TL;DR: Home purchases involve large, time-sensitive wires and several unfamiliar parties. Always confirm wiring instructions by phone using a number from the official closing documents, never one from an email, and call before sending any large payment.
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Home purchases involve large, time-sensitive wires and several unfamiliar parties.
Common Tactics Used
Wire fraud where a scammer poses as the title company or agent and sends last-minute 'updated' wiring instructions is the most damaging and well-documented tactic in this group.
How to Protect Against It
Always confirm wiring instructions by phone using a number from the official closing documents, never one from an email, and call before sending any large payment.
What Family and Friends Can Do
Sudden secrecy about money, unusual withdrawals, or a new online relationship that stays undisclosed are all worth a calm, judgment-free conversation. The earlier a scam is caught, the more can usually be recovered.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Scams Targeting Job Seekers.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Scams Targeting Recently Laid-Off Workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they specifically targeted?
Home purchases involve large, time-sensitive wires and several unfamiliar parties.
What tactics do scammers use?
Wire fraud where a scammer poses as the title company or agent and sends last-minute 'updated' wiring instructions is the most damaging and well-documented tactic in this group.
How can they protect themselves?
Always confirm wiring instructions by phone using a number from the official closing documents, never one from an email, and call before sending any large payment.
What should family or friends watch for?
Sudden secrecy about money or new online relationships, unusual withdrawals or wire transfers, and reluctance to discuss a new "opportunity" or contact in detail are all worth a gentle, non-judgmental conversation.
What should I do if I think this has already happened?
Stop all contact and payments immediately, report it to the appropriate authority, and contact the bank or payment provider involved to see what can be recovered.