The key point
Urgency is a reason to check.
Treat an unexpected account change or pressure to send money immediately as a signal to pause and verify. A familiar name, logo or email thread is not proof that the instructions are genuine.
Recognize the pattern.
Criminals may impersonate a title company, agent or other participant and send a convincing request for closing funds. A compromised email thread can make the request look connected to your real transaction.
Look carefully at the sender and the request, but do not rely on spelling or a familiar-looking message alone. Independent confirmation is the important next step.
Source: FBI: business email compromise
Before you send money
Establish your contacts in advance.
Save the names and trusted phone numbers of the people who can confirm the transaction and payment process.
Call using an independently verified number.
Do not use the phone number, link or reply address supplied in the suspicious message.
Confirm the actual instructions.
Check the intended recipient and payment details with your established contact, including any proposed changes.
Keep sensitive information out of ordinary messages.
Ask the closing team for its approved delivery method. Do not send bank details, identity documents or payment instructions through website chat.
If you suspect a fraudulent transfer
Contact your bank or wire-transfer provider immediately and ask about stopping or recalling the transfer. Tell your established closing contact what happened, and report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Act promptly even if you are still checking the details. Reporting quickly may help, but recovery is not guaranteed.
Source: FBI: reporting business email compromise
Report an incident to IC3Use a trusted channel.
If a message claims to come from FL Title, compare it with the contact information you independently established for your transaction. Ask your known team member to verify the request before taking action.
This guide provides fraud-prevention information. It does not contain account details or authorize any transfer.
FL Title office contact informationGeneral educational information. Your transaction documents and the guidance of your closing team, lender and advisers determine what applies to your file.