Cyber Security
Cyber Security
Protect Yourself From Cyber Fraud
Watch the video or read below to learn how to protect yourself from cyber fraud.
How Your Money Gets Stolen
- Hacked email – Hackers get access to the email account of someone involved in the transaction – the buyer, seller, real estate agent, mortgage lender, title agent, or other.
- Email from hacker – The hacker then emails that person to change the wiring or payment instructions without knowledge from the other parties.
- Consumer pays wrong account – If not questioned, the wrong account gets the down payment or other funds, and the criminal gets away.
- Closing day – By the time closing day arrives and the mistake is realized, often the funds are long gone.
How to Avoid Wire Fraud
Rule 1: Always question emails that contain wiring instructions.
We only provide our wiring instructions to buyers via our secure portal in Qualia. Hackers have learned to exploit the real estate closing process to steal billions of dollars from people buying or selling a home.
Rule 2: Always call us before sending any money.
When you do receive our wiring instructions prior to closing, always call us to to verify. Then call your bank to verify their processes and protocols as well.
Rule 3: Always call after sending money.
It’s always a good idea to call us right after money is sent to ensure we received your wire.
Rule 4: Act immediately if anything seems unusual.
Contact us, your bank, mortgage company, and realtor immediately if anything seems suspicious. Trust your gut!. If something is wrong, you may need to contact your local FBI office as well.
