The best way to avoid wire fraud when closing on a home in Florida is to never send money based on emailed instructions alone. Call the title company at a phone number you already trust, not one from the email, and confirm the account details out loud before you wire anything.
How does closing wire fraud work?
Criminals watch for real estate email threads, then send convincing messages that look like they come from the title company with new wiring instructions. The money goes to the criminal and is very hard to recover.
How do I protect myself?
- Call a verified number to confirm instructions every time.
- Be suspicious of last-minute changes to account details or urgency.
- Tell me right away if anything looks different. I will check with the title company.
- Send the wire only after verification, then confirm receipt by phone.
Does this apply to sellers?
Yes. Sellers should confirm wire details by phone before giving the title company any account information for proceeds.
Want the full walkthrough? Read my Florida buyer contract-to-close guide or call me, Jeremy Beckham, at NextHome Treasure Coast.