A real estate closing can involve significant financial transactions, and unfortunately, that can attract scammers.
One common scheme involves criminals attempting to trick buyers or sellers into sending money to a fraudulent account. Recognizing suspicious communication before acting is an important part of protecting yourself.
A Sudden Change in Instructions
Be suspicious of any unexpected message saying that wiring or payment instructions have changed, especially when the request arrives close to closing.
Always confirm changes directly with a trusted contact before taking action.
An Unfamiliar Email Address
Fraudulent email addresses can look almost identical to legitimate ones. A scammer may change a single letter, number, or character in an address in hopes that you will not notice.
Look carefully before responding or clicking anything.
Pressure to Act Immediately
Messages that demand immediate action should be treated cautiously. Creating urgency can be a tactic used to prevent someone from stopping to verify the request.
Requests for Sensitive Information
Be careful about sending personal or financial information through an unexpected email or text. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, verify it separately.
A Simple Rule: Verify Before You Send
When money is involved, taking an extra step to verify information is worth the time. Use trusted contact information and speak directly with the appropriate party before transferring funds.
Questions about your closing instructions or title process? Contact Clarion Title Company directly. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you navigate your real estate transaction safely and confidently.