How Should Buyers Verify Wire Instructions?
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
Before wiring money, verify the recipient, bank, account details, amount, and purpose through the established closing procedure using independently confirmed contact information.
What should you do before sending funds?
- Obtain instructions through the approved secure channel
- Call a verified telephone number
- Speak with an authorized person
- Read back critical details
- Confirm the account recipient
- Confirm the amount and deadline
- Ask whether any change has occurred
- Save confirmation records
- Ask your bank about its security procedures
Never call a number contained only in the message you are trying to verify.
Should you send a small test wire?
Do not create your own procedure. A test payment can also be misdirected and may create delays or confusion. Follow instructions from the bank and authorized settlement provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PDF instructions automatically secure?
No.
Is caller ID reliable?
No. Telephone numbers can be spoofed.
What if the professional seems annoyed by verification?
Verification is appropriate when transferring large sums.
Educational information
Follow the specific security procedures of your bank and authorized settlement provider.
Save the verified telephone number before escrow begins so you are not searching for it during an urgent payment request.
Wire-fraud warning
Always verify wire instructions by telephone using a known, independently confirmed number. Never rely on email instructions alone. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank, escrow, your agent and law enforcement immediately.
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JC Pacific Corp is an Irvine-based Southern California brokerage helping buyers navigate offers, escrow, and financing. Tell us what you are looking for and we will point you to current options across the region.
A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.