Beware of Mortgage Fraud

The months leading up to the purchase of a new home are super-busy. There’s so much to do! 

While tending to everything on your list, be careful not to let your guard down. A recent uptick in mortgage fraud means house hunters need to be extra vigilant. 

Here’s what you need to know about mortgage fraud: 

How it works 

You’ve picked out a property, and you’re now preparing for closing. Here’s where the hacker steps in.

If you’re targeted, you’ll get an email appearing to be from your real estate firm or title company. It’s telling you there’s been a last-minute change in the closing process. It will then instruct you to wire your closing fees, or even your entire down payment, to a specified account. Alternatively, you’ll be asked to share account information so the company can withdraw the fees independently.

Of course, the email is bogus, and the account belongs to the scammer. In minutes, you can lose tens of thousands of dollars.

To make the emails appear genuine, the hackers crack passwords of authentic companies and help themselves to lists of clients who are currently using these firms. They even appear to be emails from the companies, so there’s little reason to be suspicious.

Red flags

Learn how to spot a fake email and hold onto your money. Here’s what to look for: 

1. Pre-closing payments.  Most closing-related fees aren’t due until the day of the actual closing.
2. Wire transfers. Mortgage brokers and realtors won’t insist that you wire funds. They’ll happily accept a personal check, or even cash.
3. Email.  Professionals will never ask you to send financial information via email.
   

If you’re targeted

If you receive an email from your real estate firm or title company asking you to wire funds, do not respond. Verify the email’s legitimacy by contacting the company on your own.

Do not click on any embedded links or respond directly to the email. Instead, open up a new message and email them directly. You can also call the company by using the phone number you’ve used in the past.

When the scam is confirmed, take these steps to protect yourself and others in the future:

• Delete the suspicious email
• Alert your real estate firm and title company
• Tell your house-hunting friends about the scam
• Alert the FTC at ftc.gov.

If you’ve already wired money to the scammer, you can still mitigate the damage.

If you’ve sent the money through Mutual Security Credit Union, ask us about a wire recall immediately. If you’ve used a wire transfer company, you can’t reclaim the funds but you can call their complaint line to alert them of the scam.

If you’re in the market for a new home, be extra vigilant. Don’t let this exciting time become a nightmare! 

Your Turn: Have you been targeted by mortgage fraud? Share your experience with us in the comments!