What should a realtor do if they suspect fraud in a transaction?

When a realtor suspects fraud in a transaction, reporting the suspicion to the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is the appropriate course of action. This is crucial for several reasons.

First, by reporting to RECO, the realtor is fulfilling their ethical and legal obligation to maintain the integrity of the real estate profession and protect the public. RECO is responsible for overseeing real estate transactions and ensuring that all activities within the industry comply with applicable laws and regulations. They have the authority to investigate such claims and can take action to prevent further fraudulent activity.

Additionally, dealing with potential fraud is complex and requires expertise that a realtor may not possess. RECO has the resources and expertise to handle such situations appropriately, which helps safeguard both the realtor's interests and those of their clients.

Taking actions such as ignoring the suspicion, resolving the issue privately, or consulting with other realtors does not address the seriousness of the issue and could potentially allow fraudulent activities to continue unchecked. These alternatives may also expose the realtor to liability if the fraud escalates or is discovered later on. Therefore, reporting the suspicion to RECO ensures that the matter is managed by the appropriate authorities who can take the necessary steps to investigate and rectify the situation.