Wire Fraud Schemes Targeting Real Estate Closings
Real estate transactions often involve significant sums of money, making them a prime target for sophisticated wire fraud schemes. Buyers, especially those preparing for closing, should be aware of these scams and take proactive measures to protect their hard-earned funds. Here's how the scam typically unfolds and how to avoid becoming a victim. How Wire Fraud Schemes Work Scammers usually begin by gaining unauthorized access to the email accounts which is often achieved through phishing emails that trick recipients into sharing login credentials. Once inside, scammers monitor email exchanges to gather information about pending transactions, including closing dates, amounts due, and parties involved. As the closing date approaches, the scammers strike. They send an email to the buyer, posing as a trusted party in the transaction. The email includes updated wire transfer instructions, directing the buyer to send funds to an account controlled by the scammer. These em...