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Thieves are using ever-more sophisticated scams to steal your identity and ultimately, your down payment. To help protect yourself, consider these suggestions:
* Install malware protection software on your computer to help block online attacks.
* Create strong passwords for your computer and smart devices and change them regularly.
* Add lock-out software that blocks access to your computer when you’re not using it.
* Never access or send financial or personal information when connected to a free wifi hub or charging station.
* Seek referrals before choosing a lender. And never send sensitive information without first meeting the lender in person.
* Never open suspicious emails or attachments, even if they appear to be from your lender or Realtor.
* Use caution if posting information about your purchase on social media, where it can be mined by scammers.
* Never email sensitive information. Instead, send it by courier, drop off the documents in person, or use a secure, encrypted document-sharing platform.
* Ask your Realtor and lender who will have access to your personal information and how it will be disposed of if it’s not needed when your transaction is complete. Will it be shredded or stored in a secure location?
* Only work with a lender who uses dual controls on wire transfers so no money can be moved until two employees independently approve the transfer.
* Never wire funds until you have phoned a trusted source to confirm all the information in the wiring instructions is accurate.
* Always be on the look-out for scams and impersonators.
Sources: Florida Realtors, Federal Trade Commission, National Association of Realtors
