Today, nearly everything involved in selling a home happens digitally — emails, electronic signatures, online banking, and communication with lenders and title companies. While technology has made the real estate process more convenient, it has also created a dangerous opportunity for criminals.
One of the fastest-growing threats in real estate is wire fraud, where scammers steal money by tricking consumers into sending funds to the wrong bank account.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, this article explains what wire fraud is, how it happens, and the exact steps you should take to protect your money.
What is Wire Fraud in Real Estate?
Wire fraud usually begins with phishing, a tactic where criminals impersonate someone you trust — such as your real estate agent, title company, settlement attorney, or lender.
These scams are extremely convincing. Fraudsters may:
- Copy official logos and email signatures
- Use real names, phone numbers, and addresses
- Imitate the writing style of professionals involved in your transaction
- Create email addresses that look nearly identical to the real one (with one small change)
- Send urgent messages asking you to “wire funds immediately” or saying the instructions have changed
Because real estate closings involve large sums of money and strict deadlines, these scams are designed to pressure you into acting quickly without verifying.
6 Steps Home Sellers Can Take to Prevent Wire Fraud
At Capital Crest Group, client safety is non-negotiable. These are the best practices we recommend every seller follow to avoid wire fraud during the closing process.
1) Understand the Risk Before Closing Day
The first step is awareness. Wire fraud isn’t rare — it happens every single day, and real estate transactions are a top target.
Important reminder:
✅ Never accept wiring instructions from your real estate agent via email or text.
Wiring instructions should come only from the title company, settlement attorney, or lender, and they should always be verified separately.
2) Verify Wiring Instructions Using a Trusted Phone Number
Before sending any money (including closing funds or payoff-related transfers), confirm wire details by contacting the correct party using a verified method.
The safest options include:
- Calling the title company/attorney using the same phone number you’ve used previously
- Looking up their phone number on their official website (not in the email)
- Visiting their office in person if anything feels unusual
🚫 Never verify instructions using a phone number listed inside the wiring email itself.
3) Confirm Your Bank Has the Correct Information
Even if wiring instructions appear legitimate, you should confirm your financial institution is processing the wire to the correct destination.
Best practice:
- Call your bank directly and request written confirmation of:
- the receiving account name
- routing number
- bank name
- transfer amount
- time the wire was initiated
This verification step adds an extra layer of protection and creates documentation in case something goes wrong.
4) Never Use Public Wi-Fi for Closing-Related Wiring Tasks
Public Wi-Fi networks (airports, hotels, coffee shops) are often unsecured, making it easier for criminals to intercept data.
✅ Only access wiring information using:
- secured home internet
- cellular data
- a private trusted network
If you’re on public Wi-Fi and must review documents, wait until you’re on a secure connection.
5) Tell Your Bank: “No Wire Changes Without Written Approval”
Ask your financial institution to place a note on your account stating:
Wire instructions must not be changed without written authorization from the account holder.
Scammers sometimes attempt last-minute changes, and wiring instructions rarely change in legitimate closings. Any request to revise wiring details should be treated as a major warning sign.
6) If Something Feels Off, Stop and Call Immediately
Many wire fraud cases happen because the email looks “almost right.” If something feels unusual — trust that instinct.
Red flags include:
- urgent pressure (“send immediately”)
- unexpected changes in instructions
- unusual grammar or spelling mistakes
- a slightly different email address
- messages sent at odd hours or out of pattern
If you suspect fraud:
- Contact your bank immediately
- Contact your title company using a verified number
- Call your Capital Crest Group agent using the same trusted number you’ve always used
The sooner you report it, the better the chance of stopping the transfer.
Final Reminder for Home Sellers
Selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever make. Wire fraud criminals rely on urgency and distraction — but you can protect yourself by slowing down and verifying.
At Capital Crest Group, we tell every seller:
✅ Always verify before you wire.
✅ Never trust last-minute email changes.
✅ When in doubt, call — don’t click.
If you’d like a secure, guided, and professional home selling process, our team is here to help. Contact us if you have additional questions. Click here to get a hold of us.
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