Short Answer
To wire money safely for closing, always verify wiring instructions directly with the closing agent by phone using a number you found independently. Never trust wiring instructions sent via email, as wire fraud is a common scam. Confirm the recipient, account number, and routing number. Send a test wire of a small amount first if possible. Keep your wire confirmation receipt. If you receive any last-minute changes to wiring instructions, verify them by phone before proceeding.
Wire fraud is one of the most common and costly scams in real estate. Criminals intercept email communications between buyers, agents, and title companies and send fake wiring instructions that route your funds to their accounts. The money is almost impossible to recover once sent. To protect yourself, follow these steps. First, get wiring instructions directly from the closing agent by phone. Use a phone number you found independently, not one from an email or text. Second, confirm the name on the receiving account matches the closing company or attorney's trust account. Third, if the instructions change at the last minute, verify them by phone before sending. Fourth, consider sending a small test wire to confirm the instructions are correct before sending the full amount. Fifth, keep all wire confirmation receipts and tracking numbers. If you are wiring a large amount, your bank may have daily limits. Arrange the wire transfer a few days before closing to ensure the funds arrive on time.
Bob's Advice
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent
Wire fraud is real and it is devastating. I have seen clients targeted by scam emails that looked exactly like their title company's email. The rule is simple: always verify wiring instructions by phone. Call the closing agent at a number you already have or can find on the company's official website. Do not wire money based on an email. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts and verify everything.
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