Risk, Fraud, and the Real Value Behind Every Closing

In today’s real estate environment, the closing table is more than a final step—it’s a critical checkpoint in a transaction filled with legal, financial, and cybersecurity risk.

And those risks are not hypothetical. They are measurable, costly, and increasing.

Fraud Is Real—and Expensive

Real estate fraud continues to be one of the most serious threats in a transaction.

According to the American Land Title Association (ALTA), fraud and forgery claims represent approximately 21% of total title insurance claim costs, with the average claim exceeding $143,000. Refinance-related fraud claims are even higher, averaging more than $200,000 per claim.

At the same time, cybercrime is accelerating. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that business email compromise (BEC)—a common tactic used in real estate wire fraud—contributed to billions of dollars in losses annually, with total cybercrime losses reaching $16.6 billion in 2024.

Most fraud doesn’t start at the closing table. It starts in your inbox.

Title Work Is Risk Prevention—Not Paperwork

One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that title work is administrative.

In reality, it is one of the most important forms of risk prevention in the entire transaction.

ALTA reports that the title industry helps mitigate between $600 billion and $900 billion in potential risk exposure annually, with that number exceeding $1 trillion during peak market periods.

Additionally, nearly 30% of title claims involve issues that are not discoverable through public records alone. This means many of the most serious risks require professional expertise to identify and resolve.

These issues can include:
Unknown heirs
Forged or improperly recorded documents
Undisclosed liens
Errors in legal descriptions

Many of the most costly problems are invisible without expert review.

Claims Data Reinforces the Need for Protection

Title insurance is not theoretical. It is backed by real claims activity.

ALTA reports that the industry paid more than $336 million in claims in the first half of 2025 alone, demonstrating the ongoing need for protection against title defects and fraud.

This is what title insurance is designed to do:
Identify issues before closing
Resolve them whenever possible
Protect property owners and lenders when issues arise

Cybersecurity Is Now Part of Every Closing

ALTA’s Cybercrime and Wire Fraud Study found that:
Over 90% of title companies report cyberattack attempts are increasing or staying the same
Nearly 60% have experienced attempted fraud, including wire fraud and business email compromise

These findings reinforce an important reality: Security is no longer optional. It is essential.

At Landmark Title Agency South, that means:
Verifying all wire instructions
Using secure communication protocols
Educating clients and partners on fraud prevention

A Strong Industry Backing Every Transaction

The title industry remains a stable and essential part of the real estate market.

According to ALTA:
$3.9 billion in title insurance premiums were generated in Q1 2025
$4.5 billion in Q2 2025
$16.2 billion total premiums in 2024

These numbers reflect an industry built on protecting property rights and financial security. One that is supported by strong reserves and consistent claims performance.

Technology Is Advancing—But Expertise Still Leads

The title industry continues to evolve with digital tools and closing innovations.

ALTA reports that the number of title companies offering digital closings has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting growing demand for efficiency and convenience.

But while technology improves speed, it does not replace expertise.

Careful review by skilled staff, informed judgment, and accountability remain at the core of a secure closing.

The Landmark Difference

For buyers, sellers, lenders, and real estate professionals, the value of title work is not always visible.

It’s found in what doesn’t happen:
The fraud that is prevented
The issue that is caught early
The risk that is resolved before it becomes a problem

At Landmark Title Agency South, every closing is approached with that responsibility in mind. We combine experience, precision, and protection to ensure your transaction is not just completed, but completed with confidence.

_________________
Sources
American Land Title Association (ALTA) – Claims Analysis; Market Share & Premium Reports; Cybercrime & Wire Fraud Study
Federal Bureau of Investigation – Internet Crime Report 2024 (Business Email Compromise & Cybercrime Losses)