Please note this Hearing Panel Decision was appealed on August 16, 2023 and some of the administrative penalties were amended. You can find the Appeal here.
Calgary, Alberta — The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is warning consumers about the activity of Gagandeep Singh, a former real estate and mortgage licensee who was suspended by RECA in November 2020 pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of acting dishonestly, misleading consumers, and participating in fraud. Singh continued to provide real estate and mortgage services despite their suspension. RECA issued six separate $25,000 administrative penalties to Singh for this activity, totaling $150,000, for unlicensed trading in real estate and dealing in mortgages between April and September 2021. RECA also issued a consumer alert about Singh’s unlicensed activity on February 18, 2022.
The proceedings against Singh have now concluded. On February 13, 2023, a RECA Hearing Panel (the Panel) cancelled Singh’s suspended real estate and mortgage licences and prohibited Singh from applying for new licences for 10 years, beginning December 1, 2020. Should Singh choose to become licensed after the 10 years have passed, Singh will be required to successfully complete all licensing education requirements before becoming eligible to apply, as if they had never been licensed previously.
The Panel found Singh participated in fraud in four separate transactions, which included creating and distributing false documents, including work permits, mortgage pre-approval letters, and employment letters. The Panel imposed a global fine of $80,000 for all conduct deserving of sanction. The Panel also ordered Singh to pay $23,465 in costs.
Should individuals in these circumstances continue to operate without a licence, the RECA Industry Councils can issue an order under s.10 of the Real Estate Act, ordering the individual to cease their activity. Should that prove unsuccessful, RECA can make submissions to the Courts for an injunction that prohibits the person from these activities.
Using licensed brokerages and individual licensees protects you as a consumer. Licensing ensures individuals have the necessary education and experience to competently provide services to the public and are accountable to high standards of practice. All licensees must also carry errors and omissions insurance, and consumers who use a real estate, mortgage or property management licensee are further protected through the Consumer Protection Fund in case of fraud or breach of trust.
RECA urges consumers and licensees to verify the licence status of brokerages and individuals on RECA’s website by following these steps:
Singh was last registered as a real estate associate with Grand Realty & Management Ltd. o/a Grand Realty and as a mortgage associate with Grand Financial Group Ltd. o/a Dominion Lending Centres Grand Financial in 2020.
For full details, see the Panel’s decision.
If you have concerns regarding Singh or any RECA licensees, please contact info@reca.ca.
