Florida Real Estate Wire Fraud and Seller Fraud: Protecting the Closing Process

Tue 30th Jun, 2026 | Blog by WWMR, in Florida real estate closing attorney, Florida real estate closings, Florida real estate wire fraud, real estate fraud, real estate transactions, seller impersonation fraud, Southwest Florida real estate, title company fraud, vacant land fraud, wire fraud prevention

Florida real estate wire fraud and seller impersonation fraud pose significant threats to real estate transactions, and unfortunately, those threats are not going away any time soon..

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of wire fraud and other cyber-enabled financial crimes have increased, driven in part by the widespread shift to remote work, electronic communications, and virtual closings.

As fraud schemes become more sophisticated—often targeting communications between real estate agents, lenders, attorneys, and closing agents—protecting client funds requires vigilance at every stage of the transaction. From contract execution through closing, Florida real estate closing attorneys and closing professionals play a critical role in implementing safeguards that reduce risk and protect all parties involved.

Florida Real Estate Wire Fraud Risk

Florida real estate wire fraud is part of a broader rise in real estate-related cybercrime. According to the National Association of REALTORS®’ summary of FBI data, cyber criminals stole more than $275 million through real estate-related fraud from at least 12,368 victims in 2025, up from $173 million in losses and 9,521 complaints in 2024.

Florida is one of the states most affected by cyber-enabled fraud and internet crime, including schemes that target real estate transactions.

Fraudsters frequently exploit email communications, posing as trusted parties to deliver fraudulent wiring instructions at critical moments in a transaction. These schemes are highly effective because they rely not only on timing and familiarity, but most importantly, urgency.

Five Safeguards Every Transaction Should Reinforce

A single compromised email—or a convincing spoof—can result in the irreversible transfer of funds. Effective prevention requires a coordinated approach among attorneys, closing agents, and real estate professionals. The following safeguards should be treated as standard practice:

1. Educate buyers about possible scams.

Many brokers are requiring a signed disclosure to acknowledge the risk of wire fraud.

2. Include a wire fraud notice in your email signature.

For example, the following is included in every outgoing email that our firm transmits.

Woods, Weidenmiller, Michetti & Rudnick, LLP (WWMR) does not send nor receive wire instructions via unsecured email without confirming information via reciprocating telephone calls or direct person to person contact. Under no circumstances should you send any funds to any party without first calling WWMR at 239-325-4070 and verifying the accuracy of wire instructions provided to you. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make every effort we can to protect your interests.

3. Never send wire instructions through unsecured email.

Never send wire instructions or any personal or financial information via unsecured or unencrypted email.

4. Verify wire instructions by phone.

Verify wire instructions with a phone number independently obtained.

5. Use smart email practices.

Use smart email practices, including strong passwords, careful review of sender email addresses, and calling the sender if there is any uncertainty.

Wire Fraud Schemes Becoming More Sophisticated

In many modern wire fraud schemes, fraudsters do far more than simply send a misleading email. Increasingly, bad actors create entirely fictitious transaction infrastructures designed to appear legitimate to buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders. Common tactics include fraudsters impersonating REALTORS®, attorneys, or title companies using nearly identical email addresses.

Fake Title Company Scam

Recently, our firm became aware of a new trend in which fraudsters establish a bogus title company that prepares fraudulent closing documents, title commitments, payoff statements, wiring instructions, and other transaction materials that closely resemble authentic documents used in legitimate closings.

Last-Minute Changes to Wiring Instructions

Another major warning sign is any change to wiring instructions after the closing agent has received an initial deposit.

A typical scheme we see is that a buyer receives “urgent” instructions claiming that wiring details have changed shortly before closing, or that the closing agent will not begin to prepare closing documents until all cash to close is received, which is simply not how transactions operate.

Seller Impersonation Fraud in Vacant Land Transactions

Florida has also experienced a rise in so-called “Seller Impersonation Fraud,” including schemes targeting vacant land transactions.

In these schemes, fraudsters pose as the legitimate property owner, often targeting vacant or unoccupied land parcels that are less likely to attract immediate attention. Using forged identification documents, fake email accounts, and fraudulent signatures, the impostor attempts to sell the property before the true owner becomes aware of the transaction.

Vacant or unoccupied parcels can be attractive targets because they may involve fewer inspections, remote communications, and less face-to-face interaction. Careful due diligence is therefore essential, including:

• Verification of the seller’s identity
• Review of ownership history
• Confirmation of notarizations and transfer documents

Early detection and thorough verification procedures remain critical safeguards against these increasingly sophisticated schemes.

Red Flags to Watch

Warning signs can appear in emails, documents, timing, or seller behavior. Parties to a Florida real estate transaction should watch for red flags such as:

• Last-minute changes to wiring instructions
• “Urgent” requests before closing
• Nearly identical email addresses
• Bogus title company communications
• Closing documents from unfamiliar contacts
• Vacant land seller avoiding direct verification
• Suspicious ID, notarization, or signature issues

Fraud Prevention Is a Team Effort

Preventing fraud requires vigilance and cooperation from every party involved in the transaction.

Attorneys and closing agents must implement secure protocols and educate clients throughout the closing process, while real estate agents should reinforce fraud warnings and remain alert to suspicious communications or last-minute changes.

Clients and customers, in turn, should independently verify all wiring instructions before transmitting funds.

Through a coordinated and proactive approach, parties can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and help ensure a secure and successful closing.