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Scammers phish for mortgage closing costs

March 18, 2016

by

Colleen Tressler

Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Buying a home is exciting. You saved for the down payment, scheduled the move, and are dreaming of planting new roots. Closing is right around the corner… unless a scammer gets your settlement fees first.

The Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Realtors® are warning home buyers about an email and money wiring scam. Hackers have been breaking into some consumers’ and real estate professionals’ email accounts to get information about upcoming real estate transactions. After figuring out the closing dates, the hacker sends an email to the buyer, posing as the real estate professional or title company. The bogus email says there has been a last minute change to the wiring instructions, and tells the buyer to wire closing costs to a different account. But it’s the scammer’s account. If the buyer takes the bait, their bank account could be cleared out in a matter of minutes. Often, that’s money the buyer will never see again.

If you’re buying a home and get an email with money-wiring instructions, STOP. Email is not a secure way to send financial information, and your real estate professional or title company should know that. If it’s a phishing email, report it to the FTC.

Here are some ideas to help you avoid phishing scams:

• Don’t email financial information. It’s not secure.
• If you’re giving your financial information on the web, make sure the site is secure. Look for a URL that begins with https (the “s” stands for secure). And, instead of clicking a link in an email to go to an organization’s site, look up the real URL and type in the web address yourself.
• Be cautious about opening attachments and downloading files from emails, regardless of who sent them. These files can contain malware that can weaken your computer’s security.
• Keep your operating system, browser, and security software up to date.

Learn more about protecting yourself from phishing and what to doif your email is hacked. If you gave your information to a scammer, visit IdentityTheft.gov.

For additional questions, please contact us: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-477-5278 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

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Retirement Strategy? Relocate!

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Buying a home, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, real estate, relocation, retire and relocate, retirement strategy, Selling a home

Unlike earlier generations of retirees who paid off their mortgages and retired in their family home, today’s Baby Boomers are looking to capitalize on home equity to enhance their retirement savings. If you’re thinking how relocating might stretch your retirement dollar, below are a few points you should consider before relocating, downsizing, or trading up:

1. Speak with your spouse or partner first, even if you think you’re both of the same mind. Don’t assume that you’re in agreement. When the moment to make the leap comes, feelings may change.

2. Consider the cost-of-living in a different part of the country. There’s a pretty big swing between rural Florida and urban San Francisco, for example. This might also mean factoring fuel costs if you’re moving into an area where you’re likely to spend more time driving.

3. Consider whether your plans are realistic. For example, could you really live in a 1-bedroom condo after spreading out for years in your present 4-bed/3-bath?

4. How much will the ease and pleasure of retirement depend on family and friends? What are the pros/cons of moving nearer/farther away? Conversely: Are there any detriments to moving closer to younger family members? (I.e. are you ready to open a free grandkid-sitting service?)

5. Consider the potential impact of capital gains if you have substantial equity in your home– speak with a tax professional. This is especially true if you’re downshifting from ownership into a rental market.

Relocating to a more affordable area as well as to a smaller home is a strong strategy. But real estate values and property taxes can vary immensely by locale, even within the same state. Research thoroughly. Also, you want to spend significant time in the location to make sure its compatible with your lifestyle, pace, and interests.

If you’re thinking about relocating or know someone who would like to speak to a local agent about relocation plans, please pass along our information. We would be honored to serve your friends and family: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-422-7626 Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com