Corporations utilizing false pretences and forged documentation
A recent investigation noted several corporations using a forged law firm cover letter and deceptive practices in incorporating names similar to an existing, legitimate corporation. Seventy-seven (77) corporations, "Monarch Home Builders Inc." and other entities, have had their Certificates of Incorporation cancelled in this case. In addition, nine (9) numbered companies have been cancelled in relation to the same incident.
The cancelled corporations are not connected to Monarch Corporation or any of its associated companies. Monarch Corporation is a legitimate company and had no knowledge of the corporations.
In addition, any of the following corporations seeking mortgages should not be considered:
-
Friendly Banker (Cheque Cashing) Corp. (OCN1750304)
- Sterling Financial Limited (OCN 1750302)
- Sterling Bank Corp.(OCN 1750303)
Before providing funds to, or doing business with, these or any other entities, it is recommended that consumers ensure these entities are not operating fraudulently and are legitimate corporations. In Ontario, all financial institutions including loan and trust companies, credit unions, caisses populaires and insurers must be licensed/registered with FSCO or with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). If an entity purports to be a financial institution operating in Ontario, consumers should ensure that its name appears on the list of licensed/registered financial institutions on the FSCO or OSFI websites.
For more information on the foregoing, please contact:
Companies and Personal Property Security Branch, Ministry of Government and Consumer
Services, Province of Ontario
Telephone/Fax:
Toll Free: 1-800-361-3223
Toronto: (416) 314-8880
Fax: (416) 314-4852
TTY: (416) 212-1476 (for speech/hearing impaired)
A Canada-wide anti-fraud website with related helpful information can be found at Phonebusters.
Financial Services Commission of Ontario