Joel DyckReal Broker SK Ltd.
Saskatoon · From the topic map

What is real estate wire fraud, and how do I make sure my Saskatoon sale proceeds actually reach me?

Real estate wire fraud is when a criminal intercepts an email thread near closing and sends fake bank instructions so your sale proceeds land in their account instead of yours. The Law Society requires your lawyer to verify payment instructions directly, never by email alone, which is your main protection.

The scam usually arrives as a message that looks like it came from your lawyer's office, often with a slightly altered email address, asking you to confirm or update banking details right before possession day. Once funds are wired to the wrong account they are very hard to recover.

Protect yourself by phoning your lawyer's office at a number you already have, not one from the suspicious email, before ever sending or confirming banking details. Legitimate closing costs, typically $800 to $1,500 in legal fees, are handled through your lawyer's trust account with instructions confirmed in person or by verified phone call.

Joel Dyck flags this risk to every client near possession day, because the few minutes it takes to call and confirm is the entire defence. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.

Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.

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Ask Joel directly. No form, no obligation, and a real answer even when the answer is that now is not the time to sell.