What to understand first
Fraudsters can impersonate transaction participants and create urgent pressure. A familiar name, logo or email thread is not enough to verify instructions.
A practical checklist
Confirm instructions by a trusted phone number obtained independently, use secure transaction channels, and report a suspected problem immediately to the bank and appropriate authorities.
Keep the decision grounded
Do not send funds because an email says a deadline is urgent or because the message appears to come from someone in the transaction.
This is educational information, not a commitment to lend, a legal opinion, tax advice, insurance advice or a guarantee of approval, savings or timing. Personal eligibility requires a complete application and review.
People and publishers worth following
These links provide additional industry perspective. USAspending is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or speaking for these accounts.
Realtor and news resources
These editorial links are limited to Realtor resources, reporters and independent news publishers—not competing lenders or loan officers.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if wire instructions change by email?
Pause and independently verify through a known phone number or secure channel. Do not use a number or link supplied only in the suspicious message.
What should I bring to a conversation with a loan officer?
Bring the property or purchase assumptions, current income and asset context, any contract timing, and the exact question you need answered. Use a verified secure lender channel for sensitive documents.
Can this guide tell me what I qualify for?
No. It explains a planning topic. Qualification, terms and timing depend on verified borrower information, the property, current program requirements and lender review.
Claims in this guide were checked against the linked primary sources. Program guidelines can change; personal eligibility requires a complete application and review.