Don’t Get Scammed: How To Avoid Wire Fraud When Buying or Selling a Home in San Diego County

In a world increasingly digitized, your home purchase—especially in San Diego's luxury market—deserves both excitement and caution. Wire fraud in real estate is a rapidly growing threat, but with awareness and preparedness, you can protect your transaction and peace of mind. At San Diego Castles Realty, we’re committed to helping you stay informed, cautious, and confident throughout the closing process.

What Is Wire Fraud in Real Estate?

Wire fraud occurs when scammers impersonate trusted parties—such as your agent, title company, or lender—to trick you into wiring funds to fraudulent accounts. It's often orchestrated via fake emails or spoofed contacts. Sadly, the stakes are real: only about 22% of escrow fraud victims who reported incidents in 2020–2021 recovered all their funds. (Bankrate) Moreover, another report states that in 2020, a staggering 13,638 victims reported real-estate or rental-wire fraud—a 17% increase from the previous year.

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How Can You Spot It? Here Are 5 Key Red Flags

1. Last-minute changes in wiring instructions—and often emailed.
   Scammers love to strike right before the wire is due. Always be cautious of emails changing wiring info—especially if they come just before weekends or holidays.
   
   

2. Unexpected or impersonal requests that pressure you to act fast.
   If you receive an urgent message—particularly via email—or are pushed to act immediately, slow down and verify before proceeding.
   
   

3. Emails with subtle inconsistencies or suspicious sender addresses.
   Misspellings in addresses or slight variations in domains are red flags. Double-check the sender’s email and compare with known contacts.
   
   

4. Requests via email only—especially for sensitive financial instructions.
   Email isn’t secure. Your title company or agent should provide wiring instructions in person or via a secure channel—not solely by email.
   
   

5. No verification process—no call-back, no dual checks.
   Wire instructions should always be confirmed through a known phone number—not one embedded in the email—and ideally verified by multiple parties. 

Now, here are a few ways you can prepare and stay safe during your real estate closing: 

1. Discuss and document the closing process upfront.
   Be clear about steps, methods, and contact points before wiring begins. Request written confirmation of wiring protocols.
   
   

2. Write down all trusted contacts from the start.
   Record phone numbers and email addresses for your agent, title rep, lender, and attorney—and verify they’re accurate before transmitting any funds.
   
   

3. Always confirm wiring instructions by phone—using known numbers.
   If you get wiring details over email, call or visit in person using verified contact details. Don’t rely on what's in the message.
   
   

4. Use dual verification or multi-party approval—especially for high-value transactions.
   Implement a built-in safety check: have two authorized individuals confirm wiring details, or use secure title software platforms with verification tools.
   
   

5. Avoid wiring on Fridays or before holidays, if possible.
   These are prime windows for fraud. If unavoidable, insist on extra confirmation steps and a buffer time before moving funds.
   
   

6. Secure your devices and email accounts.
   Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and ensure your devices are protected—especially when handling transaction data.
   
   

7. Consider safer alternatives like cashier’s checks.
   A cashier’s check can often satisfy closing funding requirements, and it's easier to verify than a wire.
   
   

8. Stay educated—and ask questions.
   Nearly 60% of consumers received minimal or no education about wire fraud during closing. Don’t be in the dark—ask your agent to walk you through safety protocols.

Wire fraud is serious—but entirely preventable with the right knowledge and vigilance. At San Diego Castles Realty, we prioritize your safety at every step. Whether you're closing on a seaside estate in La Jolla or a modern luxury home in Del Mar, we’ll guide you with clear, secure protocols to protect your investment.

Ready to close confidently? Reach out today—let’s make your home-buying experience secure and rewarding.