The Richland Township Police Department wants to warn home buyers and real estate professionals about an email and money wiring scam. Scammers are hacking into consumers’ and real estate professionals’ email accounts to obtain 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, and contact your real estate agent or real estate attorney.