Review the final numbers
Read your Closing Disclosure and ask about differences from the latest Loan Estimate. Confirm the names, property details, loan terms and amount required. Do not save unresolved questions for the signing appointment. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ↗
Verify money instructions independently
Fraudsters can impersonate a trusted professional with altered wiring instructions. Confirm instructions using a phone number you independently verified earlier, not a number in a new email. Treat last-minute changes as a reason to stop and verify. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ↗
Make a handover list
Confirm the final walkthrough, agreed repairs, utilities, keys, remotes and possession arrangements with the transaction team. Keep copies of closing documents securely. Signing, funding, recording and receiving possession are distinct steps; ask what controls your transaction.
If something looks wrong
If you suspect money has gone to a scammer, contact the bank or transfer company immediately and ask about a recall. Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Speed matters; recovery is not guaranteed. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ↗
Reviewed September 11, 2026. Education only; your circumstances and written agreements matter.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau · Closing Disclosure Explainer ↗Consumer Financial Protection Bureau · Mortgage Closing Scams: How to protect yourself and your closing funds ↗