As our EMTAR members are well aware, buying a home usually involves one of the largest financial transactions an individual or family will ever make.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals know that too.

That’s why wire fraud continues to be one of the most serious cybersecurity threats facing the real estate industry.

According to 2025 FBI data recently highlighted by the National Association of REALTORS, more than 12,000 real-estate-related cybercrime complaints were reported, with approximately $275 million in losses. That was up from about $174 million in 2024 and $145 million in 2023.

Behind those numbers are real buyers, sellers, and families, many of them looking either to sell or buy a home here in Eastern Middle Tennessee.

And in many cases, the scam can begin with an email that looks completely legitimate.

A criminal may gain access to an email account or collect information about a pending transaction. The fraudster then waits until money is about to move.

At just the right moment, the criminal sends fraudulent or altered wiring instructions while posing as a title company, attorney, lender, REALTOR, or another trusted participant in the transaction.

The buyer follows what appears to be a legitimate request.

The money goes somewhere else.

One of the most important things REALTORS can communicate to clients is also one of the simplest and most basic: Never rely solely on an email or text when transferring money.

NAR recommends independently verifying wiring instructions with the intended recipient, preferably in person or by calling a trusted telephone number you obtained independently—not a number included in the questionable communication.

Last-minute changes deserve particular attention.

If wiring instructions suddenly change, stop.

Verify.

And encourage your clients to do the same.

This is also a conversation worth having early in the process.

Our REALTOR members know that it’s not wise to wait until the day before closing to mention wire fraud. Explain the risk to buyers at the beginning of the transaction. Let them know how important financial instructions will normally be communicated and whom they should contact if they receive something unexpected.

Cybersecurity shouldn’t create fear around the closing process.

It should create awareness.

A knowledgeable client is more likely to recognize something unusual, ask a question, and pause before sending money to the wrong place.

REALTORS guide clients through contracts, inspections, negotiations, financing, and closing requirements every day throughout Wilson, Smith, and DeKalb counties.

Helping clients understand the risk of wire fraud is one more way to provide professional guidance throughout that journey.

When thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars are about to move, taking an extra minute to verify is time well spent.

About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,200+ REALTORS are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.