Wire Fraud Is Targeting Homebuyers and Sellers – And Most Don’t Even Know It’s Happening

By , on May 14th, 2025
St Louis Real Estate Wire Fraud - 2025 Report

If you’re buying or selling a home in 2025, there’s a hidden threat you need to be aware of: wire fraud. According to the newly released State of Wire Fraud 2025 report by CertifID, 1 in 4 consumers reported receiving suspicious or fraudulent communication during their real estate transaction—and nearly 1 in 20 fell victim.

In 2024 alone, these scams resulted in nearly $500 million in losses. The method? Criminals impersonate trusted figures in the transaction—with real estate agents being the top target, mentioned by 58% of victims. Title agents were Continue Reading →

Protect Your Home Equity: Wire Fraud Risks for Homeowners with Lines of Credit

By , on January 3rd, 2025
Wire Fraud - Heloc Fraud - Stolen Homeowners Equity

The Risks of HELOC Wire Fraud: A Case Study for St. Louis Homeowners

A recent lawsuit, Skertich vs. Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing and Alliant Credit Union, highlights alarming vulnerabilities in Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) when it comes to wire fraud. According to the complaint, a fraudulent wire transfer amounting to $425,650 was authorized using counterfeit documents and improper verification processes. Despite clear red flags, such as mismatched signatures and suspicious IP addresses, the financial institutions involved processed the transaction. This serves as a stark reminder for homeowners in St. Louis and beyond to exercise caution with HELOC accounts.

The Continue Reading →