Verify Closing Instructions and Avoid Wire Scams

Recognize the high-risk moment

Closing scams often target buyers near closing, as CFPB warns in its homebuying resources. Treat any changed payment instruction as unverified until confirmed through a known contact method, not the phone number or link in the message.

• Do not reply to the suspicious message or use a number it supplies.
• Use a phone number from a trusted earlier document or verified website.
• Ask the settlement professional to confirm the full instruction through the independent channel.

Use a two-channel check

Before sending funds, obtain the settlement professional’s name and known contact information from a trusted source, call that number, and confirm the instructions verbally. Then compare the confirmed information with the written instruction. If any detail conflicts, stop and ask the professional how to proceed. A hypothetical message that changes only the account number is still a material change; the correct response is verification, not a judgment based on formatting or tone.

• Confirm recipient, routing details and amount using the trusted callback.
• Record who confirmed the instructions and when.
• Tell the relevant professionals promptly if a message appears suspicious.

Escalate quickly if money was sent

Contact the bank or wire service immediately if a transfer may have gone to the wrong destination, then notify the settlement professional and follow their guidance. This page is consumer education, not bank, legal or fraud-recovery advice. The bank and relevant authorities can advise on an active incident.