Fraud Insights Centre

 Stay informed. Stay protected

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 Fraud Insights Report 

Get the latest fraud trends, expert analysis and fraud prevention resources and strategies from FCT. 

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. 

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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. 

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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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Couple worries
Behind the Deal: Defending Against Real Estate Fraud

Join FCT's free 1-hour webinar to learn how legal professionals can detect and prevent real estate fraud.

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Older couple worried
Behind the Screen: Defending Against Online Fraud
Sharpen your skills and fortify your defense against fraud in an ever-changing landscape in this 1-hour accredited free webinar.
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IDV gains momentum in fight on fraud
FCT’s Client ID Verification Gains Momentum in the Fight Against Fraud

FCT’s Client ID Verification is revolutionizing fraud prevention in real estate, ensuring secure transactions and protecting against real estate fraud.

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New Blog - how can we prevent title fraud
How can we help prevent title fraud?

Title fraud is getting more sophisticated, with fraudsters able to make fake IDs that can pass in-person inspection. Here's what legal professionals can do.

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Lawyer recognizing fraud flags
Recognizing red flags in legal practice and staying ahead with technology

This webinar is designed for legal professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in identifying and combating fraud in their practice.

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Man signing document
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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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

This piece offers insights from FCT’s fraud prevention experts, focusing on practices that legal professionals can adopt to detect and prevent fraud.

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Legal professional on his phone
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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For homeowners:

Family walking into new home
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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suburban homes
What’s being done about title fraud?
Explore the measures being taken by FCT to protect homeowners' investments from title fraud.
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Senior Canadians
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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Woman visibly upset
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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Homeowners
Title fraud: What every homeowner needs to know [PDF]

Discover more information about title fraud and what homeowners should be aware of by reading this document.

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Frequently asked questions

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.