access tools to carry out illicit transactions—all with alarming precision. 

Cybersecurity

Staying vigilant for fraud, no matter where 

Fraudsters are able to produce sophisticated forged ID documents, thanks to advances in printing technology. The fakes are convincing enough that they’re able to pass even visual inspection by professionals. Proper identity theft protection is now essential, even for in-person transactions.

Staying ahead requires more than vigilance; it demands innovation. Modern fraud prevention relies on advanced fraud prevention resources such as technology, strategic foresight, and a commitment to continuously evolving. 

Cybersecurity (1)

Fraud prevention insights

Take a look at our blogs and resources to gain a better understanding of title fraud and what FCT is doing to prevent it and protect consumers and professionals.

For professionals
New Blog - What’s next The future of fraud prevention
What’s next? The future of fraud prevention
Title fraud has gotten much more sophisticated. AI-powered impersonation means that ID verification is more important than ever.
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New Blog - How can ID theft lead to title fraud
How can ID theft lead to title fraud?

This blog discusses the link between identity theft and title fraud, emphasizing the importance of title insurance in every transaction.

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New Blog - Three ways you can protect your customers from title fraud
Three ways you can protect your customers from title fraud

Explore practical steps to safeguard your clients from the risks associated with title fraud.

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Fraud insights report
Fraud Insights Report [PDF]

Highlighting fraud trends, AI-driven threats, industry responses, prevention strategies, and the evolving future outlook.

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Fraud
Fraud resources for lawyers

FCT provides fraud prevention resources from Canadian law societies, offering guidance on wire transfers, cybersecurity, anti-money laundering, and real estate fraud.

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Wire validation guide [PDF]

An overview of real estate fraud risks, outlining protocols, best practices, and resources to enhance wire payment security and compliance.

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For homeowners
blog image - how title insurance protects homeowners against title fraud
How title insurance protects homeowners from title fraud?
Learn how the protection title insurance offers against title fraud, including covering legal costs and restoring clear title.
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How can homeowners protect themselves against title fraud?
Provides practical tips for homeowners to safeguard their properties from becoming the next headline of title fraud.
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Canada’s seniors are vulnerable to title fraud
Emphasizes the heightened vulnerability of elderly individuals to title fraud and stresses the necessity of implementing safeguards.
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Our experts
New Blog - Let’s hear from the fraud prevention experts Q&A with John Tracy and Marie Taylor
Let’s hear from the fraud prevention experts: Q&A with John Tracy and Marie Taylor

John and Marie explain how FCT detects fraud and protects homeowners from organized crime.

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Title fraud is on the rise—here’s what we can do to stop it
Experts from FCT and TPS explore rising title fraud, identity theft, and how homeowners can protect themselves.
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The Identity Crisis: Cybersecurity Insights from Twane Boettinger
The Identity Crisis: Cybersecurity Insights from Twane Boettinger

Twane Boettinger shares urgent cybersecurity insights for Cybersecurity Awareness Month—covering threats, MFA flaws, and proactive defense strategies.

 

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On demand webinars
Couple worries
Behind the Deal: Defending Against Real Estate Fraud

FCT hosts legal experts to share proven strategies for spotting and preventing real estate fraud during Fraud Prevention Month.

Watch Webinar
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Behind the Screen: Defending Against Online Fraud

Learn to spot phishing, typosquatting, and online fraud tactics—protect your clients and business in today’s digital landscape.

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Magnifying glass reading over documents
Recognizing Red Flags in Legal Practice and Staying Ahead with Technology

Join experts to explore fraud tactics and learn how legal professionals can protect clients and businesses from evolving threats.

watch webinar

FAQ

Title fraud is when someone impersonates the legitimate owner of a property and takes out a mortgage on it, or sells it to an innocent buyer. Title fraud can result in a total loss for the lender on a transaction, while property owners face a stressful and expensive process to have their clear title restored.

Some warning signs include: a suspiciously low sale price, pressure to close the deal quickly without asking questions, instructions to pay out the mortgage to an unrelated third party, and incomplete or inconsistent documentation.

Always use an ID verification tool when onboarding clients. Check the closing documents against each other for inconsistencies in signatures, or personal information. Close every transaction with title insurance in place so that if there is fraud, you and your client are protected.

Report any suspicions to law enforcement, the other professionals involved in the deal, and relevant authorities promptly for investigation. If you’re unsure about a deal, you can reach out to FCT’s underwriting team.

The main role of title insurance in the case of fraud is providing coverage and legal assistance to owners and lenders, but it can also help in prevention by adding underwriting scrutiny to transactions. Always make sure to digitally verify client ID in addition to title insuring the transaction.