The wire transfer call that saves everything

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

It wasn't his lawyer.

A scammer had spoofed the email address, swapped the bank details, and walked away with the money.

This happens more than you think.

Business Email Compromise cost companies $2.9 billion last year. Wire fraud is the weapon of choice because wires are fast, final, and nearly impossible to reverse.

But here's the good news.

The FBI reports a 66% recovery rate on fraudulent wires when victims report within 24 hours.

Speed matters. Verification matters more.

The 2 minute callback rule

Before you send any wire over $1,000, make one phone call.

Not to the number in the email you just received.

To a number you already have saved or can verify independently.

Call your contact directly. Confirm the account details out loud. Ask them to repeat the numbers back to you.

Two minutes of awkwardness beats $28,000 of regret.

Scammers rely on urgency. They create fake emergencies. They pressure you to move fast before you can think.

Your callback breaks that pressure.

The takeaway you can use today

Save the phone numbers of anyone you might wire money to: your lawyer, your accountant, your vendors, your title company.

Store them now, before you need them.

Because when that urgent email arrives asking you to wire funds immediately, you'll have a direct line to the truth.