The 411

I am frequently asked questions about wire fraud in real estate transactions. Some of my answers stay the same year to year, while others can change. The reasons for the changes vary but generally fall into a couple of categories; cybercriminals change what they are doing, and new tools are available to help protect companies and consumers. Here is an updated list of questions and answers with guidance on protecting yourself. How prevalent is wire fraud in real estate transactions?...

Real Estate and Title & Escrow companies are a growing target for cybercriminals. In fact, according to the FBI, the financial industry is one of the top targets for cyberattacks. Since settlement services handle large amounts of money daily and are often not well-protected by traditional security measures, they make an easy target for hackers looking to steal information or cash in on ransom demands. Most people think of hackers as the stereotypical teenager sitting in their basement, seeking fame...

In the digital world, cyber security is the new Wild West. The Internet is a vast, open expanse where anything goes, and everyone can participate. But like in the real Wild West, dangers lurk around every corner. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to gain access to your personal information, so they can steal from you or do other harm. In fact, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), more than 840,000 complaints were received in 2021 related...