Information Security
Florida Cyber Crimes in 2023*: 41,061 Incidents Losses: $874.7M
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Report 2023

Be
Cyber Smart!
Check these tips daily to learn how to protect your information, avoid wire fraud and more.
8 Cybersecurity Commandments
Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Cyber-Secure!
Document all approved parties’ contact information at the start of a transaction.
Encrypt all emails containing wire instructions or other sensitive data.
Use ONLY trusted, secure email accounts for communications and transactions - NEVER use free or web-based accounts.
Prior to closing, execute an agreement determining the methods of funds transfer with the seller/borrower.
Regard any request for deviation from the established funding agreement as suspicious.
Confirm wiring instructions and receipt of wired funds verbally with documented approved parties.
Slow down. A slow, confirmed closing is always preferred over one that could be compromised.
DON’T WAIT! If you suspect fraud, contact your bank and appropriate authorities.
8 Cybersecurity Commandments (.pdf)
How to Report Cyber Fraud
If you feel that your business or information may be compromised through a cyber attack:
- Immediately inform the sender bank – contact the Chief of Security and ask for a recall of the wire.
- Immediately inform the receiving bank.
- Immediately contact the nearest U.S. Secret Service field office.
- Miami Field Office: (305) 863-5000
- Orlando Field Office: (407) 648-6333
- Jacksonville Field Office: (904) 296-0133
- Tampa Field Office: (813) 228-2636
- All suspected cases of cyber fraud can be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If the cyber fraud involved a wire transfer, report to bec.ic3.gov. Note: These websites merely collect data. Do not expect to receive a response from the authorities.
Helpful Links
FAQ’s & Tips
A collection of questions and tips about information security answered.
Information Security FAQ’s &Tips
Information Security FAQ’s (.pdf)
Tips to Avoid Mortgage Payoff Fraud (.pdf)
FLTA's Cyber Security Best Practices (.pdf)
Cyber Fraud Checklist for Buyer, Seller & Realtor Transactions (.pdf)
Compromised
Notary Credentials
in Transactions List
List of notaries used in recent fraud claims. Be aware of possible compromised notaries and take steps to independently confirm the notary in the transaction.
View List
Glossary of Terms
An alphabetical list of information security terms with their definitions
General Counsel Blog
Consumer Alerts
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
American Land Title Association
Additional Resources
Window to the Law: Cyber Scams and the Real Estate Professional (Video)
ALTA's Rapid Response Plan for Wire Fraud Incidents
Sample Wire Fraud Warnings You Can Use
ALTA's Outgoing Wire Fraud Checklist
Arm Your Clients Against Wire Fraud (Video)
How to Report Wire Fraud (Video)
ALTA’s Tips for Seller Impersonation Fraud
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
Federal Trade Commission - Start with Security: A Guide for Business
Choosing and Protecting Passwords
Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
Questions
Send us your questions and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Help us learn about the issues you are encountering in your practices, which in turn guides how we can best support you.
Email: LegalEd@TheFund.com
News & Alerts
ALERT! Do Not Fall Victim to Fraud
10/17/2023
Ensure that you have thoroughly vetted the parties to the transaction, especially the Seller!
New Measures to Reduce Real Property Fraud
09/01/2023
By Michael E. Mirrington, Fund Sr. Underwriting Counsel
What to Check When Checking IDs
03/01/2023
By Linda Monaco, B.C.S., Fund Legal Education Attorney
Be On the Lookout – Vacant Land Sales and Increased Risk of Fraud and Identity Theft
10/01/2022
By Caleb Hinton, Fund Underwriting Counsel
Avoiding Fraudulent Transactions: A Guide For Fund Members
07/01/2022
By Scott D. Jackson, Fund Underwriting Counsel
High Alert For Mortgage Payoff Fraud
07/01/2021
By Michael Rothman, Fund Sr. Manager, Legal Education
Spoofed Payoff Letters
03/01/2021
By Elsa Camacho, Fund Claims Counsel
You've Been Hacked – Now What?
05/01/2017
By John St. Lawrence, Fund Legal Education Attorney
Introduction to Email Encryption
08/01/2015
By Linda N. Monaco, Fund Legal Education Attorney
Cyber and Privacy Insurance
02/01/2015
By John H. Simmons, President, Fund Insurance Solutions, LLC
Practical Tips for a Clean Desk Policy and Procedure
01/01/2015
By Linda Monaco, Fund Legal Education Attorney
ALTA Best Practice Pillar No. 3
10/01/2013
By Melissa S. Scaletta, Fund Member Education Manager