FINTRAC
Shuswap Home Seller Tips: Legal Information
FINTRAC or Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada is Canada's financial intelligence unit, a specialized agency created to collect, analyze and disclose financial information and intelligence on suspected money laundering and terrorist activities financing. Created in July 2000, the Centre is an integral part of our country's engagement in the global fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities.
What your REALTOR® needs to do to comply with the law?
The real estate agent you are dealing with is required by law to ask for and verify your personal information. By providing this information when requested, you will ensure that they can meet their legal obligations. The Act requires REALTORS® to keep identification records, and track all funds (not just large amounts of cash) provided during the real estate transaction.
ID Please
Under the new rules, REALTORS(r) are required to obtain, record, and retain the personal information of their clients, including date of birth and occupation. To do this, they must ask for a government-issued identification document such as a drivers license, passport, or residency card. You should not provide your Social Insurance card as identification. REALTORS® are required to keep a record of this information on file in the brokerage for a period of five years. For the purpose of compliance with this law, REALTORS® are not required to keep photocopies of government issued ID, just the factual data contained on it. However, your REALTOR® may make a photocopy of your ID because of other requirements related to the real estate transaction.