A New Form of Wire Fraud

Hi Everyone,

 I want to share something I believe is extremely important for every Realtor, lender, escrow officer, and title professional to discuss with their clients.
CNN recently reported on criminals targeting homebuyers using AI voice cloning. HousingWire has also reported extensively on the growing use of artificial intelligence, cloned voices, fake emails, and even deepfake video in real estate fraud. This has reached the point where a buyer or seller could receive a phone call that sounds exactly like their Realtor, lender, escrow officer, or another person they trust.
The caller may know the property address, the closing date, how much money is being wired, and other transaction details that make the call seem completely legitimate. And the voice on the other end of the phone may sound exactly like someone your client knows. That is why every Agent, Loan Officer, and Escrow Officer should have this conversation with every buyer and seller, every time.

A Familiar Voice Is No Longer Verification

We need to teach our clients that they should NEVER send or redirect money simply because:

• They received an email that appears legitimate

• A familiar person called them

• The caller knew details about their transaction

• The phone number appeared correct

• Someone told them the wiring instructions had changed

• Someone created urgency by saying their closing could be delayed

AI technology has changed the rules.
A criminal may potentially imitate the voice of the Realtor, lender, escrow officer, title representative, or even a family member.

The Rule Should Be Simple
Never rely solely on an incoming phone call, email or text when money is involved.
If wiring instructions are received or changed, the client should independently call their escrow or title company using a telephone number they already know and trust.
Do not simply call the number contained in the email or text containing the wiring instructions.
The client should independently verify:
The escrow company
The recipient’s name
The bank
The account information
The wiring instructions
before sending the money.

HousingWire recently reported that real estate fraud accounted for 12,368 FBI complaints and approximately $275 million in reported losses during 2025. Even more alarming, a September 2026 industry study reported by HousingWire found that 59% of title firms experienced at least one seller impersonation fraud attempt during the prior year. This is no longer an occasional occurrence. Everyone involved in a real estate transaction needs to be prepared for it. As professionals, we spend an enormous amount of time helping our clients negotiate the price, obtain financing, complete inspections, and successfully close escrow. We also need to spend a few minutes protecting them from potentially wiring their entire life savings to a criminal.

Please make this conversation part of your normal process with every buyer and every seller.

At Augusta Financial, we will continue reinforcing the same message with our clients throughout the process. When money is involved, verify first.

And remember: in today’s world, even if it sounds exactly like someone you know, a voice alone is no longer proof of who is on the other end of the phone. 

Interest Rates
Last week was truly a bloodbath, taking rates to the highest levels since October of 2023. The market is already expecting the Fed to raise rates by about 0.25%, so much of that move has already been priced into mortgage rates. What matters most Wednesday is what the Fed says about inflation and whether additional rate increases are coming.

Loan Programs Snapshot

• Government loans (FHA/VA/USDA): in the Mid to high 6s –
• Conventional (≤ $832,750): high 6s and low 7’s
• High-balance: high 6s and low 7’s
• Jumbo: High 6’s and low 7’s
• Bridge Loans  7.75-7.99

Additional options:

• Bank statement loans (10% down+)
• P&L loans (20% down, no bank statements)
• 0% down options (620+ score)
• DSCR loans (15% down)
• Buydowns Available (3/2/1, 2/1, 1/0)
• Private Money loans – Hard Money  
• Construction Loans
• 203K loans
• Commercial Loans
• Fix and Flip Loans  

Rates subject to change without notice.

Condo Update

Good news:
Nothing this week!    

Bad news:
Acacia Village in Glendale – deferred maintenance – SB 326 Stuff!  

We love your Non-Warrantable Condo loans!!
Need help checking a condo? Call me, and we can look it up in real time.

Also:

Full California “naughty list” available here:

https://mikemeena.com/non-warrantable-condos/

If you or your clients, friends, or family need guidance, I'm here.

📞 661-291-2222 (Direct)

📞 661-714-6258 (Cell)

📞 661-260-2970 ext. 2222 (Office)

📧 Mike@AugustaFinancial.com

Sincerely,