Buying or selling a home at the end of the year can be exciting. Maybe you want to wrap things up before December 31, take advantage of potential tax benefits, or start the new year fresh in a new place. The good news? Holiday closings can go smoothly.
But the holidays also bring a not-so-fun reality: it’s one of the busiest times of the year for real estate fraud. If you’re planning to close on a home this season, here’s what to be aware of—plus how to protect yourself.
Why Holiday Closings Can Be a Little Tricky
Year-end closings often move fast. At the same time, everyone involved—lenders, title companies, escrow officers, banks—is juggling holiday schedules. That means:
- Shorter timelines
- Office closures
- Limited staff
- Lots of deals happening all at once
Because of that, good communication and organization are more important than ever.
The Holiday Fraud Problem (and Why It Gets Worse This Time of Year)
Scammers love the holidays. People are distracted, busy, and rushing to get things done—perfect conditions for wire fraud attempts.
Here’s how the scam usually works:
A criminal pretends to be your real estate agent, lender, title company, or escrow officer. They send fake wiring instructions, hoping you’ll send your down payment or closing funds to the wrong account.
And once money is wired to a scammer, it’s usually gone.
How Your Title & Escrow Teams Help Protect You
Even during the holiday rush, your title and escrow professionals are working behind the scenes to keep your transaction safe.
Title:
- They check ownership records, liens, and any issues that could delay closing.
- They work around limited holiday hours at county offices.
- They make sure you get clear ownership and the protection of title insurance.
Escrow:
- They safely hold and manage the money for the transaction.
- They confirm wiring instructions through secure channels.
- They watch for anything suspicious and help prevent fraud.
- They coordinate with everyone involved so there are fewer surprises at the end.
Simple Ways to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Fraud This Holiday Season
- Never rely on emailed wiring instructions alone.
Always call your escrow or title officer at a verified number. If anything looks different—even by one digit—double-check it.
- Be suspicious of urgent, last-minute emails.
Scammers love sending messages like:
- “We’ve updated the wiring instructions—send funds now!”
- “There’s an emergency—please wire immediately.”
If an email pressures you to act fast, pause and verify.
- Pay attention to email addresses.
Fraudsters often use tiny changes to trick people—like replacing an “L” with an “i.” If something feels off, it probably is. When in doubt, call.
- Use your title or escrow company’s secure portal.
If they offer an online portal for documents and wiring instructions, use it. These systems are designed to protect your information.
- Slow down. It’s the best defense.
The holidays are hectic, which makes it easier to make mistakes. Before sending any money:
- Read everything carefully
- Confirm instructions
- Make a quick call to verify
A few minutes of caution can save you a fortune.
Keep the Process Merry and Safe
Closing during the holidays can be a great experience. With the right expectations—and a little extra fraud awareness—you can enjoy a smooth, secure closing and start the new year with peace of mind.
Your title and escrow teams are here to help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, or double-check anything that doesn’t look right.
