Inquire before you wire.

Wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes, and home buyers are a favorite target. A two-minute phone call protects your closing funds.

Wiring instructions will not change.

If you get an email or message saying they have, treat it as fraud. Always verify wiring instructions by calling a trusted number.

Don't Be a Victim

Call, don't email

Confirm all wiring instructions by phone, using the title company's number from a source you already trust, never from the email itself.
Be suspicious

Title companies won't ask you to change wiring instructions. Any request to change them is a red flag.
Confirm everything

Ask your bank to verify the account number and the name on the account, then confirm the funds were received.
Forward, don't reply

Forward emails to the address you know is correct instead of hitting reply, so you never answer a criminal posing as your title company.

How It Happens

Wire transfers are a common way to move large sums at closing, which also makes them a favorite tool for criminals.

They break into an email account, often a free web-based one, and pose as someone in your transaction
Or they create a look-alike email address that impersonates your closing agent, broker or lender
They send you “new” wiring instructions that route your money to their account
Malicious email attachments can install software that shows them who is sending money and where

If You Think You've Been Targeted

Call your bank

Immediately ask them to stop or recall the wire.
Call your title officer and us

Use phone numbers you already know are correct. Our office: 480-967-TAUM (8286).
Report it to the FBI

File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.