Wire Fraud, Fake Payoffs & Stolen Titles: What's Really Happening at Closing with Megan Lopez
If a hidden lien, fraudulent seller, or wire scam surfaced after closing, would you know who is actually protecting your ownership rights?
In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Megan Lopez. Megan is an Agent Account Manager with Fidelity National Financial and a title insurance expert serving Northeast Florida. Drawing from a family background deeply rooted in real estate and title work, Megan explains the critical role title insurance plays in protecting homeowners, lenders, agents, and real estate transactions from hidden risks.
Throughout the conversation, Megan breaks down the differences between owner and lender title policies, discusses real world fraud cases involving seller impersonation and wire fraud, and explains how title professionals verify ownership, resolve title defects, and protect consumers from costly claims. She also shares insights into Fidelity's underwriting process, fraud prevention strategies, and the ongoing importance of human expertise in an increasingly digital real estate landscape.
If you found value in this episode, subscribe to the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, share this episode with fellow real estate professionals, and leave a review to help more buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders stay informed and protected.
HighlightsTop of FormBottom of Form
00:00 - 09:43 Megan's Journey Into Title Insurance and Real Estate
- · Family background in title and real estate
- · Starting as a receptionist in a real estate law firm
- · Becoming a licensed title agent
- · Moving to Jacksonville and joining Fidelity
- · Understanding the role of a title underwriter
09:43 - 18:29 Understanding Title Searches and Title Insurance Protection
- · How title searches are performed
- · Identifying liens mortgages and ownership issues
- · The relationship between title companies and underwriters
- · Differences between owner and lender policies
- · Why title insurance matters for every buyer
18:29 - 25:54 Real World Claims and Hidden Risks Homeowners Face
- · Common title insurance claims
- · Unknown heirs and probate disputes
- · Mechanic lien issues in new construction
- · Tax judgments and outstanding debts
- · How title insurance protects property ownership
25:54 - 34:40 Seller Fraud and Identity Verification Challenges
- · Rise of seller impersonation fraud
- · Vacant land fraud schemes
- · Warning signs agents should recognize
- · Identity verification best practices
- · Technology tools used to detect fraud
34:40 - 48:15 Wire Fraud Threats and Transaction Security
- · How wire fraud attacks happen
- · Email compromise and phishing schemes
- · Fake lenders and fraudulent instructions
- · Secure portals and verification platforms
- · Protecting buyers sellers and escrow funds
48:15 - 01:05:37 Fidelity's Role Supporting Agencies and Protecting Consumers
- · Education and training for agents and lenders
- · Marketing and growth support for title agencies
- · Underwriting expertise for complex transactions
- · Escrow oversight and reconciliation reviews
- · The future of title insurance and consumer protection
Quotes:
"I don't think AI will completely take over what title professionals do day in and day out." – Megan Lopez
"The owner's policy is paid once at closing and protects them for the life of them owning that home." – Megan Lopez
"We're seeing a lot of fraud and those are usually the biggest losses." – Megan Lopez
"The more we all are informed and educated about the benefits of title insurance, the dangers of fraud, it protects us all." – Megan Lopez
To contact Laura Megan Lopez, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Connect with Megan Lopez!
Website: https://nationalagency.fnf.com/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan_lopez_fnfagency/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-lopez-48a535a3
Connect with me!
Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com
Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com
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The content in these videos and posts are for informational and educational purposes only. The information contained in the posted content represents the views and opinions of the original creators and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Townebank Mortgage NMLS: #512138.
