Wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in real estate today, and it often targets buyers and sellers at the most vulnerable moment—when large sums of money are about to change hands. Recently, I intercepted a sophisticated wire fraud attempt that could have cost my clients nearly $500,000. This experience highlights why vigilance, verification, and working with an experienced real estate professional are critical.

The Wire Fraud Attempt: What Happened

During an active transaction, I received an email that appeared to come directly from escrow. The email requested my clients’ email addresses for what was described as a routine “verification” process. At first glance, everything looked legitimate:

• The sender’s name matched the actual escrow officer

• The signature block appeared accurate

• The timing aligned perfectly with the transaction

However, one detail raised concern. The standard real estate contract already establishes agency and authority—there was no legitimate reason to re-verify client information in this way.

The Critical Red Flag Most People Miss

Rather than responding quickly to keep the transaction moving, I slowed down and examined the email more carefully. That’s when I noticed the key issue: the originating email address was almost identical to escrow’s real address—but not 100% the same.

The difference was subtle and easy to miss. This is exactly how modern wire fraud works.

Instead of replying, I contacted escrow through a separate, verified communication channel. Escrow immediately confirmed that they had not sent the email. It had been spoofed.

The Criminal’s Goal

The scammer’s objective was to obtain my clients’ email addresses so they could later send fraudulent wire instructions, posing as escrow. If successful, my clients’ down payment—nearly half a million dollars—could have been irretrievably lost.

Because wire fraud funds are often transferred overseas within minutes, recovery is rare.

Why Experience Matters

With 600+ closed transactions and years operating at the top level of the industry, I’ve learned that protecting clients goes far beyond negotiations and contracts. It requires:

• Knowing when something doesn’t feel right

• Understanding standard procedures well enough to recognize unnecessary requests

• Verifying sensitive information independently

• Never prioritizing speed over security

This level of judgment is developed through experience. It’s part of what distinguishes top-performing agents and one of the reasons clients trust me with their most important financial assets.

Reporting the Crime

After confirming the fraud attempt, I reported the incident to the FBI. Most importantly, my clients were protected from a significant material loss.

Wire Fraud Is Rising—and Everyone Must Be Vigilant

Wire fraud in real estate is increasing every year, and criminals are becoming more sophisticated. Buyers and sellers should never assume an email is legitimate simply because it looks professional.

Best Practices to Protect Yourself

• Always verify wire instructions verbally using known phone numbers

• Be suspicious of last-minute changes or verification requests

• Double-check email addresses character by character

• Work with experienced professionals who understand these risks

Final Thoughts

Real estate transactions involve large sums of money and tight timelines—making them prime targets for fraud. Experience, attention to detail, and the willingness to pause and verify can mean the difference between a successful closing and a devastating loss.

When clients trust me with their most valuable assets, protecting them is not optional—it’s part of the job.