Wire fraud warning

Real estate closings are one of the most common targets for wire fraud. Criminals hack into or imitate the email accounts of title companies, real estate agents and lenders, then send buyers convincing messages with “updated” wiring instructions. Money wired to a criminal’s account is very difficult to recover.

How we send wiring instructions

Maryland First Title sends wiring instructions by email. Because email can be faked or intercepted, an email alone is never enough. Always confirm the instructions with us by phone before you send funds.

Before you wire funds

1. Call us at (410) 768-2300Use the number on this website, not one from an email, text message or email signature.
2. Read the details back to usRead the bank name, account number and routing number back to us and confirm they match before you send.
3. Be suspicious of changesBe suspicious of any message that is urgent, says the instructions have changed, or comes from an email address that looks slightly different from ours. Call us before you act on it.
4. Keep sensitive numbers out of emailDo not send Social Security numbers or full bank account numbers by regular email. Call us to ask how to share them.
5. Confirm we received your fundsAfter you wire, call us to confirm we received the funds.

Getting ready for settlement

Wiring funds is one step on the way to settlement day. How a Maryland settlement works walks through the others. Ready to start? Open a title order with us, or send our Glen Burnie office a question.