Wire Wisely, Close Safely

Buying a home? There’s a lot to juggle—emails, phone calls, paperwork—and unfortunately, scammers know that too. 

Mortgage wire fraud happens when criminals pose as trusted professionals, like your loan officer or closing attorney, and trick buyers into sending closing funds to a fake account. These scams often start with a hacked email or spoofed message and end with your money in the wrong hands. 

But don’t worry—we’re here to help you protect what’s yours. Here are some smart steps to keep your information secure and your closing on track. 

Establish clear payment protocols

Before you get too far in the process, talk with your loan officer and real estate agent to understand how payments will be handled. Ask questions so you know exactly what to expect, including how and when you’ll receive wire instructions. 

Confirm before you send 

If you ever receive a message with updated wiring instructions, don’t act on it immediately. Reach out to your loan officer or agent directly—using a phone number you trust—to verify it’s legitimate. Never rely on email alone for confirming important details. 

Secure your online accounts 

Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on your email and financial accounts. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to add an extra layer of protection. 

Watch for red flags 

Scammers can mimic legitimate email addresses and phone numbers. Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments unless you’ve confirmed the source. And remember: never send sensitive financial information over email. 

Stay smart and stay in touch 

Buying a home should be exciting—not stressful. By staying alert and keeping the lines of communication open with your trusted contacts, you can close with confidence and celebrate your new place worry-free. 

Have questions or want to connect with a loan officer? We’re here to help—reach out to us today. 

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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations to any individual.