John Iannarelli directly addresses camera:  Real estate is not just about selling homes but building trust. Yet, in today's digital world, there's an unseen enemy that can shatter that trust – cyber threats.
      I'm John Iannarelli, a retired FBI agent known as "FBI John," and a cybersecurity expert. Let's take five minutes to learn how to protect yourself from cybercrimes.
      Imagine this: A Navy pilot and his wife spent years saving up to buy their dream house.  They wired $305,000, their life savings. A dream turned into a nightmare when they lost all their money to a cyber scam. Their real estate agent? Devastated and clueless. This is the power of a business email compromise, and this is a true story.
The culprit? A cybercriminal who stealthily hacked into the real estate agent's email, monitored every communication with his customer and struck at the opportune moment. The criminal created an email that was a near-perfect replica of the real one. One letter difference, a world of hurt.
      The scammers sent fake wiring instructions. But wire fraud is just one scam that is part of a bigger issue of the business email compromise. How can you protect yourself? Here are some strategies:
      First, secure your systems. Just as you would lock your front door, secure your digital portals. Hire IT professionals to regularly check for breaches. Update antivirus software on all devices, including your smartphone, where a lot of business happens.
Next, enforce clear policies. Inform your client that when you receive an email with anything to do with the contract, escrow or involved money, call to verify the information is accurate and correct. This step, though seemingly small, can prevent a catastrophic loss.
      It pays to be vigilant. Phishing scams are a real threat. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, no matter how legitimate they seem. A random text message? Treat it like a stranger at your doorstep. Don't entertain them.
      You have all heard about people's crazy passwords. They use their names, birth dates, pet's name and even the word "Password" — all are a bad idea. Remember, strong passwords are your first line of defense. Use a password manager. It creates a unique, complex password for every site. Even if one password gets compromised, the rest remain secure. It's like having a different key for every door.
      Next, enable two-factor authentication. It's like having a second lock on your door. Even if someone manages to steal your password, they won't be able to break in without that second key.
      Finally, subscribe to credit monitoring services. In a world where your digital identity is as important as your physical one, knowing who's using your name is crucial.
Here's a great idea for a closing gift. Offer a year of credit monitoring for a year after closing. Not only does it offer peace of mind to the homebuyer, but it also enhances your image as a security-minded real estate professional.
      As real estate agents, your business thrives on trust. Protecting your clients' money and information is crucial in maintaining that trust. Stay vigilant, be proactive, and remember - your reputation is always on the line. Avoiding a business email compromise is one way to protect it.