Closing week can bring a busy inbox, a moving schedule and pressure to finish tasks quickly. That makes it a good time to slow down before sending money. A convincing message can still contain fraudulent instructions.
Set up verification early
Ask your escrow team how you should independently confirm payment instructions. Save a trusted telephone number obtained through a reliable source before funds are due. Do not rely on a phone number supplied in the message that you are trying to verify.
Treat an unexpected request to change an account or rush a transfer as a reason to stop and call. Confirming the instructions through a separate, trusted channel is a useful habit even when the email includes familiar names or accurate transaction details.
Make the habit easy to follow
Tell everyone involved in sending funds that verification comes before payment. Keep the trusted contact information somewhere accessible outside your email account. If you will be traveling, plan how you will make that call without being rushed.
Ask your bank about its transfer process and allow time for questions. A closing deadline does not make an unverified instruction safe.
Act immediately if something seems wrong
If you believe money was sent to a fraudulent account, contact your bank or transfer provider immediately and report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Alert your escrow team through a trusted number as well. Recovery is not guaranteed. Quick action and clear communication are more useful than waiting to see whether a suspicious message resolves itself.