Seeking Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned Stories (Again!)

[Melanie Stephens]

Hello BP Members! I write a regular column for BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine on people's "Biggest Mistakes" in real estate. Do you have a "mistake" story and lessons you learned from it? I'd love to hear it! (Thanks to everyone who has already sent in stories!)

If you have a story to share, please post it here in the forum, or DM me or email me at melanie @ biggerpockets.com.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to share your stories!

[Justin R.]

I lost a lot a large chunk of money (over six figures) on a wire at closing time. I high level criminal hacked into my agents email and was able to place email filters on the agent, the closing attorney, and myself. The criminal then created a "relationship" of communication with both the agent and attorney as they thought it way me. During the wire day the criminal intercepted the wire instructions, and changed the account numbers utilizing the same company format, design and logo. This was not some low end group you would expect, with bad grammar and an account in India. This was a high level group and they paid a "mule" to open a account at a local bank branch.  I always contact the wire recipient upon sending, and ask them to notify me upon receipt, this wasn't enough.

By the time everyone realized something was weird and everyones stories didn't add up, it was 8 hours after the wire was sent. I immediately called the criminals receiving bank (Wells Fargo) and they confirmed they had received the wire from my account. I let them know what happened, but unfortunately they had to back their "client" and couldn't place a hold on the funds. I watched my money disappear within the next 48 hours as the criminal was paying "mules" again to make cash withdraws. The FBI was involved in this case and said this is now the new sophisticated "bank robber." Due to my case and a many others within a few month timeframe, new consumer protection laws have been passed. Unfortuanlty many agents/title companies/closing attorneys still do not follow best practices to this day.

Here is how I now send a wire EVERY time.

1. Receive wire instructions through email (secure source if available)

2. Print out the instructions, yes PRINT a hard copy

3. Call the recipient, ensure its the same person and phone number you have had some form of previous contact with.

4. While looking at your printed copy of instructions, have them read you the account and routing number live over the phone. Yes, THEY read to you. If you read to them they can be lazy and just say "thats correct." This has happened.

5. Request the contact you immediately after the funds hit their bank on a "pending" status.