🚨 WIRE FRAUD WARNING (Buyers + Sellers) 🚨

🚨 WIRE FRAUD WARNING (Buyers + Sellers) 🚨

Wire fraud is the #1 real estate scam because large sums move fast, and scammers know closings feel urgent.

Here’s what to watch for (and how to stay safe):
1️⃣ It’s targeted + time-sensitive
✅ Slow down. No wire is too urgent to verify.
2️⃣ Emails look “perfect” (logos, signatures, real names)
✅ Never trust wiring instructions sent by email or text.
3️⃣ “Updated wiring instructions” last minute
✅ Any change = 🚩. Verify by phone.
4️⃣ Real accounts get hacked (agent/escrow/lender may not know)
✅ Call a known, verified number (not the number in the email).
5️⃣ Once sent, it’s usually gone
✅ Confirm BEFORE you send, not after.
6️⃣ Scammers strike right before closing
✅ Double-check everything during the final days.
7️⃣ Texts/WhatsApp are now common
✅ Never wire based on a text. Ever.
8️⃣ Sellers are targets too (payoffs + proceeds)
✅ Verify outgoing AND incoming instructions directly with escrow.
9️⃣ Public info makes you a target
✅ Don’t post timelines or closing details during escrow.
🔟 “It won’t happen to me” is the trap
✅ Assume attempts are possible, follow the protocol every time.

🔐 SAFE WIRE PROTOCOL (Do this EVERY time):
✔ Call escrow using a verified phone number
✔ Verbally confirm: Bank + Routing + Account + Beneficiary
✔ Wire in person when possible
✔ If time allows, send a small test wire first

❌ NEVER:
🚫 Wire from email/text instructions
🚫 Trust “urgent” messages
🚫 Click wiring links
🚫 Assume logos = legit

🏡 Bottom line: Wiring funds is normal. Losing them is not.
If you’re buying or selling, I’ll guide you step-by-step so nothing is left to chance.

Want a printable checklist? DM me “WIRE”.
Mike Brown, Broker - 760.822.8734
EXP Realty - EXP Luxury