Awareness is only a starting point in the fight against real estate wire fraud in 2026

It’s time to revisit an important topic in this space. While we haven’t addressed real estate scams since restarting our blog, wire fraud remains one of the most pressing concerns facing our industry today.

Much has continued to change as cybercriminals become more sophisticated and strategic in their approach. This reality was reinforced during a recent podcast conversation with Chris Morton, CEO of the American Land Title Association. As a proud member of both ALTA and the Ohio Land Title Association, Emerald Glen Title Agency believes that a strong, informed title industry ultimately benefits our customers and partners, so we’re taking this opportunity to amplify Morton’s message.

One key takeaway from Morton’s assessment of fraud in today’s real estate environment is clear. Awareness alone is no longer enough. “Awareness is important, but we have to do more than we are,” he noted. Below are two additional lessons he emphasized that real estate professionals of all kinds should keep top of mind.

Criminals will continue to get smarter. Scammers are no longer relying on outdated tactics. Today’s fraudsters operate as part of well-organized networks that actively leverage technology to exploit vulnerabilities in the transaction process. As Morton explained, “These are sophisticated criminals… taking advantage of every opportunity and gap that exists.” Because of this, it’s essential for real estate professionals to invest in modern security tools, verification processes and ongoing education to help reduce risk.

Refinance transactions are a growing target. With many industry professionals hopeful that 2026 will bring renewed refinance activity, this risk deserves particular attention. Morton highlighted recent data showing that fraud and forgery now account for 40 percent of total claims costs on refinances, more than double that of purchase transactions. The average fraud and forgery claim on a refinance is almost $207,000, making refinance fraud one of the fastest-growing threats in real estate today.

In conclusion, recognizing that fraud exists is an important first step, but action is what truly protects transactions. Real estate professionals can no longer rely solely on experience or general awareness. The year ahead demands stronger systems, better tools and clear communication among all parties involved. (We’re here to help provide all three.) To learn more about how we help safeguard your transactions, reach out to Emerald Glen Title Agency.  Our team is always just a phone call away.