FRAUDULENT MORTGAGE PAYOFF LETTERS
martin2021-05-18T02:09:29+00:00We have been hearing from Title Companies about an increase in the use of fraudulent mortgage payoff letters. As a consequence, many Title Agents are modifying their procedures for satisfying mortgages at closings such as requiring that the Title Agent receive payoff letters at least 24 hours prior to closing in order to have sufficient time to verify the authenticity of the payoff letter. Also needed to be verified is the telephone number for the payee bank, the address or wire instructions provided in the payoff letter so as to avoid payoff funds being sent to the fraudsters.