Digital Escrow Scams: What California Realtors Must Watch for this December
Jennifer Davidson,
Owner | Office Manager | Senior Escrow Officer
Introduction
Wire fraud attempts increase every year—and December is one of the highest-risk months. Criminals take advantage of holiday distractions, reduced staffing, and end-of-year financial movement.
Here’s how Realtors can protect their clients and themselves from the latest digital escrow scams.
1. Fake Wire Instructions
Scammers impersonate escrow officers and send fake updated wiring info.
Prosper Protection: Always verify instructions verbally using a known number. Never trust emailed changes.
2. Spoofed Emails & Look-Alike Domains
Email addresses might differ by only a single letter.
Prosper Protection: Encourage clients to double-check email domains and add their escrow officer’s email to their contacts.
3. Deepfake Voicemail & AI-Generated Impersonation
2025 brings new threats: realistic-sounding “escrow officer” voicemails.
Prosper Protection: Remind clients your escrow officer will never request sensitive changes via voicemail.
4. Last-Minute “Urgent Requests”
Fraudsters rely on pressure and speed.
Prosper Protection: Calm your client—no legitimate escrow request demands immediate action without verification.
Conclusion
Awareness is the best defense. Educate clients early, keep communication tight, and partner with an escrow team built for modern security challenges.
About the Author
Jennifer Davidson, Sr. Escrow Officer and owner of Prosper Escrow, has spent nearly two decades mastering the art of escrow. Since beginning her career in 2006, her natural talent, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted leader in residential sales, refinances, probate sales, short sales, mobile home transactions, and co-ops.
