Thomas Cronkright on LinkedIn: Scammers are targeting all forms of real estate transactions - even those… (2024)

Today, CertifID released "CertifID Match" - an easy to use solution to instantly validate the identity of anyone in a transaction without the need to share bank account credentials. This marks a significant step forward in this fight against fraud across the entire transaction. Learn more here: For more:https://lnkd.in/gpShwsmm

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Jay Spencer, looking forward to this upcoming talk with members of the International Right of Way Association around cyber security and wire fraud. The public sector continues to be victimized by these scams and education is key to minimizing risk. See you soon!

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Thanks to Stuart Gordan and the State Bar of Georgia for allowing CertifID to further educate Georgia real estate attorneys on the risks of wire fraud and ways to protect clients. Great event in Charleston, SC!

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A sophisticated call-center scam targeting LastPass users is active and Genady Vishnevetsky, CISSP, CISM, CRISC of Stewart Insurance recently broke this down for American Land Title Association members. This is a must-read advisory as the social engineering aspects of this scam are multi-textual and could apply to any application used personally or professionally. Here's the summary of the "CryptoChameleon" scam:Password managers have become our digital vaults, promising to keep our countless passwords safe under the watch of one master key. But what happens when that master key falls into the wrong hands?CryptoChameleon is a highly sophisticated and alarming phishing campaigncurrentlytargeting LastPass users. This meticulously planned and executed operation has already impacted at least eight individuals, with potentially more unsuspecting victims.The con begins with a phone call from an 888 number, seemingly from LastPass, alerting customers to unauthorized access attempts. A robocall informs the customer that their account has been accessed from a new device. It then prompts them to press "1" to allow access or "2" to block it. After pressing "2," they're toldthat they'llreceive a call shortly from a customer service representative to "close the ticket."The recipient receives a call, seemingly from LastPass, but it's actually from a spoofed number. On the other end is a live person. This supposed support agent informs the user that they'll be sending an email shortly, allowing the user to reset access to their account. The email contains a shortened URL, directing them to a phishing site. The support agent watches in real-time as the user enters their master password into the copycat site. Then, they use it to log into their account and immediately change the primary phone number, email address, and master password, thereby locking the victim out for good.This attack reminds us that even the most fortified systems can be infiltrated with a well-crafted deception. The CryptoChameleon doesn't rely on technological exploits; it manipulates our trust in customer service and our inclination to believe what we hear from seemingly legitimate sources, a well-known social engineering tactic.So, what can we do to protect ourselves?1. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, especially those asking for sensitive information. Verify the caller's identity by contacting the company directly using a trusted number; we can stay one step ahead. 2. Remember that no reputable company will ask for your master password over the phone.3. Ignore any unsolicited or unprompted incoming phone calls (automated or with a live individual) or texts claiming to be from a company related to a recent attempt to change your password and account information. These are part of an ongoing phishing campaign.4. If you see this activity and are concerned you may have been compromised, contact the company directly.

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At this point it is safe to assume that all of our most sensitive personal information is available to bad actors for cents on the dollar. Unfortunately, this will enable the continued advancement of social engineering strategies that are monetized through wire fraud. Identity verification must become standard operating procedure to protect businesses and consumers. CertifID is committed to empowering you on this journey.https://lnkd.in/ghVY76dv

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Seller impersonation scams are sweeping across the country and this article by Kimberly Miller of The Palm Beach Post highlights the devastating impact these scams have on the lives of consumers and businesses involved in closing them. Stay safe everyone!

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Twenty one years ago Lawrence Duthler and I purchased our first commercial building in the Creston district which later became home to Sun Title. In 2017 we joined forces with Tyler Adams to create CertifID on the second floor of a building in the heart of Creston. Both companies continue to flourish and we are proud of our Creston roots! This project with Michael Garrett and Pinnacle Construction Group will provide much needed housing and lifestyle options for those seeking to take advantage of the excitement and warm neighborhood feel that Creston provides. Appreciate the support from the Creston Neighborhood Association around our shared vision for this project. #creston #grandrapids #certifid #suntitle #pinnacleconstruction

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Preventing wire fraud requires intention on every file and without the technology and protection provided by CertifID, scammers will continue to cut through layers of security with advanced social engineering strategies. Thanks to the team at Old Republic Title for taking a stand for title agents and consumers with this partnership. A special thanks to Curtis Hoffman and John Monacelli for their tireless advocacy of our team and solution. We are looking forward to making real estate transactions safe from wire fraud!#wirefraud #realestate #mortgagelending #businessemailcompromise #BEC

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Giving of our time and talents to others is an enriching experience and I'm honored to be able to support Hand2Hand in their mission to help children avoid food insecurity during the weekends. Thanks for Jodi Joseph and her team for allowing us to bring the real estate community together and have a positive impact on the 13,000 children that receive essential food items each week. See the impact video at the link below and we look forward to our next pack event!#givebackhttps://lnkd.in/gsjcuWHT

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