Wire Fraud
Wire fraud is a growing risk in real estate transactions nationwide. This page is designed to help buyers, sellers, and agents understand how wire fraud occurs, how to protect themselves, and what to do if suspicious activity arises.
How Wire Fraud Happens
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Scammers may send emails that appear to come from a real estate agent, lender, or title company by using look-alike email addresses or display names. These messages often closely resemble legitimate correspondence and may include altered wiring instructions or requests for sensitive information. Always verify wiring instructions using a known, trusted phone number before sending funds.
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In some cases, scammers manipulate caller ID information to make it appear as though a call is coming from a trusted source. These calls may reference real transaction details to gain credibility. Do not rely on caller ID alone. If something feels unusual, hang up and place a new call using a phone number you already know is correct.
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Scammers sometimes gain access to real email accounts belonging to buyers, agents, or service providers involved in a transaction. When this happens, fraudulent messages may come from a legitimate email address and include accurate details. Even if an email appears familiar, wiring instructions should always be verified independently before sending funds.
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Fraudulent messages often create a sense of urgency, such as claiming wiring instructions have changed or that funds must be sent immediately to avoid delays. Scammers rely on pressure and timing to prevent verification. Legitimate parties will not discourage you from taking time to confirm instructions before sending funds.
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Scammers may send wiring instructions that look nearly identical to legitimate ones, with only small changes to account numbers or routing details. These changes are easy to miss and can result in funds being sent to the wrong account. Wiring instructions should only be accepted through secure methods and verified directly with Exact Title before any funds are sent.
How to Protect Yourself
Always verify wiring instructions by phone using a trusted number
Do not rely on reply-to emails or forwarded messages
Be cautious of urgency, last-minute changes, or “updated” instructions
Confirm the final amount before sending funds
When in doubt, pause and call
“Scammers don’t break systems — they exploit trust and timing.”
If You Suspect Fraud or Receive Suspicious Instructions
Do not send funds
Contact Exact Title immediately using a known phone number
Contact your bank as soon as possible
Preserve the message or communication
Report the incident
Suspicious activity and attempted wire fraud can be reported to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Trade Commission to help track and prevent future fraud.
Over a Century of Accumulative Title Practice