I’m not a cybersecurity expert.

I’m a Realtor in Southern Utah, helping families buy and sell homes, negotiate deals, and handle the thousands of details that come with one of life’s biggest transactions.

But I’ve been watching how quickly AI is changing the threat landscape. Scammers are using it to craft convincing phishing emails, clone voices, and impersonate trusted parties in wire transfers. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, cybercriminals stole more than $275 million through real estate-related fraud from at least 12,368 victims in 2025 ? – and the number keeps climbing. You can read the full FBI IC3 report here.

I’m sharing this as a friend and business partner, not to scare you. Most people don’t fall victim to futuristic hacking. They get hit because of simple, preventable gaps. Lock down the basics and you’re already safer than most.

Here are 8 steps you can take right now.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account

Reusing passwords is one of the biggest risks. If one account is breached, attackers try it everywhere – especially with AI tools that automate testing at scale.

A password manager solves this. It generates complex passwords, stores them encrypted, and autofills when you log in. iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager are free and already on your devices. Turn them on if you haven’t.

 

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication Everywhere It Matters

Even if someone gets your password, 2FA adds a critical second layer – a code from your phone or an authenticator app. Prioritize email, banking, and cloud storage first.

AI can help phish or guess passwords. It can’t easily bypass a second factor you control.

 

3. Be Skeptical of Emails, Texts, and Calls

AI now generates emails that perfectly mimic tone and urgency, and can clone voices for phone and video calls.

Before you click, reply, or act: check the sender’s full email address (not just the display name), hover over links before clicking them, and if money or sensitive info is involved – verify by calling the person at a number you already know.

 

4. Treat Your Email Like the Master Key It Is

Your email account controls password resets, financial alerts, and business communications. Most real estate wire fraud starts here.

Lock it down with a strong unique password plus 2FA. Regularly review active sessions in your account settings and sign out remotely if anything looks off. If you suspect compromise, change the password immediately, then use “sign out everywhere” to kick out any unauthorized sessions.

 

5. Keep Software and Devices Updated

Many attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated apps and operating systems. Enable automatic updates on your phone, computer, and browser. Low effort, high protection.

 

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Anything Sensitive

Coffee shop and hotel Wi-Fi can be monitored or spoofed. Use your phone’s personal hotspot for banking, email, or sending contracts. If you must use public networks, use a reputable VPN.

 

7. Recognize and Resist Urgency Tactics

Scams thrive on pressure: “Wire today,” “Act now or the deal falls through.” AI makes these messages more personalized and believable.

Rule of thumb: when money or sensitive information is involved, slow down. Verify independently. Legitimate parties will understand the need for caution.

 

8. Always Verify Before Sending Money

This is the most critical step in real estate, where large wire transfers happen under deadline pressure.

Never change wiring instructions based on an email alone – even if it appears to come from me, the title company, or your lender. That’s the most common attack. Call using a verified number you already have on file, confirm verbally, and double-check account details with known contacts before sending a dime.

 

Final Thoughts

I work with good people every day who trust me with one of their largest financial decisions. Do these eight things consistently and you’ll be ahead of the vast majority of automated attacks.

If something in a transaction ever feels off – an email, a call, a sudden change to wiring instructions – call us. Two minutes of double-checking beats a six-figure loss every time.

Stay safe out there my friends. 

Dusty Wright | The Wright Team at KW Ascend

 

🏆 No. 1 Top Performing Team, Top Luxury Team and Top Commercial Team at KW Ascend in 2025 | $110M+ Volume Closed

📍 St. George Born | Hurricane Raised | 18+ Years Full-Time

Specializing in: Luxury, New Builds, Land & Development, RV Garage Homes

Your Southern Utah Realtor 🏡 | StGeorgeUtahRealty.com