Picture this:
Sarah, a hardworking real estate agent, spent months helping a young couple find their dream home. After countless showings, inspections, and late-night calls, closing day was finally around the corner. Everyone was excited.
Then, disaster struck.
💻 The Hack
A week before closing, Sarah received what looked like a routine email from the title company. It asked her to “update wiring instructions.” It looked legit—same logo, same style, even the usual contact’s name.
But it wasn’t real. It was a phishing email sent by hackers who had been quietly watching her inbox for weeks. When Sarah clicked the link and entered her login details, the hackers had everything they needed.
💰 The Fallout
The hackers used Sarah’s account to send fake wiring instructions to her buyers. Believing it came from Sarah, they wired $150,000 to a fraudulent account. By the time anyone noticed, the money was gone.
- The buyers were devastated
- The closing got delayed for months
- Sarah’s reputation took a huge hit
- Legal battles and insurance claims dragged on
🛑 How This Could Have Been Prevented
Here’s what Sarah (and all agents) can learn from this:
1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even if hackers steal your password, 2FA stops them cold by requiring a second verification code.
2. Verify Wiring Instructions by Phone
Never rely on email alone for wiring details. Call the title company or escrow office directly to confirm.
3. Use a Secure Email Platform
Business-class email with encryption and advanced phishing detection makes attacks harder to pull off.
4. Regular Cybersecurity Training
Agents need to know how to spot suspicious emails, links, and logins. A few hours of training can save thousands.
💬 Final Word
Sarah’s story isn’t rare—it’s happening more often than you think. Hackers know real estate deals involve big money and tight deadlines, making agents prime targets.
Don’t let it happen to you. Take a few minutes today to lock down your accounts, learn the red flags, and protect your clients’ hard-earned money.
Because in real estate, trust is everything—and cybersecurity is how you protect it. 🔐