Verify before sending funds
Always confirm wiring instructions with a trusted phone number you already know or have independently verified before sending money.
Wire fraud and security
Helpful guidance for protecting your escrow transaction.
Fraud attempts in real estate often rely on urgency, email impersonation, or last-minute changes to payment instructions. A careful verification step can help protect your transaction.
Security navigation
Use this page menu to move between prevention tips, red flags, and direct verification guidance.
Be cautious with email changes
Unexpected messages that change wiring instructions, account numbers, or payment timing should be treated as suspicious until confirmed directly.
Protect personal information
Use caution before sharing financial or personal information by email, especially if the request feels urgent, unusual, or inconsistent.
Act immediately if something seems wrong
If you believe fraud may have occurred, contact your bank and the escrow office right away so the situation can be addressed as quickly as possible.
Red flags
Situations that deserve a direct verification call.
Wire-fraud attempts often imitate normal transaction communication. If a message changes money instructions, creates pressure, or looks slightly different from prior communication, treat it carefully and confirm it directly.
A last-minute email changing wire instructions or account details
A phone number in the email that does not match the one you already know
An email address or website that looks almost correct but includes small spelling or domain differences
Pressure to act immediately without normal confirmation steps
If you suspect fraud
01
Pause the transfer and do not rely on the suspicious message.
02
Call your bank immediately if funds were sent and request urgent fraud assistance or a wire recall.
03
Contact South Hills Escrow using a trusted phone number or known email address.
04
Preserve the suspicious message and related details in case your bank or authorities request them.