Woman charged in mortgage fraud scheme operating out of Mississauga law office

Police have laid charges in an alleged mortgage and investment fraud scheme targeting newcomers out of a Mississauga law office, and investigators say there may be more victims.

York Regional Police say that investigators were tipped off about a female suspect who was representing herself as a mortgage broker back in November.

Police say that between 2016 and 2021, the 50-year-old suspect from Markham worked with several victims seeking investment opportunities and real estate properties who didn’t speak or read English and were newer to the area.

The alleged scheme would see victims meet the suspect at a law firm in Mississauga to sign documents that the victims believed were for joint investment opportunities.

But police say the suspect had actually registered second mortgages on the victims’ homes and withdrew money from their bank accounts.

Police say that 50-year-old Po Yuk “Peggy” Chan of Markham was arrested on Sept. 5 and charged with five counts each of fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, false pretence obtain credit by fraud.

Several victims have already reported their dealings with the accused but investigators believe there are more victims who have not come forward.

Anyone who has been a victim of fraud and has lost money is urged to contact York Regional Police by calling 1-866-876-5423. You can also report frauds where no money has been lost by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.