Cybersecurity Guide for Homebuyers

Protecting Your Dream Home Purchase


Canyon Title is committed to keeping you and your transaction safe. Buying your home involves significant financial and personal information that cybercriminals actively target.


According to the FBI, more than 9,300 people were victims of real estate fraud in 2024, totaling over $170 million in reported losses. The good news? Being informed and vigilant can protect you.


Warning Signs You've Been Targeted


General Red Flags:

  • Internet searches redirect to unfamiliar websites
  • Frequent pop-ups despite ad blockers
  • Passwords stop working unexpectedly
  • Software was installed without your consent
  • Money missing from bank accounts


Real Estate-Specific Signs:

  • Emails with slightly altered addresses (like "o" instead of "0")
  • Pressure to act immediately without time to verify
  • Last-minute changes to previously received instructions • Requests to communicate outside established channels
  • Unexpected changes to closing costs or wire transfer instructions


Common Scams Targeting Homebuyers


Wire Fraud (Business Email Compromise)

The most common scam targets buyers. Criminals intercept communications and send fake wire transfer instructions, diverting your down payment or closing funds to their own accounts instead of the legitimate closing account.


Fake Listing Scams

Scammers create fraudulent property listings using stolen photos and information, collecting application fees and deposits from multiple prospective buyers for properties they don't own.


Mortgage Fraud

Criminals use your personal information to apply for mortgages in your name or manipulate your application information, potentially leaving you liable for loans you didn't authorize.


AI-Enhanced Phishing

Scammers now use artificial intelligence to create convincing emails and even fake voice calls that sound like your real estate agent, lender, or title company.


If You Think You've Been Hacked - Quick Action Steps


☐ Secure Accounts Immediately

  • Change all passwords (make them strong and unique)
  • Enable two-factor authentication • Contact Canyon Title to verify any recent communications


☐ Contact Financial Institutions

  • Call your bank immediately if your banking info may be compromised
  • Check for unauthorized transactions • Request account holds if necessary


☐ Clean Your Devices

  • Run full antivirus scans • Remove suspicious software
  • Update all security patches

☐ Alert Your Transaction Team

  • Contact Canyon Title immediately
  • Notify your real estate agent and lender
  • Tell friends/family not to click anything from your accounts


Protecting Yourself During Your Home Purchase


Canyon Title's Security Promise

We will NEVER ask for sensitive information via email. All necessary instructions, especially wire transfer details, are confirmed by phone using verified numbers.


Before Wiring Any Money:

  1. Always verify through a separate channel - call using numbers from your original documents
  2. Be suspicious of urgent requests or last-minute changes to wire instructions
  3. Never click links in transaction-related emails - type URLs directly
  4. Question unexpected communications about your purchase


Wire Transfer Safety:

  • Verify all wire instructions by phone before sending any money.
  • Use only the wire instructions provided at the beginning of your transaction.
  • Be extremely cautious of any last-minute changes to account numbers or routing information.
  • Send a small test amount first if your bank allows it.


Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Generic greetings instead of your name
  • Slight misspellings in email addresses
  • Requests for immediate action
  • Communication outside regular business hours
  • Pressure tactics ("wire now or lose the house")
  • Changes to previously provided wire instructions


Colorado Reporting Resources


If you become a victim, report immediately:


Immediate Actions:

  1. Contact your bank to stop fraudulent activity
  2. File a local police report
  3. Save all evidence (emails, screenshots, records)


Colorado Resources:

  • Colorado Attorney General: 800-222-4444 or file online
  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation: 24-hour fraud hotline: 1-855-443-3489
  • Colorado Division of Real Estate: dre.colorado.gov


Federal Resources:

  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
  • Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov


Canyon Title's Commitment to Your Security


How We Protect You:

  • Secure, encrypted communication systems
  • Multi-step verification for all critical changes, especially wire instructions
  • Regular staff security training
  • We never request sensitive info via email


How We Communicate:

  • Important information confirmed by verified phone calls
  • Secure document sharing systems only
  • Any transaction changes are verified through multiple channels
  • Wire instructions provided early and confirmed before closing


Our Promise:

Your security is our foundation. We continuously invest in the latest cybersecurity measures to protect your transactions.


When in doubt, call Canyon Title directly. We're here to ensure your home purchase is both successful and secure.


This guide is for educational purposes. For specific legal advice about cybersecurity or real estate fraud, consult qualified legal professionals.