Home closing wire fraud: changed wire instructions
Scammers watch for home sales and send emails that look like they come from the title company or agent, with "updated" wire instructions for your down payment.
How this scam works
If you wire to the new account, the money goes to the scammer. Large wires are very hard to recover once sent.
Common versions of the message
- Wire details that have suddenly changed
- A large down payment wire
- A request not to call
What the message looks like
Email from Title Co. <closing@premier-title-docs.top>: Updated wire instructions for your closing
Due to an audit, our bank details have changed. Please wire your $48,500 down payment to the new account below today so your closing is not delayed. Do not call the office, we are very busy. Reply to this email to confirm.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
New bank details: “our bank details have changed”
Title companies almost never change wire details by email
Title companies rarely change wire instructions, and never only by email.
- 2
Huge wire: “wire your $48,500 down payment”
Wired money is very hard to get back
A down payment is often the largest payment you will ever make. Check before you send it.
- 3
Avoid checking: “Do not call the office”
Always call the office at a number you already have
Being told not to call is the biggest warning sign. Always call.
What to do
- Call your title company or agent using a number from your contract or their official website, not the email.
- Confirm the wire details out loud before sending.
- Do not reply to the email.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- Call your bank immediately and ask them to recall the wire. Minutes matter.
- Report it to the FBI at ic3.gov right away.
- Tell your title company and agent.
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