Wire Fraud in Southern Indiana Real Estate Closings: How to Protect Your Money Before You Wire Funds

Published:  Feburary 22. 2026

Wire fraud is now the #1 financial threat in real estate transactions across the United States — and Southern Indiana is not immune.

At closing, buyers are often wiring large sums of money. Cybercriminals know this. They monitor email conversations, impersonate trusted parties, and send fraudulent wire instructions that look legitimate.

Once funds are wired to a fraudulent account, recovery is difficult — and sometimes impossible.

Here’s what every buyer, seller, REALTOR®, and lender needs to understand before closing.

How Real Estate Wire Fraud Happens

Wire fraud typically follows this pattern:

1. A hacker gains access to someone’s email (agent, buyer, lender, or vendor).

2. They monitor communication quietly.

3. Just before closing, they send “updated” wire instructions.

4. The buyer wires funds — but to the criminal’s account.

The email often looks real. The logo is correct. The tone sounds professional. The timing feels right.

The only thing wrong? The wiring instructions.

Why This Is Increasing in Southern Indiana & Greater Louisville

Real estate transactions involve:

• Large dollar amounts

• Time pressure

• Multiple parties

• Digital communication

That combination creates opportunity for cybercriminals.

Locally owned title companies must have strict internal controls, verification processes, and client education systems in place to prevent fraud before it happens.

At Aristocrat Title, wire protection is part of our closing process — not an afterthought.

How to Protect Yourself Before Wiring Funds

These are non-negotiable safeguards:

1. Always Call to Verify Wire Instructions

Before sending any wire:

Call the title company or your bank using a trusted, independently verified phone number.

Do not use:

• The phone number listed in the email with the wiring instructions

• A number provided in a last-minute message

• A number embedded in a forwarded email

Instead:

• Visit our official website directly:
  👉 https://aristocrattitle.com

• Use the phone number published there

• Or call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit card or official website

If the number came from the email containing wiring instructions, do not trust it.

2. Do Not Accept Last-Minute Changes by Email

Aristocrat Title does not change wiring instructions via email.

If you receive “updated” instructions:
Stop. Call immediately.

3. Confirm All Details Before Sending

Verify:

• Account name

• Bank name

• Routing number

• Account number

One incorrect digit can redirect funds permanently.

What Aristocrat Title Does to Protect Clients

Our team implements:

• Verified wiring instruction protocols

• Secure communication procedures

• Internal compliance standards

• Staff training on fraud detection

• Clear client education prior to closing

You can learn more about our closing procedures here:
👉 https://aristocrattitle.com/closing-process

You can also review our Wire Fraud Warning page here:
👉 https://aristocrattitle.com/wire-fraud-warning

What To Do If You Believe You Sent a Fraudulent Wire

Time is critical.

Immediately:

1. Contact your bank and request a wire recall.

2. Notify the title company.

3. Contact local law enforcement.

4. File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery.

Closing With Confidence Means Protecting the Funds

Wire fraud is preventable — but only when everyone remains vigilant.

Security is not optional. It is part of professional responsibility.

Aristocrat Title provides trusted, locally owned closing services throughout Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville. To schedule a closing, call 812.282.8704.

Closing with confidence.