Scammers target homebuyers at every step of the mortgage process, hoping to steal personal info or reroute large transfers of money.
1. Wire Fraud
Wire fraud is the #1 scam targeting homebuyers, and it can cost you your entire down payment.
Hackers gain access to email threads between buyers, agents, or title companies and send fake wire instructions just before closing. Always verify wire details by phone using a trusted number—never use the number in the email.
If wiring money, confirm with a live person before you send a dime.
2. Phishing Emails
Phishing scams use fake emails to trick buyers into giving away sensitive personal or financial information.
Look out for generic greetings like “Dear Customer,” urgent requests, and small misspellings in email addresses (e.g., “morttgage”). Never click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
If anything looks off, stop and verify with a real person.
3. Spoofed Contacts
Cybercriminals often spoof real email addresses and pretend to be someone in your transaction.
Just because an email looks familiar doesn’t mean it’s safe. Confirm the sender’s info before opening documents or replying. If you’re unsure, call your agent, lender, or title rep using a known number.
Trust relationships are important, but trust, then verify.
4. Unsafe Information Sharing
Email is not secure for sharing Social Security numbers, bank details, or IDs.
Only submit sensitive information through a secure portal. Never upload or attach personal documents to regular emails, even if requested.
Use the secure systems your lender provides—nothing else.
5. Last-Minute Changes
Scammers often create urgency to get you to act fast, especially when wiring money.
Be suspicious of any last-minute changes to closing instructions or wire info. Call your title company directly before making any transfer, no matter how convincing the email looks.
Pressure and urgency are red flags, not green lights.
Stay alert, double-check everything, and if in doubt, pause and call. Your caution is your strongest defense.
If you’re buying, selling, or just thinking, don’t guess your numbers. Text or call me at 303-619-2883, and I’ll send a free custom Homeowner Strategies Report that shows exactly what you can afford and how to make the smartest move.
P.S. Most buyers lose thousands by not running the numbers first. Don’t be one of them—get your free report here → Click Here.
