Protect Your Closing Funds From Real Estate Wire Fraud

By Dawn Riley, Associate Broker, Realtor and Master Certified Negotiator | Published July 20, 2026

The most convincing fraud messages often contain real transaction details. A safe closing process assumes that email can be compromised and verifies payment instructions another way.

Calvert County real estate is rarely one-size-fits-all. Property type, private systems, waterfront conditions, location and contract terms can change the answer. The goal is to identify what matters, verify it and make a decision with the complete picture.

Know Why the Email Looks Real

A criminal may watch a legitimate account and copy names, signatures, dates and property information. Familiar details should never replace direct verification.

Use a Phone Number You Already Trust

Call the settlement company through a number obtained independently. Read back the routing and account numbers. Never use the contact information in an unexpected change notice.

Question Urgency and Account Changes

Instructions that suddenly change or demand immediate action are high-risk. Stop, call and confirm. Closing professionals should support careful verification.

Secure Both Buyer and Seller Accounts

Use multi-factor authentication, strong passwords and secure portals. Sellers should protect proceeds instructions with the same care buyers use for cash-to-close funds.

Move Fast After a Suspected Loss

Call the bank at once, ask for a recall, notify settlement professionals and report the fraud. Preserve every message and transaction record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a title company email wiring instructions?

Some title companies use secure portals or email, but the recipient should independently verify all instructions through a known phone number before sending funds.

What if the wiring instructions change?

Stop and verify the change directly with the title company using a trusted number. Do not rely on contact information contained in the change message.

Should I send a small test wire first?

Ask the title company and your bank about their procedure. A test transfer does not replace independent verification of the complete instructions.

What should I do after sending a fraudulent wire?

Contact your bank immediately, request a recall or freeze, notify the title company and report the incident to law enforcement and the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.

How can sellers protect their proceeds?

Use the title company’s secure method for bank information, verify the account directly and question any late request to change disbursement instructions.