Protect Your Closing Funds

Wire Fraud Warning

Wire fraud is the single biggest financial threat in a real estate transaction. Criminals steal down payments and closing funds by sending buyers fake wiring instructions that look completely legitimate. Once money is wired to a fraudster, it is often gone within hours.

How the scam works

Criminals hack or imitate the email account of someone in your transaction: an agent, a lender, or even a title company. Near your closing date, they send an email that looks exactly like the real thing, saying the wiring instructions have changed. The email may use the correct names, logos, file numbers, and signature blocks. The only thing wrong with it is the bank account number.

The rules that keep your money safe

1. Never trust wiring instructions that arrive by email or text, even if the message looks like it came from us, your agent, or your lender.
2. Always verify by phone before sending. Call your escrow officer at a number you found independently, such as the one on this website, and confirm the account details verbally.
3. Be suspicious of last-minute changes. Legitimate wiring instructions almost never change right before closing. Treat any “updated instructions” email as fraud until proven otherwise.
4. Slow down. Fraudsters create urgency on purpose. Taking ten minutes to verify will never cost you your closing. Skipping that call can cost you everything.
5. Confirm receipt. After you wire, call us to confirm the funds arrived.

If you think you have been targeted

1. Call your bank immediately and ask them to recall the wire. Minutes matter.
2. Call us at (972) 528-6071 so we can flag the file and assist.
3. Report it to the FBI at ic3.gov. Fast reporting through IC3 has recovered funds in many cases.