It starts with an email that looks completely legitimate. The title company's logo is there. The agent's signature looks right. The only difference? One letter in the email address—and $300,000 wired to a criminal's account in seconds.
This isn't a hypothetical scenario. It happens every single day in real estate transactions across the country. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that business email compromise (BEC) scams targeting real estate have increased by over 1,100% since 2015.
As a real estate professional, you're on the front lines of these attacks. Your clients trust you to guide them through the biggest financial transaction of their lives. That means recognizing the warning signs before it's too late.
Warning signs that should stop any transaction immediately
Last-Minute Wiring Changes
Any request to change wire instructions close to closing—especially via email—is a major warning sign.
Urgency & Pressure Tactics
"Wire immediately or the deal falls through." Scammers create panic to prevent verification.
Slightly Altered Email Domains
Look carefully: "titIecompany.com" (capital I) vs "titlecompany.com" (lowercase L). One character can cost everything.
Requests for Confidentiality
"Don't call to verify—just send." Legitimate parties never discourage verification calls.
Unusual Payment Instructions
Requests for international wires, cryptocurrency, or accounts that don't match the company name.
cyberz.pro — Industry-specific cybersecurity resources
Red Flag #1: Last-Minute Wiring Changes
This is the most common attack vector. Criminals monitor email conversations—sometimes for weeks—waiting for the perfect moment. Then, right before closing, they send an email that appears to be from the title company with "updated" wire instructions.
The rule is simple: wire instructions don't change at the last minute. If anyone claims they do, pick up the phone and call the title company directly using a number you already have on file—not one provided in the suspicious email.
Red Flag #2: Urgency & Pressure Tactics
Scammers know that panic overrides caution. They'll claim the deal will fall through, that the seller is furious, that there's a deadline in the next hour. This manufactured urgency is designed to make victims skip verification steps.
Legitimate closings have timelines, but they don't require instant, unverified wire transfers. If someone is pressuring you to skip your security protocols, that's exactly when you need them most.
Red Flag #3: Slightly Altered Email Domains
This is where criminals get creative. They register domains that look almost identical to legitimate ones:
• titlecompany.com vs titIecompany.com (capital I instead of lowercase L)
• firstamerican.com vs first-american.com (added hyphen)
• agentname@remax.com vs agentname@re-max.com
Train yourself—and your clients—to hover over email addresses and examine them character by character before taking any action.
Red Flag #4: Requests for Confidentiality
"Please don't call to verify—our phone lines are down." Or "Just reply to this email to confirm." Any request to avoid phone verification is a massive red flag.
Legitimate title companies, lenders, and agents want you to verify. They have nothing to hide. Only criminals benefit from keeping you away from the phone.
Red Flag #5: Unusual Payment Instructions
Real estate transactions follow predictable patterns. Funds go to established escrow accounts at recognized title companies. If you see requests for:
• International wire transfers
• Accounts in individual names rather than company names
• Cryptocurrency payments
• Multiple smaller transfers instead of one wire
Stop immediately and verify through independent channels.
The One Rule That Stops 99% of Wire Fraud: Always verify wire instructions by phone using a number you obtained independently—never from the email requesting the transfer.
What To Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you or your client has already sent funds to a fraudulent account, act immediately:
1. Contact your bank and request a wire recall
2. File a complaint with the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov
3. Report to your state's real estate commission
4. Document everything for potential legal action
Speed matters. Banks can sometimes freeze funds if they act within the first 24-48 hours.
Protect Your Clients, Protect Your Reputation
Wire fraud doesn't just hurt your clients financially—it damages your reputation and the trust that's essential to your business. By educating yourself and implementing verification protocols, you become a trusted advisor who goes beyond just finding homes.
The best defense is a proactive one. Make wire fraud awareness part of every transaction, from the first meeting to the final closing.
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