The problem
Why this matters
Wire transfers are irreversible. Before you send one in a real estate transaction, run through this checklist. Every item represents a fraud vector that has cost someone everything — and takes less than five minutes to verify.
The Pre-Wire Security Checklist
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Verify the recipient independently: Look up the title company, attorney, or escrow holder on their official website. Confirm their phone number is listed there — not in any email you've received.
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Call to confirm, using the number you found: Call the verified number and ask the escrow officer to read back the routing and account number. Write it down. Compare it to what's in the email.
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Check the email sender's domain carefully: Fraudulent emails often use domains that look nearly identical to legitimate ones — 'titlecompany-closings.com' instead of 'titlecompany.com'. Look closely at every character.
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Confirm the transaction timeline: Call your real estate agent and ask if wiring today is expected based on the closing schedule. An unexpected wire request outside the normal timeline is a fraud signal.
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Question any last-minute changes: If you received any 'updated' wiring instructions in the last 48 hours, treat this as a potential fraud attempt until you've verified it by phone. Most legitimate wiring instructions don't change.
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Wire only the amount in the executed agreement: Compare the wire amount to your final closing disclosure. Any unexplained discrepancy should stop the process until clarified.
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Get confirmation before leaving the bank: Ask your bank for a wire confirmation number. If the wire doesn't appear to have gone through correctly, contact your bank immediately — not after checking email.
Verification steps for rental property acquisitions
- Even for a title company you've worked with before, verify wiring instructions for each new transaction independently
- Never wire based on a previous transaction's instructions — account details can change between deals
- Post-close, establish the property management company's payment details through Garded before your first rent disbursement
Use Garded to Make This Checklist Unnecessary
When wiring instructions are delivered through Garded, email interception is off the table. Free to start.
Get started free No credit card required · Set up in minutesCommon questions
What if I already sent the wire to the wrong account?
Call your bank immediately and ask to initiate a wire recall. Contact the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov within 24 hours. Speed is critical — the longer you wait, the lower the recovery chance.
Is it normal for wiring instructions to change close to closing?
Rarely, and only with strong verification. If instructions change within 48 hours of closing, call your title company and agent at verified numbers before doing anything.
Should I bring a printed copy of this checklist to closing?
Absolutely. Having a physical checklist makes the verification steps feel standard — and signals to everyone in the transaction that you take wire security seriously.