Wire Fraud Is Targeting Home Buyers: How Real Estate Pros Can Help Stop It

You play a critical role in warning clients about the dangers.

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Wire fraud is a growing threat in real estate, and it’s catching buyers, sellers, and even seasoned professionals off guard. “The threat is large and growing,” says Tom Cronkright II, a real estate broker and co-founder of the fraud prevention firm CertifID.

Consider, one in four consumers report receiving suspicious messages during a real estate transaction. One in 20 consumers falls victim to a scam, according to CertifID’s 2025 State of Wire Fraud Report. What’s more, first-time home buyers are three times more likely to fall victim to a scam, as fraudsters target their inexperience.

Consumers are looking to their real estate agent to warn them about the dangers: 35% say it’s up to their real estate agent to educate them about the dangers of wire fraud. Eighty percent say they’d even pay more to work with an agent who shows they prioritize their security on such matters.  

Awareness Remains Low

Despite increasing threats, half of buyers still start their home search unaware that wire fraud is even a risk, CertifID’s report finds. And while that’s up from 20% just five years ago, Cronkright says the industry still has a long way to go. “This isn’t just a tech problem—it’s a communication problem,” he says. “We need to walk clients through the risk and help them know what to expect before money is ever transferred.”

Real Estate Professionals Can Lead the Charge

Real estate agents, title professionals, and lenders all have a role to play in creating a united front against wire fraud, Cronkright says. Here are steps professionals can take to protect their clients and themselves from wire fraud scams.

1. Start the Conversation Early

Include wire fraud warnings in buyer and seller packets. Use checklists, written disclosures, and client acknowledgment forms to reinforce awareness from day one.

2. Walk Clients Through the Process

Use listing or buyer presentations to explain each step in the money transfer process. Clarify when and how wiring instructions will be shared and what red flags to watch for.

3. Promote Verification Protocols

Train clients to always verify wire instructions using a known phone number—never one pulled from an email. Encourage encrypted communication and secure portals whenever possible.

4. Partner with Trustworthy Professionals

Only work with title companies and attorneys who demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices. Check out The Coalition to Stop Real Estate Wire Fraud, which provides free education and resources.

Cronkright emphasizes that the burden shouldn’t fall on your clients alone. “The consumer shouldn’t have to piece together a fragmented fraud prevention strategy,” he says. “It’s on us—as agents, brokers, title professionals, and lenders—to provide a unified front against this growing threat.”

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