How it happens
A scammer gets into an email account, or creates one that looks almost identical, and emails the buyer 'updated' wiring instructions. The message looks routine and often urgent.
Before you wire
- Never trust wiring instructions that arrive by email alone
- Call the title office at a number you got independently, not one in the email
- Be suspicious of any change to instructions, especially at the last minute
- Confirm receipt by phone right after sending
If you think you've been targeted
Call your bank immediately and ask it to recall the wire, then call the title company and report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov). Speed matters.
Common questions
How many days before closing do you wire money?
Usually the day before or the day of closing, after you confirm the instructions by phone.
How can I verify a wire transfer?
Call the recipient at a known number before sending and again after to confirm it arrived.