07/09/2026
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make. It involves multiple parties, tight timelines, large transfers of money, and a substantial amount of paperwork, much of it handled electronically. Cybercriminals exploit this environment through wire fraud, targeting buyers and sellers at their most vulnerable points in the transaction. By the time the fraud is discovered, the funds are often already gone.
What Is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud is a scam in which criminals use electronic communications—such as email, text messages, phone calls, or social media—to trick individuals into sending money or disclosing sensitive information. Wire transfers are a common target because once funds are sent, they are extremely difficult—and often impossible—to recover.
How Wire Fraud Happens in Real Estate
Cybercriminals often target active real estate transactions. They may infiltrate email accounts belonging to buyers, sellers, agents, attorneys, or title and escrow companies. Once inside, they quietly monitor communications and wait for the right moment, when funds are about to be transferred for earnest money or closing. At that critical point, the scammer sends a message posing as a trusted party with “updated” wiring instructions. These emails can look very convincing, using real names, company logos, and email addresses that differ by only a single character. They often include accurate transaction details to build credibility and urgency to push immediate action.
Moral of the story always confirm vis a telephone call with the person/company you are sending a wire to!
