Wire Fraud Prevention for Real Estate Closings
Stay alert to protect your funds
Real Estate Wire Fraud Is a Real Risk
Sending funds during a real estate transaction is one of the most sensitive steps in the closing process. Fraudsters often target buyers, sellers, and even professionals by sending fake wiring instructions that appear legitimate. Knowing how to verify instructions and recognize warning signs can help protect your transaction and your funds.
The #1 Rule: Always Verify by Phone
Before sending any wire or payment, confirm instructions directly with your title company using a trusted phone number.
- Call a known, verified office number
- Do not use phone numbers listed in emails or attachments
- Speak directly with your closing team to confirm details
Taking this step can help prevent funds from being sent to the wrong account.
Never Trust Emailed Wiring Instructions Alone
Emails can be intercepted or altered, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. Wiring instructions sent by email should never be accepted without independent verification.
If you receive wiring instructions by email:
- Treat them as unverified until confirmed
- Do not click links or download unexpected attachments
- Call your title company to confirm details
Watch for Red Flags
Fraud attempts often follow recognizable patterns. Be cautious if you notice:
- Last-minute changes to wiring instructions
- Urgent messages pressuring you to send funds quickly
- Requests to send money to a different account than expected
- Emails with unusual formatting, spelling errors, or slight address changes
If something feels off, pause and verify before taking action.
What to Do if Instructions Change
Changes to payment instructions should always be treated as a warning sign.
If you receive updated instructions:
- Stop and do not send funds
- Call your title company using a trusted number
- Confirm whether the change is legitimate
- Proceed only after verbal verification
Confirm Receipt Immediately
After sending funds, contact your title company right away to confirm receipt. This helps ensure your payment was delivered correctly and applied to your file.
Simple steps to stay protected
A Simple Safety Checklist
Before sending any funds:
- Verify instructions by phone using a trusted number
- Double-check account and recipient details
- Avoid relying on email alone
- Confirm receipt after sending
Following this checklist helps reduce the risk of fraud during your transaction.
Verify locally before you send
Local Support You Can Verify
Arbuckle Services provides closing support across Carter County and Love County, with offices in Ardmore and Marietta. Always use a verified office phone number to confirm wiring instructions and payment details before sending funds.
Learn safe payment steps
Learn More About Safe Payment Steps
Understanding how earnest money and closing payments work can help you avoid confusion and reduce risk.
