In today’s increasingly digital world, safeguarding real estate transactions against fraud has never been more critical. As technology continues to play a larger role in how transactions are conducted, the risk of wire fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime has also grown. 

To ensure your transaction remains secure from start to finish, Landtrust Title utilizes ClosingLock, a platform built specifically for the real estate industry. Below, we’ll go more into the prevalence of fraud in real estate closings, what ClosingLock is, and why Landtrust uses it. Read on to learn more. 

Fraud in Real Estate Closings

Real estate transactions are especially attractive targets for fraud for several reasons. Listing information is widely available to the public, transactions are conducted largely through digital channels, and they involve multiple parties, large sums of money, and tight timelines. According to the Conkright company’s 2025 State of Wire Fraud Report, one in four consumers report receiving suspicious messages during their transactions, while one in 20 report falling victim to some type of wire fraud scam. 

These fraud schemes — which are often initiated over email — have become increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, particularly as buyers and sellers near closing when pressure and urgency are at their peak. Even seasoned professionals and well-informed consumers can fall victim to wire fraud, with potentially devastating financial and emotional consequences. Broad industry adoption of secure platforms like ClosingLock is a critical defense against this growing threat.

What is ClosingLock?

ClosingLock is a secure, cloud-based platform designed to protect real estate transactions from wire fraud, impersonation, and cybercrime. It provides verified bank account information, secure messaging, and real-time transaction monitoring. It also offers an added layer of protection by verifying identities, securely sharing sensitive information, and helping prevent fraud and impersonation attempts — giving clients peace of mind throughout the closing process.

Through ClosingLock, parties can exchange wire instructions through a closed, encrypted system, rather than using email. It also helps to verify identities and banking details of all parties involved in a closing. ClosingLock was designed to meet growing cybersecurity and compliance expectations in real estate and is used nationwide by title companies, law firms, lenders, and real estate professionals. Wire funds are protected for up to $2.5 million through ClosingLock. 

Why Lantrust Title Uses ClosingLock

Landtrust Title uses ClosingLock to uphold our commitment to security, accuracy, and client trust in every transaction. Email is no longer a completely safe method for sharing sensitive financial information. ClosingLock provides a secure alternative that eliminates the risk of fraudulent or altered wire instructions. 

ClosingLock also aligns with Landtrust’s dedication to utilizing modern technology and best-in-class closing practices. It helps reduce liability and exposure to costly fraud-related losses, and demonstrates our proactive approach to risk management. The platform protects buyers, sellers, real estate agents, lenders, and attorneys from fraudulent wire instructions and adds an extra layer of security — and it does it all without slowing down the closing process.

The Importance of Securing Closings With ClosingLock

One reason real estate wire fraud can be so devastating is that once funds are sent to a fraudulent account, the transfer is often irreversible. Unlike other types of financial loss, where payments might be disputed or recovered, wire fraud in real estate typically results in a permanent loss of the client’s money. This means that life savings, down payments, or investment funds can disappear in an instant, leaving both buyers and sellers facing serious financial and emotional consequences. 

Securing wire instructions protects clients’ funds and offers peace of mind for all parties during such a high-stress, high-value transaction. It also prevents last-minute panic, delays, and disputes caused by compromised emails. In today’s real estate landscape, security is no longer optional — it’s a critical part of responsible real estate practice. Using technology like ClosingLock strengthens confidence in the closing process and the professionals involved. 

At Landtrust, we deliver service excellence for every real estate transaction — and that includes ensuring that your deal is as secure as possible. If you or your clients have questions about protecting yourselves from fraud or best practices for transaction security, reach out to us today.