How to Avoid Fraud in Real Estate Transactions: Tips from Sun National Title Company

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make—and unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common targets for fraud. Real estate transactions involve large sums of money and sensitive personal information, making them prime opportunities for scammers to strike.

At Sun National Title Company, we take the security of our clients’ transactions seriously. Our mission is to protect homebuyers, sellers, and lenders from the growing threat of real estate fraud. Here’s what you need to know to keep your property transaction safe.

1. Understand the Most Common Types of Real Estate Fraud

Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, but knowledge is your best defense. Here are the most common scams we see:

• Wire Fraud: Criminals hack into email accounts or spoof legitimate ones to trick buyers or sellers into sending funds to fake accounts.

• Seller Impersonation Fraud: Scammers forge documents to transfer ownership of a property without the owner’s knowledge.

• Mortgage Fraud: False information is submitted on loan applications to secure larger loans or better terms.

• Phishing Scams: Fake emails that appear to be from real estate agents, title companies, or lenders request personal or financial information.

  
  

2. Always Verify Wire Instructions

Before sending any money, confirm wire transfer details by phone using a verified number from your title company or from the phone number that is on your contract — not one from an email. At Sun National Title, we never change wiring instructions via email, and we encourage our clients to always double-check before sending funds.

3. Protect Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive details such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or login credentials through email or text. Secure communication portals and in-person document verification are always safer alternatives.

4. Watch for Red Flags

Be alert to warning signs that something might be off:

• You receive last-minute changes to wiring instructions.

• The sender’s email address looks slightly different from the official one.

• You feel pressured to act quickly.

• There are grammatical or spelling errors in correspondence.

If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and contact your title company immediately.

5. Work with a Trusted Title Company

Partnering with a reputable, locally based title company is one of the best ways to prevent fraud. At Sun National Title Company, we use advanced verification technology, encrypted communication systems, and secure document handling to protect every transaction from start to finish.

Our experienced team reviews every closing detail carefully to ensure accuracy, transparency, and peace of mind for our clients.

6. Educate Yourself and Your Team

If you’re a real estate professional, educate your clients and staff about the latest fraud tactics. The more people involved who understand how scams work, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed.

Stay Safe and Secure with Sun National Title Company

Real estate fraud can happen to anyone — but with vigilance, verification, and the right title company on your side, you can protect your investment and close with confidence.

At Sun National Title Company, our team is dedicated to ensuring your property transaction is safe, smooth, and fully protected from start to finish.

📞 Contact us today at 239-334-3321 to learn more about how we safeguard your closing process and protect what matters most — your home.