A Scarborough homeowner says she is facing the possible loss of her house after handing over $85,000 to someone she believed was a licensed mortgage broker, only to later learn the individual was not authorized to conduct mortgage business in Ontario. The warning comes as the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario cautions consumers that some individuals and companies are accepting mortgage-related funds despite not being licensed. Randee Solomon said she provided the large payment in hopes of reducing the balance on her mortgage after falling behind while caring for her father, who was dealing with health issues. She believed the person handling the transaction was properly licensed and capable of completing the mortgage payment process. However, Solomon later discovered the $85,000 bank draft had been cashed and the funds never reached her mortgage account. After contacting the provincial regulator, she learned that the person she had trusted with the transaction, identified as Dianne Van Rossum, was not licensed to act as a mortgage broker in Ontario. The regulator has since issued a public warning advising residents not to conduct mortgage-related business with Van Rossum, stating that funds were accepted but not applied toward any mortgage processing. Officials with the regulator are urging anyone seeking mortgage services to carefully verify credentials before handing over money. Consumers can confirm whether a broker is licensed by searching the regulator’s online database using the person’s name, licence number or brokerage information, and they are also encouraged to review enforcement records to ensure no disciplinary actions have been taken. Solomon says the missing funds were meant to help stabilize her finances and protect her home, but without that money she now fears foreclosure could become a reality. She describes the experience as deeply upsetting, saying she feels betrayed after trusting someone she believed was a professional to handle the transaction.