Short Answer
A wire fraud scam in real estate occurs when criminals intercept email communications between you, your agent, and your closing agent, then send fake wiring instructions that route your closing funds to their account. To avoid it, always verify wiring instructions directly with the closing agent by phone using a number you found independently. Never trust wiring instructions sent via email. If you receive any last-minute changes, verify them by phone before proceeding.
Wire fraud is one of the most common and dangerous scams in real estate. Criminals hack into email accounts or use spoofed email addresses that look nearly identical to your agent, lender, or title company. They monitor your emails and wait for the right moment to send fake wiring instructions. The email will look legitimate, often using the same logos and signatures as the real company. If you wire money to a fraudulent account, it is almost impossible to recover. To protect yourself, follow these rules. Always verify wiring instructions by phone using a number you independently confirm from the company's official website or a previous statement. Never call a phone number provided in an email. If the instructions change at the last minute, be suspicious and verify by phone. Use a test wire for a small amount first. Confirm with the closing agent that the funds were received. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, stop and verify.
Bob's Advice
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent
Wire fraud is real and it happens to smart people every day. The scammers are sophisticated and their emails look exactly like the real thing. The rule is simple: verify wiring instructions by phone every time, no exceptions. I tell all my clients to call the closing agent at a number they already have, not the number in the email. If you have any doubt at all, call me. I will help you verify the instructions. A few minutes of caution can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
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