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Wire Fraud at Closing: How DFW Buyers Got Scammed

In 2025, FBI data shows real estate wire fraud losses exceeded $400M nationally. DFW had multiple cases where buyers wired $50K-300K to scammers who intercepted closing attorney emails. Here's how it works and how to protect yourself.

Researched by the TruReport editorial team · Updated 2026-07-31 · Editorial standards

How the Scam Works

The typical pattern:

  • Scammer compromises the title company or buyer's agent email (phishing or credential stuffing)
  • Days before closing, buyer receives an email that looks like it's from the title company with "updated wire instructions"
  • The new account is the scammer's - once wired, funds are moved overseas within hours
  • By the time anyone notices, the money is unrecoverable

How to Protect Yourself

Every DFW buyer should:

  • NEVER wire funds based on emailed instructions alone - always call the title company at a number from their official website (not the email)
  • Ask your title company to confirm wire instructions in person at the title office
  • Enable email encryption between you and your agent/title company
  • Consider using a cashier's check instead of wire transfer for closings under $100K

Full Guide Contents

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Full guide includes: 2 anonymized DFW case studies, an email header analysis tutorial, and a pre-closing security checklist you can give your title company.

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Spotted an error, missing data, or a suspected scam in this guide? [email protected] - or run a free scam check.