The Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast
The 3 Types Of Mortgage Fraud Costing Canadians Billions
Published May 23, 2025 · 3846
Topics: Mortgages
Show Notes
In 2024, reported fraud across all sectors reached $638 million, with total losses since 2021 exceeding $2 billion. Officials estimate this represents only 5-10% of actual fraud occurring.
- Three main types of mortgage fraud are identified: fraud for shelter (everyday people misrepresenting finances to get homes), fraud for profit (industry insiders manipulating the system), and fraud for money laundering (criminals using real estate to clean illicit funds).
- A "Toronto model" of fraud has emerged where people claim fake high-paying jobs in China to secure mortgages, with bank employees sometimes colluding with scam centers to provide false documentation.
- The problem is exacerbated by Canada's housing affordability crisis and strict lending rules, which push some desperate buyers toward fraudulent practices.
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