As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is warning residents, real estate professionals, and homebuyers to be on high alert for real estate fraud, particularly wire fraud schemes that tend to spike during holiday weekends.
“Cybercriminals take advantage of holiday lulls, thinking that offices are short-staffed, and communications can be delayed,” said Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel. “One of the most common scams involves fake wire transfer instructions sent by email, often timed to coincide with real estate closings.”
These fraudulent emails often appear to come from trusted sources such as title companies, real estate agents, or attorneys. Scammers monitor email communications and, at the critical moment, often just before a closing, send revised instructions that redirect funds to a fraudulent account. Victims who fall for the scam can lose tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, with little chance of recovery.
Here are a couple of ways to help protect yourself:
- Always Verify Wire Instructions by Phone
- Be Wary of Last-Minute Changes
- Check Email Addresses Carefully
- Confirm Bank Details in Person or Through a Secure Portal
- Report Suspicious Emails Immediately
Reports can be made to the Financial Crimes Bureau between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To reach them, call 239-252-0070 or the Fraud Hotline at 239-252-2255. For assistance after hours, please call 239-252-9300.