“When consumers purchase used items, they may not be protected against outstanding loans on the item and may be unaware that the original lender could still have a secured interest in the item,” said Attorney General Jamie Ballem. “This service will provide consumers with online access to information they need to make informed and safe purchasing decisions.”

Before the introduction of the Lien Check system and since April 1998, this information could only be accessed by registered users of the electronic personal property registry, and individuals often had to visit a lawyer or private search firm to confirm the safety of their purchase. The Lien Check service provides a faster and easier way to access information which can protect consumers.

“The addition of this service is part of a long-term strategy to use technology to advance information and consumer services by providing consumers with added protection and access to information that was not readily available in the past,” said Attorney General Ballem.

With this new service, a consumer interested in purchasing a previously-owned item simply needs to enter the serial number of that item into the system and search for possible liens. For a minimal service fee, payable online with a credit card, consumers will be able to search the registry from any computer with internet access.

Lien Check is a joint initiative of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island through the Atlantic Canada Online Electronic Gateway. Lien Check is available at https://acol-prod1.acol.ca/pprs/lc/index.do or www.gov.pe.ca