3 things we all should know about fraud in 2026
If there’s one thing we can confidently say heading into a new year, it’s this: awareness alone is no longer enough to protect your clients or your closings. Fraud continues to evolve at a pace that challenges even the most experienced real estate professionals, and according to Chris Morton, CEO of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), staying informed must go hand in hand with taking action.
If you didn’t know, First Dakota Title - and the rest of The Title Resource Network - are proud ALTA members. We believe involvement in our industry is an investment worth making, both for ourselves and our customers, but back to Morton. He appeared on a podcast recently to talk more about why the issue is so important - and why scams will always be a danger to those of us in real estate. Here are three takeaways from the FDT team.
Truly understand today’s fraud risks. Most real estate professionals know wire fraud exists. Many have attended training and talked about the issue with their customers and partners. But awareness isn’t the issue these days because it alone doesn’t translate into everyday protective habits.
Today’s scammers are diversifying their tactics and researching victims long before making a move. They’re studying transaction timelines, identifying moments of stress, and inserting themselves when people are most likely to act quickly. That means the risk isn’t just “fraud in general,” but fraud at very specific, carefully timed moments.
Partner with people who use the right tools. Training is essential, but 2026 calls for something better. Scammers are using advanced tools, artificial intelligence, spoofing and automation. The only effective response is to counter with equally strong technology.
The best protection tools you could wield in the coming year include:
● Identity verification tools
● Secure communication platforms
● Multi-factor authentication
● Continuous email monitoring
● Transaction tracking systems
These protections aren’t just “nice to have.” Instead, they’re crucial in the modern era. A policy or a reminder email cannot outperform a criminal ring using AI-powered scripts or voice cloning. Technology must be part of your everyday workflow if you want your team and clients to stay safe. (Ask our team how CloseSimple and our other tools help keep you and your clients better protected.)
Know that refinance transactions are targets, too. All of us hope 2026 is a big year for refinance transactions, but these files are being watched by cybercriminals, too. Here’s why: Refis often feel “simpler” for buyers and lenders. That sense of simplicity creates a perfect opening for criminals. With fewer touchpoints and faster timelines, there are more opportunities to intercept communication or manipulate instructions before anyone notices.
You deserve a title, abstract and closing partner that provides an extra layer of security, and that’s exactly what we provide. Thank you for continuing to count on our team to deliver for you. Always remember if something seems off, it probably is!
Real Estate agents are not involved in refinances.
