Wire & Cyber Fraud Notice
Cyber criminals are targeting real estate and mortgage transactions with fraudulent wire instructions. A few minutes of verification protects your funds.
Cyber criminals and hackers are targeting the email accounts of various parties involved in real estate transactions — escrow agents, mortgage brokers, and real estate brokers. Among other concerns, this can lead to fraudulent wire instructions being used to divert funds to the criminals’ bank accounts. These emails may look like legitimate messages from the proper party.
State Capital Mortgage strongly recommends that you and others working on your real estate or mortgage transaction refrain from placing any sensitive personal and financial information in an email, directly or through an email attachment. When you need to share Social Security numbers, bank accounts, credit card numbers, wiring instructions, or similar sensitive information, the brokerage recommends using more secure means — such as providing the information in person, over the phone, or through a secure, safeguarded delivery method whenever possible.
Most important
Never trust wiring instructions sent via email.
These emails are convincing and sophisticated. Always independently confirm wiring instructions in person or by telephone, using a trusted and verified phone number that you obtained on your own through your personal agent — never the phone number or contact information contained in the email. Never wire money without double-checking that the wiring instructions are correct.
Four habits that stop wire fraud.
Never trust wiring instructions sent by email
Cyber criminals hack email accounts and send convincing, sophisticated emails containing fake wiring instructions. Treat any wiring instructions or last-minute changes received by email as suspect until you have independently verified them.
Independently confirm by phone before you wire
Always confirm wiring instructions in person or by calling a trusted, verified phone number that you obtained on your own through your personal agent — not a number or contact found in the email itself.
Keep sensitive information out of email
Do not place Social Security numbers, bank accounts, credit card numbers, wiring instructions, or similar sensitive details in an email or an email attachment. Share them in person, over the phone, or through a secure, safeguarded delivery method instead.
Double-check every detail
Never wire money without double-checking that the wiring instructions are correct. A few minutes of verification can prevent an irreversible loss of funds.
Verify with us, then report it.
If you receive wiring instructions you weren’t expecting, or a request to change instructions, stop and call State Capital Mortgage directly at (702) 813-9000 to confirm before taking any action. If you believe you have been targeted by wire or cyber fraud, report it promptly:
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — Report wire fraud and business email compromise to the FBI.
- FTC — ReportFraud.ftc.gov — File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — Federal consumer complaint portal for mortgage issues.