Dear Member,

Cybercrime continues to target real estate professionals and their clients through increasingly sophisticated scams, including spoofed emails, fraudulent wire instructions, and impersonation schemes. These attacks can be both financially and professionally devastating.

Because real estate involves large financial transfers and constant email communication, scammers often target buyers, sellers, and agents with messages that look legitimate, but are designed to reroute funds.

As a reminder, never trust wire instructions sent via email without verifying through a known, trusted contact.

Scammers may:

• Hack or spoof an email account to impersonate you or another party in a transaction.
• Send fake wire instructions that appear authentic.
• Create urgency to pressure clients into acting quickly.

Once funds are sent to the wrong account, they are often impossible to recover.

To further reduce your risk, here are a few key steps to follow:

• Never rely on email alone for wiring instructions.
• Verbally confirm all transfer details using a known, trusted phone number, not one from an email signature.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on every business account.
• Discuss wire fraud risk at the beginning of the relationship so clients know what to expect.

Review the NAR Cybersecurity Checklist and read MAR’s blog post on this topic here.

By combining safe showing practices with intentional cybersecurity and financial controls, you help safeguard your clients’ investments and your professional reputation.

Thank you for your continued commitment to professionalism and consumer protection.

Sincerely,

Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®