Cybercrime targeting real estate transactions—often called Business Email Compromise (BEC)—is on the rise. Criminals may spoof or hack email accounts of buyers, sellers, real estate brokers/agents, closing attorneys, title/escrow companies, or lenders to send fake wiring instructions. Funds sent to fraudulent accounts are often unrecoverable.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT Motto Realty, Inc. WILL NEVER SEND VIA EMAIL WIRING INSTRUCTIONS RELATED TO YOUR TRANSACTION, REQUEST THAT YOU WIRE MONEY TO US, AND DOES NOT HANDLE ESCROW FUNDS
Wiring instructions are provided only by your closing attorney/title/escrow company (your “Settlement Provider”).
Use a known‑good phone number. Call your Settlement Provider using a number you obtained at the start of the transaction (engagement letter, business card, or their official website). Do not use phone numbers or links contained in emails with wire instructions.
Confirm full details verbally. Read back the recipient name, bank name, ABA/routing number, account number, and any reference/memo. Ask the Settlement Provider to confirm no recent changes were made.
Never accept changes by email or text. Any message stating the wiring instructions have changed is presumed fraudulent. Re‑verify by phone at a known‑good number.
Consider a call‑back code. Agree on a simple verification phrase with your Settlement Provider early in the transaction and use it during any wire‑related calls.
Optional: small test wire. If time permits and your bank agrees, send a small‑dollar test wire and confirm receipt by phone before sending the remaining funds.
Protect your email. Enable multi‑factor authentication (MFA), use strong unique passwords, and avoid public Wi‑Fi when emailing about your closing.
Use secure portals. When available, exchange sensitive info through your Settlement Provider’s secure portal or encrypted email—not ordinary email.
Limit what you share. Do not send full account numbers, SSNs, or other sensitive data by unencrypted email or text.
Slow down. Urgent, last‑minute demands are a red flag. When in doubt, call and verify.
Immediately call your bank’s wire department and request a swift recall and hold (and a Financial Fraud Kill Chain if available). Time is critical—minutes matter.
Call your Settlement Provider and your real estate agent to alert them.
Report the incident at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov. You may also contact your local FBI field office.
No escrow. Motto Realty, Inc. is not a party to escrow and does not provide or change wiring instructions. Always obtain and confirm wiring instructions directly with your Settlement Provider.
No liability. You are responsible for verifying wiring instructions and securing your communications. Motto Realty, Inc. is not responsible for funds misdirected due to fraud, spoofing, or compromised communications.
Educational notice only. This notice is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, banking, or cybersecurity advice. Consult your Settlement Provider, bank, or counsel regarding your specific situation.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov
Federal Trade Commission – Online Safety: www.ftc.gov
CISA – Phishing Guidance: www.cisa.gov
Questions? Contact us at info@mottorealty.com or (770) 746‑6886.
