01
An Email Account Is Compromised
A criminal gains access to an email account or monitors transaction communications.
REAL ESTATE SECURITY
Protecting Your Transaction from Wire Fraud
Real estate transactions often involve large electronic fund transfers, making buyers and sellers attractive targets for sophisticated fraud.
Awareness, careful verification and secure communication practices can help protect your money and your closing.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK
Wire Fraud Can Look Surprisingly Legitimate
Wire fraud occurs when a criminal impersonates someone involved in a real estate transaction and attempts to redirect funds to a fraudulent bank account.
The message may appear to come from a title company, real estate professional, lender, attorney or another trusted party. Criminals often time these messages close to the scheduled closing date, when buyers and sellers expect to receive instructions involving funds.
Once a wire has been sent, recovering the money can be extremely difficult. That is why every request involving funds should be independently verified before action is taken.
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
How Wire Fraud Typically Happens
Most real estate wire fraud attempts follow a similar pattern.
02
The Transaction Is Monitored
The criminal learns the names, timing and details of the closing.
03
A Convincing Message Is Sent
Fraudulent wiring instructions are sent from an address designed to look legitimate.
04
Funds Are Redirected
The buyer or seller unknowingly sends money to the criminal’s bank account.
WARNING SIGNS
Be Cautious of Unexpected Changes or Urgent Requests
Fraudulent messages are often designed to create pressure and prevent you from slowing down to verify the information.
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Instructions that claim bank or account information has changed
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Requests to act immediately or keep the communication confidential
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Email addresses that are slightly different from familiar addresses
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Unusual wording, formatting, grammar or signature blocks
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Requests to send funds without direct verbal confirmation
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Messages received outside the communication process you were given
PROTECT YOUR FUNDS
Five Important Steps Before Sending Money
1
Never Trust Email Alone
Email accounts can be compromised. Treat every message involving wiring instructions with caution.
2
Call Using a Trusted Number
Verify wiring instructions using a telephone number you obtained independently—not a number contained in the email.
3
Question Last-Minute Changes
Unexpected changes to account information should always be treated as suspicious until verified.
4
Confirm Every Detail
Review the bank name, routing number, account number and recipient before authorizing the wire.
5
Report Anything Unusual
Stop and contact your closing team immediately if a message or request does not seem right.
OUR APPROACH
Clear Procedures Help Reduce Risk
The Closing Agent uses structured communication and verification procedures designed to help reduce the risk of fraudulent fund transfers.
Clients should follow the instructions provided by their closing team, use established communication channels and contact us directly before acting on any unexpected request involving funds.
Verified Communication
Clear points of contact and established communication procedures.
Direct Confirmation
Independent verification of sensitive wiring information.
Secure Escrow Handling
Controlled processes for receiving, holding and disbursing funds.
Fraud Awareness
Ongoing education about common and emerging fraud tactics.
ACT IMMEDIATELY
If You Believe Funds Were Sent to the Wrong Account
Time is critical. Contact the following parties immediately:
01
Your Bank
Ask the bank to initiate an immediate recall or fraud response.
02
The Closing Agent
Contact your closing team so the transaction can be assessed.
03
Law Enforcement
Report the incident to the appropriate local and federal authorities.
04
FBI IC3
File a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
BEYOND TITLE®
Protecting More Than the Title
Beyond Title® reflects our commitment to helping protect the entire transaction through clear communication, secure settlement procedures and informed clients.
Our team works to help buyers, sellers and real estate professionals move from contract to closing with greater confidence.
Learn About Beyond Title® Seller ServicesFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Real Estate Wire Fraud
What is wire fraud in a real estate transaction?
Wire fraud occurs when a criminal sends fraudulent wiring instructions designed to redirect money intended for a legitimate real estate transaction.
How can I protect myself during closing?
Always verify wiring instructions directly with the closing company using a trusted telephone number. Do not rely solely on email communication.
When does wire fraud usually occur?
Many fraud attempts occur shortly before closing, when buyers or sellers are preparing to send or receive funds.
Are email communications secure?
Email accounts can be compromised. Any communication involving money, wiring instructions or account changes should be verified through a separate trusted channel.
What if I receive changed wiring instructions?
Do not send funds. Contact The Closing Agent immediately using a trusted telephone number and verify the request.
Is wire fraud covered by title insurance?
Title insurance generally does not cover losses caused by funds being voluntarily sent to a fraudulent account. Coverage depends on the policy and circumstances, so prevention and verification are essential.
WHEN IN DOUBT, STOP
Verify Before You Send Funds
Contact The Closing Agent directly whenever you receive unexpected instructions, account changes or suspicious communications.
Important Security Notice
Never send funds based solely on an email communication. Always verify wiring instructions directly with The Closing Agent using a trusted telephone number obtained independently.
If you receive unexpected instructions, changes to previously provided information or any communication that appears suspicious, stop and contact our office before taking further action.
No security process can eliminate every risk. Clients and transaction participants remain responsible for independently verifying instructions before transferring funds.