If it feels like online scams are getting more convincing by the day… you’re not wrong.
Real estate transactions involve big moments and big numbers, which unfortunately make them attractive targets for cybercriminals. That’s why it’s so important for both professionals and clients to know what to watch for.
One of the latest tactics starts with something that looks completely legitimate: a fraud alert from a bank.
Except it’s not – because it’s not really from the bank.
That’s right. Scammers are now posing as bank representatives or directing people to fake websites that look almost identical to those of real financial institutions. The message might come through a phone call, text or email, often with a tone that feels urgent.
The goal? To get login credentials, multi-factor authentication codes or one-time passcodes. Once they have that information, they move quickly to transfer funds before anyone realizes what happened.
Why This Hits Close to Home
Transactions move quickly, and deadlines matter when transferring funds.
That combination creates opportunity for fraudsters.
According to CertifID’s State of Wire Fraud 2025 Report, more than 1 in 4 parties involved in a real estate transaction will be targeted in some way. That statistic sounds alarming, but awareness truly makes a difference. When clients know the red flags, they’re far less likely to fall for them.
What Should Raise a Red Flag?
Encourage clients and team members to pause if they receive:
- Requests for login information or security codes
- Messages claiming to be from a “fraud department”
- Links asking for verification or confirmation of account details
- Communications that create pressure to act immediately
A good rule of thumb: when something feels urgent and unexpected, slow down. Then, as we say with all our scam alerts, verify the new information with a trusted party like us.
Simple Habits That Help
Small precautions go a long way:
- Monitor bank and financial accounts regularly
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Bookmark official bank websites
- Avoid clicking unexpected links
- Never share security codes
If something feels off, the best thing clients can do is call their bank right away. In some situations, money can be frozen or recalled if action is taken quickly. They should also report suspicious activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and change any passwords or codes that may have been exposed.
How We Support You
At Continental Title Company, we talk about security a lot, not because it sounds good, but because it affects real people and real transactions.
Our team double-checks details, keeps communication clear and stays up to date on new scams so we can help catch issues early.
And if questions ever come up, we’re here to talk them through. Because feeling confident at the closing table starts long before anyone picks up a pen.