Wire Fraud & Email Hacking

Scammers gain unauthorized access to email accounts belonging to real estate brokers, title companies, or attorneys and monitor transaction-related communications. As closing approaches, they send fraudulent wiring instructions, tricking consumers into transferring closing funds into accounts controlled by the scammers.

• Last-minute changes to wiring instructions.
• Grammatical errors, unusual wording, or sudden changes in a person's communication style.
• Wiring instructions provided through links or attachments rather than through established communication channels.
• Emails creating a sense of urgency or pressure for you to transfer funds immediately.
• Requests to communicate exclusively by email while avoiding phone calls or other forms of direct communication.
• Changes to the sender's email address, including slight misspellings or alterations that may be difficult to notice.
• Claims that previously provided wiring instructions are no longer valid and must be replaced immediately.

• Clients report receiving wiring instructions that were never sent by your office.
• Emails appear to have been sent from your account that you did not authorize or send.
• Suspicious login alerts or notifications indicating access from unfamiliar devices or locations.
• Missing emails, deleted messages, or unexplained gaps in transaction communications.
• Multiple failed login attempts or unexpected password reset notifications.
• Emails containing spoofed addresses that closely resemble those of clients, title companies, or other transaction participants.

• Orally verify all wiring instructions using a trusted phone number before transferring funds.
• Avoid opening links or attachments contained in unexpected emails.
• Be cautious of any last-minute changes to wiring instructions, payment details, or account information.
• Use secure communication methods and avoid relying solely on email to verify financial information.

• Do not proceed with the transaction.
• Contact local law enforcement.
• Contact your bank immediately and request a wire recall.
• Notify your licensee/consumer or title company about your suspicions.
• Notify the Oklahoma Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit.