FCT Blog

The Long Game: John Tracy on Cyberfraud in Real Estate | The FCT Blog

Written by FCT | Oct 14, 2025 2:00:01 PM

 

As real estate transactions become increasingly digital, fraudsters are evolving their tactics – blending old-school deception with cutting-edge technology. To unpack this shifting landscape, we spoke with John Tracy, Senior Legal Counsel at FCT and a leading voice in fraud prevention. With years of experience investigating title insurance claims, John offers a grounded perspective on how cyberfraud is changing – and what professionals can do to stay ahead of it.

From synthetic identities and deepfakes to wire fraud and digital title manipulation, John walks us through the layered nature of today’s threats. These schemes aren’t just opportunistic – they’re calculated, long-term plays that exploit both technological gaps and human habits. And while tools like MFA and secure email platforms help, John emphasizes that the most effective defense still starts with awareness and vigilance.

FCT’s role in this space goes beyond insurance. As John explains, our underwriters are trained to recognize red flags, and our claims experience helps guide professionals through the aftermath of breaches. It’s a reminder that cybersecurity isn’t just about reacting – it’s about anticipating, intercepting, and reinforcing the systems that protect every transaction.

 

What you’ll learn in the full interview:
  • How synthetic identities are built – and why they’re hard to detect
  • Why traditional fraud tactics still work, and how tech is making them harder to spot
  • What digital title fraud looks like in the age of online registries
  • How wire fraud exploits pressure points in busy legal workflows
  • What role title insurers play in prevention, education, and recovery

 

John’s insights are essential reading for legal professionals, realtors, and clients navigating the risks of digital real estate. Access the complete interview today—download the Cybersecurity Resource Guide from our Fraud Insights Centre.