If you are about to wire money — STOP.
Call your title company directly using a phone number you already have on file. Verify EVERY wire instruction by voice. Never trust email alone.
The #1 financial threat in real estate
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud and email hacking are ALWAYS on the rise in real estate. Hackers are finding new and creative ways to impersonate your escrow officer, real estate agent, or your lender. They use phishing emails to try and redirect your funds to off-shore bank accounts. Here are some things to look for to keep your funds safe and out of the hands of fraudsters.
How Wire Fraud Happens
Wire fraud scams are targeting buyers and sellers every day. Scammers often gain access to email accounts and monitor conversations for days or even weeks. During that time, they collect personal information, track communication between parties, and wait for the right moment to strike. Then, you receive an email that appears legitimate, saying something like: "Your file is cleared to close. It's time to wire your funds." While this may sound like a normal message from your title company, you should always stop and verify the instructions before sending any money. Call your title company directly using a trusted phone number you already have on file. Do not call the number listed in the email, as scammers may alter contact information to redirect you. Check the sender's email domain carefully. Legitimate title companies use their official company email domains, not generic addresses like Gmail or unfamiliar third-party domains. A few extra minutes of verification can protect you from a devastating financial loss.
Safe Wiring Steps
- 1CHECK the email against your title company. Does it match?
- 2CALL the title company directly. DO NOT call the number listed in the email. Hackers will change the information in their email signature.
- 3DO NOT forward the email to your closing agent and ask "Is this from you?" Again, they are the ones monitoring your email and have already hacked in. They will reply, "Yes, please send your funds here." CALL the title company.
- 4DO NOT SEND FUNDS if you are unsure if the email came from someone you trust.
Verify Instructions
ALWAYS call to verbally verify the wire instructions with your title company. Your agent will not send you wire instructions. Your lender will not send you wire instructions. Your title company will NOT change their instructions AT ALL during your file process. STOP. LOOK. CALL.
Red Flags to Watch For
- 1Urgent, pressured language: "send now," "final notice," "don't call."
- 2Changes in payment details requested by email — especially to a new bank or international account.
- 3Requests to use wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or third-party payment apps for one-time payments.
- 4Emails from free domains (Gmail, Yahoo) claiming to be a company or executive, or subtle changes in sender address (extra letter, different domain).
- 5Poor grammar, odd formatting, or mismatched branding in official-looking communications.
- 6Payment requests outside normal processes or from a new contact without independent verification.
Educational only. Always verify wire instructions by phone with your title company before sending funds.