How to Spot and Avoid Wire Fraud During Your Home Purchase
Real estate wire fraud is becoming more convincing than ever. Scammers often impersonate your agent, lender, or title company to trick you into sending your closing funds to a fraudulent account. One Colorado family recently lost nearly two hundred thousand dollars this way after scammers slipped into their email chain and sent fake wiring instructions.
Awareness is your best protection. Here are the signs to watch for:
- Unexpected wiring instructions: If wiring details arrive by email without warning, treat them as suspicious. Always verify directly with your title company.
- Urgent requests for immediate payment: Fraudsters rely on pressure. Messages that claim you must send funds right away are a major red flag.
- Email addresses that look slightly different: Scammers often change one letter or add a word to mimic real addresses. If something feels off, confirm before acting.
- Requests to avoid normal verification steps: No legitimate professional will tell you not to call the office or will ask you to use an unfamiliar number.
What to Do If You Suspect Real Estate Wire Fraud
Stop: Do not send money or reply. Call your agent or title company using a phone number you find on their website or official documents.
Drop: End the conversation. Delete suspicious messages and block the sender.
Report: Notify your real estate team, your bank, and report attempts to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Stay Informed. Stay Protected.
At Homes by Faircroft, your security comes first. We use secure communication practices, verified wiring procedures, and real estate wire fraud education to safeguard every client.
If anything ever feels unusual, contact us immediately. We are here to help you move through your home purchase with confidence and peace of mind.