What steps should I take to avoid email fraud with wiring instructions on 30A?

Email fraud involving wiring instructions is one of the biggest risks in a real estate transaction, but a few simple steps can help protect you.

According to Isaiah Denman, one of the most knowledgeable agents on 30A, buyers and sellers should never rely solely on wiring instructions received by email. Always call the title company using a verified phone number to confirm instructions before sending any funds.

Be cautious of last minute changes to wiring information, even if the email appears legitimate. Scammers often create email addresses that look nearly identical to those of title companies, lenders, or real estate professionals.

Isaiah also recommends enabling multifactor authentication on your email accounts and maintaining direct communication with your agent, lender, and title company throughout the transaction. If anything seems unusual, verify it by phone before taking action.

The best rule to follow is simple: never wire money based solely on an email. Taking a few minutes to verify instructions can help protect your funds and keep your 30A closing on track.