Title companies do not change their bank accounts mid-transaction. If you receive "updated" wiring instructions — by email, text or even a phone call you did not initiate — assume fraud and call the title company at a number you looked up yourself.
How the scam works
Weeks before closing, a criminal reads your emailA hacked agent, title or personal inbox reveals the closing date, the parties and the amount due.
Days before closing, "the title company" emails new instructionsA look-alike address (one letter off), a real-looking PDF, and urgency: "funds must arrive today to close on time."
You wire to the wrong accountThe funds are moved overseas within hours. Recovery after 24 hours is rare.
The fix is simple and free: verify by phone using a number you already trust, every single time, before every wire — including earnest money.
Wire verification checklist
0/6Call the title company at a number from their website or your contract — not from the emailFraudsters spoof email addresses and phone numbers in signatures.
Treat any "updated" or "changed" wiring instructions as fraud until verified by phoneLegitimate title companies almost never change their bank account mid-transaction.
Confirm the account name, account number and bank name match exactlyThe account name should be the title / escrow company, never an individual.
Send a small test wire first when your bank allows itConfirm receipt by phone before sending the balance.
Call to confirm receipt within an hour of sendingIf something is wrong, minutes matter — call your bank to attempt a recall immediately.
Never wire from public Wi-Fi or a link inside an emailLog in to your bank directly.
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