WIRED FOR TROUBLE

                    Wire Fraud and First Time Homebuyers

                                                      




Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it also comes with risks many new buyers aren't aware of. One of the most serious threats? Wire fraud. As your trusted Realtor®, it’s my job to help you navigate the home buying process safely—and that includes protecting your hard-earned money from cybercriminals.

💻 What Is Wire Fraud in Real Estate?

Wire fraud typically occurs when hackers intercept emails during a real estate transaction. These criminals pose as your lender, title company, or even your Realtor® and send fake wire instructions. If you fall for the scam, your down payment or closing funds could be transferred to a fraudulent account—and once that money is gone, it’s incredibly difficult to recover.

🚨 Why First-Time Home Buyers Are Especially at Risk

First-time buyers are more vulnerable because the process is brand new. You may not know what’s normal communication or what a red flag looks like. Scammers take advantage of this by mimicking legitimate communications with just enough detail to fool even savvy buyers.

🛡️ 6 Tips to Protect Yourself from Wire Fraud

  1. Always verify wire instructions by phone.
    Call your title company or lender using a trusted phone number (not the one in the email) to confirm instructions before sending any funds.

  2. Be suspicious of last-minute changes.
    Title companies rarely change wire instructions. If you get an email saying otherwise, it’s likely a scam.

  3. Check email addresses carefully.
    Fraudsters often create look-alike addresses. For example, jane.doe@titlecompany.com vs. jane.doe@titIecompany.com (with an “i” instead of an “l”).

  4. Use secure portals for communication.
    Never send financial information via unsecured email. Reputable companies use encrypted portals to keep your data safe.

  5. Keep your devices secure.
    Use antivirus software, don’t click on suspicious links, and avoid public Wi-Fi when discussing your transaction.

  6. Talk to your Realtor®.
    We're here to walk you through every step and keep you informed about how to protect your money.

🔒 Real Estate Is a Team Effort—Security Included

As your Realtor®, we work closely with trusted title companies and lenders who take cybersecurity seriously. Our goal is not only to help you find the right home—but to ensure you arrive at the closing table confidently and safely.

✅ Bottom Line

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Don't let wire fraud ruin the experience. With the right information and precautions, you can protect yourself and your investment.

Melissa & D'Ann

Are you a first-time buyer with questions about the process? Let’s connect. we're here to guide you every step of the way—from house hunting to handing over the keys, and everything in between.





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