Among the many increasing popular types of online fraud and mobile scams, real estate wire fraud is exploding across the U.S., costing consumers billions of dollars each year. While digital technology has made the process of escrow settlement faster and more convenient, it has also enabled scammers with the right tools to wreak havoc on unsuspecting homebuyers. And, because it involves real estate properties, the financial losses can be devastating.
Cyber-criminals use various methods to hack into the email systems of real estate agents, title companies, and escrow companies. They then monitor pending transactions to pick the right moment to jump in by sending a fake but official looking email to the homebuyer with new wiring instructions.
An unsuspecting person might not realize that the email addresses of the parties involved are slightly different, with just one letter changed. Everything else–including the logo, branding, and names of the parties involved–looks official. With escrow closing within a day or two, the homebuyer feels the urge to act quickly. They comply with the instructions and wire the funds to the account listed in the email. They are then sent to some offshore account, never to be recovered.
Because financial institutions are required to follow authorized wire requests, you are the first and last line of defense against this kind of real estate fraud. The first step to preventing it is to be aware that it does happen and to be extra vigilant during the escrow process.
Always voice verify email instructions: If an email involves any changes in instructions, e-signing a document, providing financial information, or logging into a website, call a phone number from your original documents to speak with a person.
Add a checkpoint: Call your bank and request that they hold any wire transfer request until they voice verify with you.
Pause before acting: Emails asking you to take immediate action should be regarded with suspicion. Always voice verify using a known phone number before taking action.
Alpine Bank offers secure and safe wire transfers for your funding needs. Click here to learn about our wire transfer services or make a request.
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