Protecting Yourself From Wire Transfer Fraud in Real Estate Transactions

Wire transfer fraud has become a prevalent threat, especially in real estate transactions. Cybercriminals employ various tactics to deceive buyers, sellers, and even real estate professionals, causing significant financial losses and emotional distress. Based on this, with vigilance, awareness, and proper protocols, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to wire transfer fraud. A robust and reliable real estate attorney can provide valuable assistance in implementing security measures to mitigate the risk of fraud.

Types of Real Estate Wire Transfer Frauds

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

In a BEC scam, fraudsters gain access to the email accounts of real estate agents, buyers, sellers, or other parties involved in the transaction. They then monitor email communications and wait for an opportunity to intercept legitimate wire transfer instructions. The fraudsters send fraudulent wire transfer instructions from the compromised email account, directing the funds to their own accounts or accounts controlled by accomplices.

Spoofed Email Accounts

In this type of fraud, cybercriminals create email accounts that closely mimic those of real estate agents, title companies, or other trusted parties involved in the transaction. They use these spoofed email accounts to send fraudulent wire transfer instructions to unsuspecting buyers, sellers, or escrow officers, diverting funds to their accounts.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks involve fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls designed to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information or initiating wire transfers. Real estate professionals and clients may receive phishing emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, prompting them to provide login credentials, financial information, or wire transfer details.

Impersonation Scams

In impersonation scams, fraudsters impersonate real estate agents, title company representatives, or other trusted individuals involved in the transaction. They may contact buyers, sellers, or financial institutions by phone or email, posing as legitimate parties and providing false wire transfer instructions.

Malware and Ransomware Attacks

Malware and ransomware attacks targeting real estate professionals’ computers or networks can compromise sensitive information and facilitate wire transfer fraud. Cybercriminals may use malware to gain unauthorized access to email accounts or install ransomware that encrypts critical data. This may disrupt transactions and facilitate fraudulent activity.

Strategies to Protect Yourself in Real Estate Transactions

Secure Communication Channels

It is important to use secure communication channels for all correspondence related to the transaction. Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as wire transfer instructions, via email or text message, as these can be intercepted by cybercriminals. It is best to use encrypted platforms or secure portals for sharing confidential data.

Verify Information

Always verify the authenticity of wire transfer instructions before initiating any transfer. Utilize trusted sources, such as verified contact information from official documents or direct communication with known parties. You should be wary of any sudden changes to account details and independently confirm such changes through reliable channels.

Ensure Dual Authorization

Put in place a dual authorization process for wire transfers. This type of setup requires approval from multiple authorized individuals among transaction stakeholders. This adds an extra layer of security and reduces the risk of unauthorized transfers.

Exercise Caution with Third Parties

Be cautious when dealing with third parties, such as escrow agents, title companies, or attorneys. You should make sure that they have robust security measures in place to protect sensitive information. Conduct due diligence before engaging their services and verify their credentials and reputation within the industry.

Stay Vigilant Against Social Engineering

Social engineering tactics are used by fraudsters to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or bypassing security protocols. You should train yourself and your team to recognize common social engineering techniques, such as phishing emails, pretexting calls, or impersonation scams.

Get Legal Representation from a Proven Lawyer

Consult with legal professionals experienced in real estate transactions to assess your current security protocols and identify areas for improvement. Investing in proactive security measures can save you from substantial financial losses and reputational damage in the long run.

While real estate attorneys may not specialize in cybersecurity, their knowledge of legal matters and transaction management can complement efforts to prevent wire transfer fraud.

Reviewing Contracts and Documents

A real estate attorney can review all contracts and documents involved in the transaction to ensure that they accurately reflect the terms agreed upon by all parties. By conducting a thorough review, your lawyers can identify any discrepancies or inconsistencies that may indicate fraudulent activity.

Verifying Wire Transfer Instructions

Real estate attorneys can verify the authenticity of wire transfer instructions provided by various parties involved in the transaction. They can use their skills to scrutinize account details and confirm the legitimacy of the recipient’s information, helping to prevent unauthorized transfers to fraudulent accounts.

Providing Legal Advice on Security Protocols

Attorneys can offer legal advice on implementing robust security protocols to protect sensitive information throughout the transaction process. They can recommend best practices for secure communication, password management, and dual authorization procedures to minimize the risk of fraud.

Coordinating with Other Professionals

Lawyers often work closely with other professionals involved in the transaction, such as real estate agents, title companies, and escrow agents. By facilitating communication and collaboration among all stakeholders, they can ensure that everyone is aligned in their efforts to prevent fraud and uphold security standards.

Assisting with Dispute Resolution

In the unfortunate event that wire transfer fraud occurs despite preventive measures, a real estate attorney can provide legal assistance in resolving disputes and pursuing recourse against responsible parties. 

Legal Help is Here from Highly-Rated Real Estate Attorneys

At Johannesmeyer& Sawyer, PLLC, we understand the importance of protecting your financial interests in real estate transactions. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in property, our experienced team of real estate attorneys is here to guide you every step of the way. From the initial consultation to the closing, our lawyers will proactively work to ensure your rights are protected throughout. To schedule your consultation, call us at (803) 396-3800 or fill out this online contact form.