Don’t Let Cybercriminals Steal Your Home: How to Avoid Wire Fraud at Closing

Buying or selling a home is exciting—but it also puts you at risk of one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes in the country: real estate wire fraud.

Cybercriminals target real estate transactions because large sums of money move quickly. Fraudsters often gain access to email accounts involved in the deal—like your agent, lender, or title company—and send fake wiring instructions that look completely legitimate. If you follow them, your money may be gone forever.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

Always Verify Wire Instructions

• Never trust email alone. Call your title company using a verified phone number—not one from the email—before sending any money.

• Title companies rarely change wiring instructions. Be highly suspicious of any such “update” and call the title company using a phone number you know is valid to confirm any change.

  
  

Use Secure Communication

• Avoid sending sensitive financial info over email.

• Ask your title company if they use secure portals or encrypted emails.

  
  

Slow Down and Double-Check

• Fraudsters pressure you to act fast. They want you to act before you have time to think.

• Pause and confirm everything—even if it looks urgent.

Trust a Reputable Title Company

• Work with a licensed, experienced title company that has strict security protocols.

• We are trained to spot red flags, use encrypted systems, and take cybersecurity seriously

• We strive to make your transaction as safe as possible from start to finish.

Be Vigilant

• The best person to protect you from cyberfraud is YOU.

• Be vigilant and trust your gut. If something does not seem right, STOP and call your title company.