Best Practices for Unparalleled Privacy and Security
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At Blue Castle Title Services Inc., we are dedicated to safeguarding your information and ensuring that your transactions are handled with the utmost integrity.
We adhere to the highest industry standards, including ALTA’s Best Practices, TRID, and Data Call, leveraging robust procedures to ensure that one of the most significant transactions of your life is executed flawlessly the first time.
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Our commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through comprehensive measures designed to protect your privacy and security:
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Secure Website: Your information is protected from the moment you engage with us online.
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Encrypted Emails: Recognizing that email is a primary target for wire fraud, all communications containing sensitive information are encrypted to ensure your data remains secure.
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Vulnerability Assessments: We partner with third-party compliance experts to conduct rigorous assessments of our systems, proactively identifying and addressing potential threats.
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Firewall Protection: To enhance cybersecurity, our offices are fortified with a firewall that monitors and secures all inbound and outbound internet traffic.
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Frequent Data Backups: To mitigate the risk of data loss, we perform regular backups, ensuring that your information is preserved even in the event of an unforeseen disaster.
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Cybersecurity Insurance: We carry comprehensive cyber insurance to provide an additional layer of protection, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders in the rare event of a data breach.
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Clean-Desk Policy: Our stringent policy mandates that all files and documents are securely stored at the end of each business day, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.​
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Our commitment to your security extends beyond compliance. Through weekly staff training and regular team meetings, we ensure that our team remains at the forefront of industry developments and company policies. This proactive approach allows us to consistently exceed industry standards and provide you with unmatched confidence and peace of mind.
Cyber Security
Protect Yourself From Cyber FraudWatch the video or read below to learn how to protect yourself from cyber fraud.
How Your Money Gets Stolen.
Protecting Against Wire Fraud in Real Estate Transactions.
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The Threat of Email Hacking
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting individuals involved in real estate transactions by gaining unauthorized access to email accounts. These accounts can belong to anyone in the process—buyers, sellers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, title agents, or other participants.
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Compromised Email Communication: Hackers access an individual’s email and use it to send fraudulent instructions to alter wiring or payment details, often appearing legitimate.
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Funds Misappropriation: If these changes are not verified, funds, such as down payments, are transferred to unauthorized accounts. By the time the mistake is identified—often at closing—the funds are irretrievable.
How to Safeguard Against Wire Fraud
1. Scrutinize Emails with Wiring Instructions
Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in the real estate closing process to commit large-scale fraud. Always approach emails with wiring instructions with extreme caution and skepticism.
2. Verify Before Sending Funds
When you receive payment instructions, contact your trusted representative at the title company by phone to confirm their accuracy. Additionally, communicate with your bank to validate the transfer details before proceeding.
3. Confirm After Funds Are Sent
Immediately after sending funds, call the recipient to ensure the money has been received correctly. This step minimizes the time window for potential fraud.
4. Respond Rapidly to Anomalies
If you encounter unusual activity or suspect fraud, act swiftly. Notify your bank, mortgage company, and title company without delay. If fraud is confirmed, contact your local FBI office for further assistance.
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By remaining vigilant and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of wire fraud and ensure a secure real estate transaction.
When Can You Expect Your Payment From Your Title Company?
Whether you’re selling a property or facilitating a transaction as a real estate professional, the culmination of a successful deal is always rewarding. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from both sellers and real estate agents is: “When will I get my payment?” It’s a fair question, given the considerable effort, coordination, and patience involved in completing a real estate transaction—not to mention the anticipation of a well-deserved payday.
When Will I Be Paid?
We prioritize disbursing payments to all parties promptly, often on the same day the transaction is finalized. However, the timing of your payment can depend on several factors, such as the time of day or the day of the week when the closing occurs.
For instance:
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Business Hours: Banks typically close by 5 or 6 PM and are not operational on weekends.
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Closing Schedule: Transactions completed late in the day or on a Friday may require additional time for processing.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
For Sellers and Realtors
If you are due net proceeds from a property sale or a commission as a Realtor, payments are typically processed on the same or the next business day after the closing.
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Local Pickup: Checks can often be collected at the title company’s office.
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Mailed Checks: For those out of town, checks will be mailed, which may take an additional day or two to arrive.
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Scheduling Tip: Choosing a closing date between Monday and Thursday can help ensure faster access to your funds, avoiding delays associated with weekends or holidays.
Paper Checks vs. Wire Transfers
While wire transfers are often perceived as quicker, this isn’t always the case. Due to increased precautions against cyber fraud, wire transfers may require additional verification and approvals, potentially resulting in a delay of up to 24 hours.
By comparison:
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Paper Checks: These are often ready for pickup or mailing on the same business day.
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Wire Transfers: Though efficient, they may be subject to delays depending on the institution’s processing protocols.
At the heart of every successful transaction is a commitment to ensuring all parties are compensated promptly and securely. Understanding the nuances of timing and payment methods can help you plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary frustration. Rest assured, your title company is here to make this process as smooth as possible.