THE $28,000 EMAIL THAT LOOKED PERFECT

Last month, a startup founder wired $28,000 to what he thought was his attorney's trust account.

The invoice looked real. The email thread looked real. Even the signature matched.

But the bank account? That belonged to a scammer in another country.

This isn't rare. The FBI reports $8.5 billion in Business Email Compromise losses between 2022 and 2024.

That's billion with a B.

How wire fraud works

Here's how it works: Someone compromises an email account (or creates a lookalike), then inserts themselves into a real conversation about money. They change the payment details. You wire funds to the wrong place.

By the time you realize it, the money is gone.

The two-channel rule

Never confirm payment details through the same channel you received them.

Got wire instructions via email? Call the person directly using a number you already have (not one from that email).

Got instructions via text? Verify through email or a video call.

Two channels. Every time. No exceptions.

This one habit would prevent most wire fraud.

The scammers are counting on you being busy, trusting, and moving fast. The friction of a two-minute phone call is your best defense.

Your one takeaway

Before your next wire transfer, stop and ask: "Did I verify these details through a completely separate channel?"

If the answer is no, pick up the phone.

Your future self will thank you.

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Ṣọ Email Security provides AI-powered email protection that detects BEC attempts, verifies sender authenticity, and keeps your inbox safe. Learn more about how we protect against wire fraud.