Wire fraud is one of the most dangerous and fast-growing threats in real estate—especially in Texas, where home prices are high and digital transactions are common.
Criminals target buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and title companies with extremely sophisticated email scams designed to steal closing funds.
And once money is wired to a fraudulent account?
❌ It is almost impossible to recover.
❌ It is not insured.
❌ No one can “reverse” it.
This is why I take wire fraud prevention deadly seriously, and why I educate every buyer and seller I work with.
Here’s exactly how to protect yourself.
1. The #1 Rule: NEVER Trust Wire Instructions Sent by Email
This is where almost every scam begins.
Fraudsters hack:
✔️ Email accounts
✔️ Lender inboxes
✔️ Agent email threads
✔️ Even title companies
They then send fake “updated wire instructions” that look identical to the real thing.
I will NEVER send you wire instructions.
Your title company will NEVER change their wiring instructions.
And wiring instructions will NEVER come as an attachment.
2. Always Call the Title Company to Verify Instructions
Before wiring even one dollar, you must:
✔️ Call the title company
✔️ Use the phone number from their website (not email)
✔️ Read the routing and account numbers aloud
✔️ Confirm they match the real instructions
I walk clients through this call every time.
3. Red Flags of Wire Fraud
❌ Last-minute changes to wiring instructions
❌ Emails claiming the title company “moved accounts”
❌ Urgent or threatening language
❌ Instructions sent in a PDF attachment
❌ Misspellings or slightly off email addresses
([email protected] instead of [email protected])
❌ Requests for secrecy
Scammers will often say:
“Do not call anyone about this—email only.”
Always call. Always.
4. Why Texas Is a Big Target
Texas is heavily targeted because:
✔️ High real estate volume
✔️ High purchase prices
✔️ Fast closings
✔️ Tech-savvy buyers and agents
✔️ Title companies use email for communication
✔️ DFW is one of the fastest-growing markets in the country
More transactions = more opportunities for criminals.
5. Who Criminals Pretend to Be
Fraudsters often impersonate:
✔️ The title company
✔️ The listing agent
✔️ The buyer’s agent
✔️ The lender
✔️ The title closer
✔️ The escrow assistant
Their emails look real.
Their signatures look real.
Their phone numbers look real.
Their domain names look real.
You cannot trust appearance alone.
6. How Criminals Hack Email Threads
They gain access by:
✔️ Phishing scams
✔️ Password breaches
✔️ Unknown malware
✔️ Weak passwords
✔️ Public Wi-Fi
✔️ Unsecured devices
Once inside, they “watch” conversations.
Then, at the perfect moment (usually the week of closing), they jump in with fake instructions.
7. How I Protect My Clients
My safety protocols include:
✔️ I never email wire instructions
✔️ I only send title company contact info — never numbers
✔️ I warn you early & often
✔️ I confirm you know the title company’s real phone number
✔️ I require verbal verification before wiring
✔️ I never discuss wires over text
✔️ I flag suspicious messages immediately
✔️ I monitor the transaction timeline
I take responsibility for your safety.
8. What You Should Do Before Sending Any Wire
✔️ Call the title company
✔️ Confirm the instructions with a human
✔️ Verify the total amount due
✔️ Read numbers digit by digit
✔️ Confirm the bank name
✔️ Confirm the escrow officer’s name
✔️ Ask if the instructions match your closing statement
If anything feels even slightly off, stop immediately.
9. What Happens if You Send Money to the Wrong Account?
If fraud occurs:
❌ Banks cannot reverse the wire
❌ Title companies cannot pull it back
❌ Real estate insurance does not cover it
❌ Law enforcement cannot instantly freeze the account
Recovery is rare.
This is why prevention is everything.
10. Safer Alternatives to Wiring
If you’re uncomfortable wiring funds, you can:
✔️ Bring a cashier’s check
(Many Texas title companies accept them up to a certain limit)
✔️ Split funds between wire + cashier’s check
✔️ Deliver your check in person
Just confirm with your specific title company—policies vary.
11. Sellers Are Also at Risk
Scammers also target sellers by:
✔️ Sending fake “proceeds wiring forms”
✔️ Pretending to be the title company
✔️ Sending fraudulent updates
✔️ Altering bank account numbers
I always advise sellers to:
✔️ Confirm proceeds instructions by phone
✔️ Ask which bank will be sending the wire
✔️ Provide information in person when possible
12. My Rule of Thumb
If you receive wiring instructions by email—assume they are fake until verbally confirmed.
Bottom Line: Wire Fraud Is Preventable—But Only If You Stay Alert
When I represent you, I make sure:
✔️ You know the title company’s real phone number
✔️ You never act on emailed wiring instructions
✔️ You verify everything verbally
✔️ You understand common scam methods
✔️ You know exactly when your wire will be requested
✔️ Your closing funds stay protected
Your safety is my priority—not just the success of the transaction.
Need Help Verifying Wiring Instructions?
Call me every time—no matter what the email says.
I’m here to protect you and your money.
