What Should You Do if Real Estate Wire Instructions Change?
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
Treat any change to wiring instructions as a major fraud warning. Stop and verify the change independently before sending money.
Which changes are concerning?
- New bank
- New account number
- New beneficiary
- Different country
- Different escrow or title company
- New telephone number
- Urgent same-day deadline
- Request to keep the change confidential
- Request to split payments
- Switch to cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps
A legitimate change can occur, but it must be verified securely.
What should you not do?
- Reply only to the suspicious email
- Call the number in that message
- Trust caller ID
- Accept urgency as proof
- Let someone stay on the phone while you log into banking
- Share security codes
- Approve remote access to your device
Frequently Asked Questions
Can escrow change banks?
A legitimate organization may make operational changes, but consumers must independently verify any new instructions.
Does a matching logo prove authenticity?
No.
Should I forward the suspicious message?
Preserve it and follow professional and law-enforcement guidance without clicking links or opening new attachments.
Educational information
Never send money merely because a message appears urgent.
Use your previously verified contact information to confirm the request directly with the settlement provider.
Wire-fraud warning
Always verify wire instructions by telephone using a known, independently confirmed number. Never rely on email instructions alone. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank, escrow, your agent and law enforcement immediately.
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The next step is a conversation with a local agent.
JC Pacific Corp is an Irvine-based Southern California brokerage helping buyers navigate offers, escrow, and financing. Tell us what you are looking for and we will point you to current options across the region.
A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.