High riskBank & Payment Scams

Real Estate Wire Fraud Scam

During a property purchase, criminals who have gained access to a hacked estate agent, solicitor or title company email account send fake or 'updated' wiring instructions. The aim is to divert your deposit or closing funds into an account they control. Because the email appears to come from a trusted party at exactly the right moment in the transaction, these messages can be very convincing. Always verify any payment details by phone using a number you already know.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Business email compromise scam
Main red flag
A last-minute email changes the bank account or wiring instructions for your deposit or closing funds.
What to do first
Do not send anything yet. Call your solicitor or agent on a number you already have on file and confirm the details out loud.

What this scam usually looks like

During a property purchase, criminals who have gained access to a hacked estate agent, solicitor or title company email account send fake or 'updated' wiring instructions. The aim is to divert your deposit or closing funds into an account they control. Because the email appears to come from a trusted party at exactly the right moment in the transaction, these messages can be very convincing. Always verify any payment details by phone using a number you already know.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Hi, please note our bank has updated our client account details. Use the NEW account below for your deposit. Disregard any previous instructions. Time-sensitive, completion is scheduled for tomorrow. Confirm once sent: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • Wiring or account details change suddenly, often described as 'updated', 'new' or 'corrected' close to completion.
  • Pressure to send funds urgently before a deadline, discouraging you from pausing to verify.
  • Instructions arrive by email only, with a request to ignore previously confirmed details.
  • The sender's email address has subtle changes, or the reply-to differs from the firm's usual address.
  • You are asked to confirm the transfer via a link or to keep the change confidential.

What to do

  • Verify all payment instructions by phoning your solicitor, agent or title company on a number you sourced independently, not one in the email.
  • Confirm the account name, sort code and account number verbally, and ask staff to read them back to you.
  • Send a small test transfer first where possible, then confirm receipt by phone before sending the balance.
  • Keep written records of every confirmed instruction and who you spoke to, in case a dispute arises.

If you already clicked or replied

  • Contact your bank immediately and ask whether the transfer can be recalled or frozen, as speed matters.
  • Phone your solicitor and agent on known numbers to alert them their account may be compromised.
  • Report it to your local police or fraud reporting service and keep the reference number.
  • Change passwords on any account that may have been exposed and enable two-factor authentication.

What not to do

  • Do not rely on phone numbers or links contained in the email asking you to change details.
  • Do not send closing funds based on emailed instructions alone without a verbal check.
  • Do not assume an email is genuine just because it quotes correct names, figures or case references.

Similar scams

Medium risk Email

Fake Invoice Email Scam

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.
High risk Email

CEO Fraud Scam

CEO fraud, a form of business email compromise, involves a scammer pretending to be a senior leader and pressuring an employee to move money or buy gift cards quickly and quietly. The email often mimics the executive's name and writing style, claims they are busy or travelling, and stresses secrecy. Because it exploits authority and urgency, even careful staff can be caught out. Slowing down and verifying any unusual payment request through a known channel is the most reliable defence.
High risk Rental

Rental Deposit Scam

This scam advertises a desirable rental at a low price and demands a deposit before any viewing, then disappears once you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Why would my solicitor's email send fake bank details?
Criminals often gain access to a real email account belonging to an agent, solicitor or title company, or spoof it convincingly. The message may look genuine because it comes from a familiar address, which is why verifying by phone is so important.
Can I get my money back after a wire transfer?
Recovery is sometimes possible if you act within hours, so contact your bank straight away. Once funds are withdrawn or moved abroad, recovery becomes much harder, which is why prevention and verification matter most.
How can I verify wiring instructions safely?
Call the firm using a number from their official website, a prior letter or your signed contract, never a number in the suspicious email. Confirm the account details verbally before sending any funds.
Are small test transfers worth doing?
A small test transfer, confirmed received by phone before you send the rest, can help reduce risk. It is not a guarantee, but it adds a useful checkpoint during a high-value payment.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.