Download the Made 4 More app for the most accurate listings—without your info being sold. Find the best deals with confidence. Get started today!

Let’s talk about something serious that impacts every single closing: identity theft. As we all start spending more money on gifts, travel, and holiday cheer, the scammers get busy. Last year, the fourth quarter saw a massive 20% jump in identity theft cases, costing U.S. consumers over $10 billion. That's a huge, scary number.

Why does this matter to you and your clients? Because for anyone pre-approved for a mortgage, a single compromised bank account or fraudulent charge can trash their credit score overnight. It’s like throwing a wrench into the perfectly tuned engine of a closing deal! We simply cannot afford that kind of last-minute chaos. Arming your clients with quick, essential knowledge is the ultimate holiday gift you can give them.

The Most Dangerous Scams to Watch For Right Now

Think of the holidays as prime hunting season for fraudsters. They know your guard is down and you’re expecting delivery notifications and payment requests. Here are the top threats to share with your clients immediately:

1. The Phishing Frenzy: This is the classic, large-scale scam. Your client gets a fake email that looks exactly like it’s from Amazon, UPS, their bank, or even their mortgage servicer. The email claims a package is stuck or a payment is late and urges them to click a malicious link. One wrong click can install malware that steals everything they need to tank a credit score.
2. Gift Card Grabs: This is the emotional, high-pressure tactic. A scammer calls, often pretending to be a family member or even a lawyer representing a loved one "in trouble." They demand immediate payment via untraceable iTunes, Google Play, or Visa gift card codes. Once those codes are sent, the money is gone forever.
3. The "Prize Winner" Trap: Who doesn't want to win big? Victims receive a call or email claiming they’ve won a massive reward or refund but must pay a small "processing fee" first. Their real goal isn't the fee; it’s to extract the victim's full credit card number, bank login, or even their Social Security number.

Shielding Your Clients (And Your Closings)

The good news is that these snags are largely avoidable with a few simple, proactive steps. You can't be too safe when a six-figure mortgage is on the line! Share these four essential protection tips:

• STOP! Don't Click: Always assume a link or attachment is suspicious. If your bank calls or emails, verify the request by hanging up and calling the official number listed on their website. Never click a link in an unsolicited email.
• Lock Down the Login: Use unique, strong passwords (don’t reuse them!). More importantly, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every financial account, email, and social profile. This is the simplest security blanket available.
• Monitor Everything Daily: For clients mid-transaction, they should be checking their bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports daily. A fast reaction to fraudulent activity is the key to preventing the damage from spreading.
• Report Fast: If they see anything suspicious, they need to report it immediately to the institution and file a report at the official government site, IdentityTheft.gov.

Why Your Proactivity Matters

For you, the real estate professional, this is critical. An identity theft crisis doesn't just hurt your client; it completely derails your pre-approvals, destroys your closing timeline, and can undo months of hard work. By sharing these tips now, you are acting as a professional partner who protects their most valuable assets: their financial health and their future home. A client protected is a closing secured.

Conclusion: Protect the Deal, Protect the Client

The holiday season is stressful enough without a financial catastrophe. By acting now and sending these simple security reminders to your database, you can prevent a crisis before it ever starts. If you ever have a client face the nightmare of identity theft or a sudden credit score drop, know that we are here to support you in getting that borrower back on track and moving toward the closing table faster.

Ready to partner with a team that has a contingency plan for every financial roadblock?

Call or text us today at 855-935-MORE!