Buying or selling a home is often one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever complete. Between lenders, Realtors, title companies, inspectors, insurance providers, and moving companies, there are many people communicating throughout the process.
Unfortunately, criminals sometimes try to take advantage of that complexity.
The good news is that there are simple habits buyers, sellers, and Realtors can follow to significantly reduce the risk of wire fraud during a real estate closing.
This guide focuses on education, not fear. By understanding a few basic best practices and partnering with an experienced title company, you can approach your closing with more confidence.
Why Wire Fraud Is a Concern During Real Estate Closings
Real estate transactions often involve large financial transfers, multiple parties, and time-sensitive deadlines. Buyers may be sending a down payment and closing costs. Sellers may be receiving proceeds. Lenders, Realtors, title companies, and transaction coordinators may all be communicating throughout the process.
Because so many emails, phone calls, and documents are exchanged during the closing process, it is important for buyers and sellers to know exactly how their title company communicates.
A reputable title company should educate clients early, explain how financial instructions are handled, and encourage clients to verify information before sending funds.
To better understand the role a title company plays during closing, read: What Does a Title Company Do in Florida?
How Buyers Can Help Protect Themselves
Buyers can reduce risk by slowing down and following a few practical habits before sending money.
- Always verify wire instructions by calling the title company using a trusted phone number.
- Never rely solely on emailed wiring instructions.
- Ask the title company how wiring instructions will be delivered before closing.
- Save your closer’s phone number early in the transaction.
- If something feels unusual or unexpected, pause and verify before taking action.
- Ask questions whenever something is unclear.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify important information can help avoid major problems.
Buyers who want to better understand their total closing costs can also use Sol Title’s Free Florida Seller & Buyer Net Sheet Calculator.
How Sellers Can Help Protect Themselves
Sellers should also remain alert throughout the closing process. While buyers often focus on sending funds, sellers may be focused on where their sale proceeds will be delivered after closing.
Before closing, sellers should confirm how proceeds will be handled, verify account details carefully, and communicate directly with the title company if anything changes.
- Confirm where proceeds will be sent.
- Verify instructions before making account changes.
- Use a trusted phone number when calling the title company.
- Ask questions if anything changes unexpectedly.
- Do not rush financial decisions at the end of a transaction.
For more information about seller closing costs and proceeds, visit Sol Title’s Florida Net Sheet Calculator.
How Realtors Can Help Their Clients Stay Safe
Realtors play an important role in educating buyers and sellers about the closing process. A simple conversation early in the transaction can help clients understand how important it is to verify financial instructions before sending money.
Realtors can help by reminding clients to:
- Save the title company’s verified phone number.
- Never rely only on email for financial instructions.
- Contact the title company directly if something seems unusual.
- Ask questions before sending funds.
- Understand who their main title company contact will be.
For additional tools and educational resources, visit Sol Title’s Realtor Resources page.
How Experienced Title Companies Help Protect Clients
An experienced title company cannot eliminate every risk, but it can help reduce confusion by setting clear expectations and educating clients throughout the transaction.
Strong title companies typically focus on:
- Clear communication expectations
- Secure handling of sensitive information
- Encouraging verification of financial instructions
- Explaining closing procedures early
- Coordinating with buyers, sellers, Realtors, and lenders
- Answering questions before closing day
Choosing the right title company is about more than price. Communication, education, responsiveness, and process all matter.
For help choosing a provider, read: 20 Questions You Should Ask Before Choosing a Florida Title Company
Questions to Ask Your Title Company About Wire Fraud Prevention
Before closing, buyers, sellers, and Realtors should feel comfortable asking the title company how financial instructions and closing communication will be handled.
Helpful questions include:
- How will I receive wiring instructions?
- Should I verify wiring instructions by phone?
- Who should I call if I have a question?
- What should I do if I receive unexpected financial instructions?
- Who is my primary contact throughout the transaction?
- How do you communicate with buyers, sellers, Realtors, and lenders?
A title company should welcome these questions. Asking early is one of the easiest ways to create a safer and smoother closing experience.
Warning Signs That Should Prompt You to Pause
Buyers and sellers do not need to become cybersecurity experts to protect themselves. They simply need to know when to slow down and verify.
Warning signs may include:
- Unexpected requests involving money
- Messages that differ from previous communication
- Instructions that seem inconsistent with what you were already told
- Requests that create unnecessary urgency
- Any communication that causes uncertainty
When in doubt, stop and call the title company directly using a verified phone number.
What Should You Do If Something Does Not Feel Right?
If something seems unusual, do not ignore it. A quick phone call can make a major difference.
- Pause.
- Do not send funds.
- Contact your title company using a verified phone number.
- Contact your financial institution if necessary.
- Let your Realtor know what is happening.
The goal is not to create panic. The goal is to encourage verification before important financial decisions are made.
The Sol Title Closing Safety Checklist
Wire fraud prevention is not about memorizing complicated technology. It is about building safe closing habits.
- Save your closer’s phone number early.
- Verify financial instructions by phone.
- Ask questions whenever you are unsure.
- Never rush when sending money.
- Keep communication open with your Realtor and title company.
- Work with experienced closing professionals.
For more guidance about the closing process, read: The Ideal Contract Turnover Process
Related Florida Title Resources
- What Does a Title Company Do in Florida?
- 20 Questions Before Choosing a Florida Title Company
- What Is Title Insurance For?
- Florida Title Insurance Rates Explained
- What Are Closing Costs?
- Open Permits in Florida
- Mobile Closings in Florida
- New Construction Closings in Florida
- Realtor Resources
- FSBO Resources
- Free Florida Net Sheet Calculator
FAQ: Wire Fraud Prevention During a Florida Real Estate Closing
Is wire fraud a concern during real estate closings?
Yes. Real estate transactions often involve large financial transfers and multiple parties. Buyers, sellers, and Realtors should take extra care to verify financial instructions before money is sent.
Should I verify wire instructions by phone?
Yes. Buyers and sellers should verify wire instructions directly with the title company using a trusted phone number before sending funds.
Does title insurance cover wire fraud?
Title insurance generally protects against covered title defects. It should not be assumed that title insurance automatically covers wire fraud or every financial loss. Buyers and sellers should ask their title company and appropriate professionals questions before closing.
What should I do if I receive unexpected wiring instructions?
Pause and do not send funds. Contact your title company using a verified phone number and confirm whether the instructions are legitimate.
Can both buyers and sellers be affected by wire fraud?
Yes. Buyers may be sending funds to close, while sellers may be receiving proceeds. Both parties should verify financial instructions and communicate directly with the title company.
How can a title company help reduce wire fraud risk?
A title company can help by setting clear communication expectations, educating clients, encouraging verification, and providing a clear point of contact throughout the transaction.
Areas Served
Sol Title proudly serves buyers, sellers, investors, builders, lenders, and Realtors throughout Central Florida and across the state, including Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Montverde, Mascotte, Howey-in-the-Hills, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Tavares, Eustis, Umatilla, Lady Lake, Yalaha, Winter Garden, Windermere, Oakland, Davenport, Lake County,
Need Help With a Florida Closing?
Wire fraud prevention is not about becoming an expert in cybersecurity. It is about slowing down, asking questions, verifying important information, and working with professionals who prioritize communication throughout the closing process.
Use our Free Florida Net Sheet Calculator, visit our Realtor Resources page, or contact Sol Title to discuss your next closing.
Sol Title helps Florida buyers, sellers, Realtors, and lenders close with confidence — and without a settlement fee.
