Wiring money is like sending cash: Once you’ve sent it, it’s gone. It is very difficult to retrieve – in fact, more difficult than recovering physical dollar bills.
For businesses, always call the recipient to verify ACH details before sending; this is required by law in 50 states. This law does not require calling, but if the sender’s or recipient’s email is hacked, calling will help prevent the hacker from changing ACH details in a hacked email account.
If wire fraud takes place due to a security breach, such as a hacker infiltrating your account and initiating a wire transfer, you may have protection. Reputable financial institutions will generally cover your losses in the case of a cyber attack. Recoverability is dependent, however, on whether the wire was properly authorized or unauthorized and the payment type (wire vs. ACH). However, if you fall for a scam and initiate the wire transfer yourself, you’re probably out of luck.
Another scenario is having an incorrect address or account number in your wire transfer instructions. For example, say you want to send a large sum of money to your lender to pay off your mortgage. It’s a good idea to contact the institution directly (by phone or in person) and ask them to tell you where to send your wire transfer to match it with the printed instructions you may have received. Always proofread the wire transfer instructions carefully.
Should you accidentally transpose the numbers in a wire transfer, you could lose that money. If you contact your bank immediately to report the error, they may be able to recall the funds. However, if the recipient has already accepted the transfer, particularly if they have transferred the money elsewhere, it is almost impossible to recover.
Remember, wire transfers settle quickly and are typically irreversible once accepted. That is why they are one of the prime targets for cybercriminals. If you are unfamiliar with the person or institution where you are wiring money, research them first to confirm their identity and see if there are any complaints or red flags associated with the entity. If you had no reason to initiate the wire transfer before being contacted, you should be especially suspicious. Be extremely skeptical of unsolicited urgent requests, especially when instructions change, or you can’t verify independently
The following are some common scams perpetuated today.
Bank Fraud
Your bank or investment firm calls you directly to alert you to a possible scam; someone is attempting to hack into your account and steal your money. They may even verify your account with details they have obtained – such as your name, address, and perhaps even your Social Security and account numbers. Rather than an affirmation of their legitimacy, this should be a red flag. First of all, no legitimate financial institution or government agency would relay this information over the phone. Second, a fraudster may tell you the best way to block the potential hack is to open a new account and transfer your money there. This is a red flag. Third, the scammer may insist that time is of the essence – you must act immediately before your money is stolen.
If you get a call like this, hang up and either call (the number on your statement or debit/credit card) or visit your local bank branch to inquire about the call. Chances are good that the bank will confirm there is no breach and that your account is safe.
Dating Apps
Dating apps are the 21st-century version of blind dates. According to Statista, more than 60 million Americans used dating apps in 2024. Instead of meeting organically in a bar or at a party, users peruse dating profiles to find a prospective mate. Unfortunately, these platforms are rife with money-seeking predators – and they can be very patient.
Many online relationship predators interact for months before the scammer mentions that he or she is having money trouble. They may even wait for their paramour to offer money to help them out. Remember that the red flags apply – you didn’t initiate the need. The need for funds should never be immediate. You should research and verify the legitimacy of any person who would agree to accept money from someone they met online. Remember, once you send money, you may never hear from that person again. Or they may continue to interact, but you could get another request for funds a little further down the road.
One way to detect a dating app fraudster is by noticing clues that they are not who they claim to be. For example, many scammers live in other countries. They may not be familiar with common local interests in the town or city where they say they are from. Or, you may notice unusual grammar or phrasing in their communications, indicating English is not their native language.
The Friend or Relative Scam
One of the most heart-rending scams is when a person – often a senior citizen – is asked by a struggling friend or family member to send money. For example, a grandchild away at college who says she doesn’t want her parents to know she needs money. Pulling at the heartstrings, paired with aging cognitive decline, is a recipe for wire transfer fraud. It’s a good idea to establish a “family password” with which to verify proof of identity for suspicious scenarios. Also, call the family member or friend back at a known number for verification before sending money.
Investment Scam
The too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity is an old scam still used today, often to entice the purchase of cryptocurrency with cash. As with all these potential scams, do your due diligence and confirm the legitimacy of the receiver and their details.
The best way to prevent money wire fraud is to stay up to date with the latest scams and trust your gut: Do not act until you have thoroughly researched the details.