Wire fraud
Criminals send fake wiring instructions that appear to come from your title company or agent. Always call a verified phone number before wiring.
Foreclosure rescue scams
Be wary of anyone who asks for upfront fees to save your home or asks you to sign over your deed. Contact a HUD-approved counselor instead.
How to protect yourself from wire fraud, foreclosure rescue scams and identity theft during a mortgage.
Identity protection
Send documents through secure portals, not regular email.
Report fraud
Report internet crime to the FBI’s IC3 and fraud to the FTC.
Verify wiring instructions
Before wiring closing funds, call your settlement agent at a phone number you found independently, not one in an email, and confirm the account details. Scammers often send look-alike emails with changed instructions.
If you wired to a scammer
Contact your bank immediately and ask it to recall the wire, then report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Speed matters.
Upfront fee scams
Be wary of anyone who asks for payment before helping with a loan modification or foreclosure relief, tells you to stop talking to your servicer, or asks you to sign over your deed.
Free help
HUD-approved housing counselors provide free or low-cost advice.
Report
Report fraud to the FTC and the CFPB.
General education only; confirm current rules with official sources and a licensed lender.
Sources
Sources checked 10/23/2026.