November 25, 2025

URGENT: Holiday Wire Fraud Awareness, Best Practices for Client Protection

Business Days before Holidays Pose a Higher Risk for Falling Victim to Wire Fraud

We urge attorney agents to be mindful and educate clients. Fraudsters take advantage of all parties' desire to close transactions in the days leading up to a holiday.

How to Protect against Wire Fraud - Remind Your Clients

• When wiring to the title company, never trust wire information that does not come directly from the title company.

• Never wire money to the title company based on an email.



• Always verify the title company's phone number and wire instructions via the title company’s website.

• Always call to confirm: Call the title company (using a verified phone number from the title company's website) to confirm wiring instructions before initiating any transfer. This additional step is crucial in preventing fraud.

• 🚨 Always be skeptical: It is not common for title companies to change wiring instructions and payment information.

Encouraging your clients to be vigilant and proactive can prevent devastating financial losses. Please take immediate action to implement these precautions in your communications and processes.

Agents and staff handling settlement funds should also take these precautions when wiring funds to lenders, sellers, and other payees.

Resources for You and Your Clients

Advocus Flyers: Download and print, or use as links:

• For You: Wire Fraud Schemes – Don’t Fall Victim
• For Clients: Wire Fraud Alert

ALTA Video for Clients: Protect Your Money from Wire Fraud Schemes When Buying a Home

The following video was produced by the American Land Title Association (ALTA). Click the play symbol below to view; share with clients by copying and pasting this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek4TwC9owwY

We welcome further discussion of this topic with each of you. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

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