Buying or selling a home is exciting, but it also makes you a target for cybercrimes. Wire fraud in real estate is on the rise, with scammers tricking buyers, sellers and even agents into sending funds to fraudulent accounts. The result can be devastating: once the money is gone, it’s often impossible to recover. Here’s how to spot the warning signs and protect yourself.

Last Minute Changes in Payment Instructions

A classic scam is receiving an email or phone call with new wiring instructions right before closing. Legitimate changes are rare, especially at the last minute. If you get a notice to send funds to a different account, treat it as suspicious until verified directly with your closing agent or attorney.

Email Addresses That Are Off by a Letter or Symbol

Scammers often use email addresses that mimic legitimate ones. For example, they may replace an “m” with “rn” or add an extra character. Always check the full email address, not just the display name, before responding to or sending sensitive information.

Pressure to Act Immediately

Fraudsters like to create urgency, saying you must send funds “right now” to avoid losing the property or delaying closing. A reputable title company, lender or attorney will never rush you into wiring money without also giving you time to review instructions and verify details.

Poor Grammar or Unusual Phrasing

While cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated, many fraudulent messages still contain spelling errors, awkward wording or strange formatting. Even small mistakes can be a clue that the message didn’t come from an actual real estate professional.

Requests for Sensitive Information Over Email

Legitimate professionals will not ask you to email bank account numbers, social security numbers or passwords. If someone does, it’s time to call your trusted contact using a verified phone number… never the one provided in a suspicious email!

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For more information please contact our offices in downtown Pensacola (850) 361-4029, Pace (850) 994-3838 or Pine Forest (850) 202-8518.  You can also reach us online and one of our professionals will be happy to speak with you.