Smart Financial Goals for Homeowners
in 2026

With more buyers entering the market and digital transactions becoming the norm, mortgage related scams have become more sophisticated. Protecting your personal information, and your home purchase, has never been more important.

Here’s what Wisconsin homeowners and homebuyers need to watch for in 2026.

1. Wire Fraud Is Still the #1 Threat

Scammers are intercepting email accounts, posing as lenders, realtors, or title companies, and sending fake wiring instructions.

Red flags include:

• Last‑minute wiring changes
• Email addresses that look “close but not exact”
• Unexpected urgency or pressure

How to stay safe:
Always call your lender or title company using a known, verified phone number before transferring funds. Never rely solely on email for financial instructions.

2. Fake Mortgage Lender Websites & Social Profiles

Fraudsters now create convincing websites that imitate legitimate banks, including logos, colors, and contact forms.

Protection tips:

• Type web addresses directly instead of clicking links
• Confirm NMLS numbers
• Work with a referred lender from someone who has utilized their services
• Verify you’re communicating with the real bank, not a spoofed version

If anything looks off, take a second look and don’t click anything. You can always call us to help verify if something is legitimate.

3. Title/ID Theft Prevention During the Closing Process

During closing, verify the identity of every party involved. Use secure, encrypted document exchange platforms and avoid sending sensitive information over unsecured email. Confirm all instructions directly with your lender or title company.

4. Phishing Targeting First Time Buyers

Scammers know first time buyers may be nervous or unfamiliar with the process. They send emails or texts pretending to offer:

• “Better rate approvals”
• “Urgent document updates”
• Fake pre‑qualification links

Remember: Your lender will never ask for sensitive info through unsecured email or text.

5. Secure Document Exchange Habits for Borrowers

Always use secure portals provided by your lender for uploading documents. Avoid public WiFi when accessing financial information, and enable two-factor authentication on your email accounts.

6. Bank Protections and What Clients Must Still Do

Banks have robust fraud prevention systems, but clients play a crucial role. Regularly review your credit report, use strong passwords, and call, not email, when something seems suspicious. Remember, your lender will never ask for sensitive info through unsecured channels.

7. What to Do Immediately if Fraud Is Suspected

If you suspect fraud, act quickly:

• Contact your lender and title company immediately
• Report the incident to local law enforcement
• Freeze your credit if necessary
• Document all communications and suspicious activity

How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves in 2026

• Enable two factor authentication on email accounts
• Use secure, unique passwords
• Avoid public Wi‑Fi during mortgage transactions
• Regularly review your credit report
• Call, not email, when something seems suspicious

At American National Bank, we take fraud prevention seriously, and we’re here to help you stay protected every step of the way.