Gracie Veronica had been saving up for the American Dream of owning a home. After becoming a U.S. citizen, she knew the next thing on her list was purchasing a home!
For ten years, she made efforts to save money for a down payment. From working two jobs to living with a roommate, everything she did was with this goal in mind.
Once she saved enough for her down payment, she started her home buying journey. She decided on a brand new home in Forest hill. She had a great time picking out the colors and finishes of her new home. “That was the biggest thing for me is the kitchen. I know it’s a little thing, but it’s a big thing for me.”
A Suspicious Email:
Leading up to her closing, Veronica received an email she thought came from her title company.
The email included information like her closing date, address, and the sender “knew” her title officer. When the email provided instructions to wire the downpayment and closing costs, Veronica didn’t think much of it. She sent approximately $45,000 to a bank in Arlington, Veronica.
She assumed her title company received the funds. Unfortunately, someone did receive the funds, but it wasn’t her title company.
Wire Fraud:
With a simple email, Veronica fell victim to wire fraud.
She shared, “It was an enormous amount of money, and I worked so hard. For someone to just come in a matter of seconds and take away something I’ve been saving up for years.”
With this, her home purchase was stuck in limbo.
Not the Only One:
Veronica is not the only one to fall victim to wire fraud. Many get caught up in the stress or excitement of a new home, and they don’t even realize the email is fake.
Fraudsters are getting smarter when it comes to making their emails look legitimate.
Experts recommend acting immediately if you think you are a fraud victim. If not intercepted within 24 hours, the money will likely be gone.
Anyone who receives a questionable email, contact the title company directly with a number you know is safe.
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/09/23/texan-buying-first-home-scammed-45k-bogus-email-title-company/