It really is the most wonderful time of the year… unless a sneaky Grinch tries to target your closing. Wire fraud has become a real threat in real estate, and scammers certainly don’t slow down for the holidays. The good news? A little extra awareness can make all the difference.

What is Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud happens when scammers alter or spoof wiring instructions to reroute funds into a fake account—often right before closing. It’s more common than people realize: one in 20 consumers fell victim in 2024. Fraudsters are getting smarter, but careful buyers, sellers and agents can work together to keep our transactions on the nice list.

Signs the Grinch Might Be Near Your Wire Instructions:

  • Emails with sender addresses that look almost correct
  • Sudden or last-minute changes to wiring instructions
  • Urgent messages demanding money be sent “immediately”

How to Keep the Grinch Away:

  1. Verify Everything: Always confirm wiring instructions directly with your title agent over the phone. Legitimate instructions won’t arrive unexpectedly or change without warning.
  2. Use Secure Channels: Precision Title uses CertifID, a wire-fraud protection platform that verifies identities and keeps the transfer process secure. (Want to know more about this great tool? Ask your local Lenders Title office.)
  3. Stay Alert: Typos, pressure or anything that feels “off” should be treated as a red flag.
  4. Educate Everyone: Buyers, sellers, Realtors® and lenders all play a part in preventing fraud. Sharing reminders like this one helps protect every closing.

Slow down and keep an eye out for signs of wire fraud. Don’t let a fraudster catch you off guard. For more tips on protecting your funds, visit ALTA’s consumer resource.

Safeguarding your transaction is at the heart of what we do here at Precision Title. Our team uses industry-leading tools to keep your funds safe and your closing on track.

For Realtors®:
Your clients rely on you to help them avoid costly scams. By partnering with Precision Title, you gain a team committed to secure, stress-free closings and clear communication from start to finish. We’re here to support you and the people you serve. Connect with any of our Chicagoland offices at precisiontitlecompany.com.