Don’t Fall for Real Estate Wire Fraud!
You’re almost at the finish line—closing on your new home! The excitement is real… until you find out your closing funds were sent to a scammer’s offshore account. The money is gone, and so is your dream home.
Think it couldn’t happen to you? Cybercriminals use fake emails to trick homebuyers every day. Stay ahead of their game by knowing how this scam works and how to protect yourself.
How the Scam Works
Hackers gain access to the email account of someone involved in your home purchase—this could be your agent, attorney, title company, or even you.
They monitor emails to gather key details, like the closing date, property address, and the names of the real estate and financial professionals involved.
Just before closing, they send a convincing fake email with new wire transfer instructions. Because it looks legitimate, buyers unknowingly send their funds straight to the scammer.
Once the money is gone, recovering it is nearly impossible.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Be on high alert. Unlike fraudulent credit card charges, banks rarely refund wire transfers—even if you were tricked.
✅ Never trust wire instructions from an email. If you receive one, do not use the contact information in the message.
✅ Verify by phone. Call your agent or title company using a number you trust (not from the email) to confirm details before transferring any money.
✅ Add extra security. Ask your bank about voice verification or additional steps before allowing wire transfers from your account.
A quick phone call may feel like an extra step, but when your life savings and dream home are on the line, it’s worth it! Stay vigilant and protect your investment.
This version keeps it simple, engaging, and easy to digest while maintaining the critical information. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!
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