Kingston, Jamaica — 8 March 2026
As Jamaica’s property market continues to grow, a quieter threat is gaining attention across global real estate markets: wire fraud targeting property transactions. While often associated with North America and Europe, the increasing digitalisation of real estate transactions means Jamaica cannot assume immunity from a crime that exploits the most vulnerable moment in a property purchase — the transfer of funds.
Real estate transactions depend heavily on trust between buyers, sellers, attorneys, agents, and financial institutions. Yet internationally, criminals are increasingly intercepting these transactions through sophisticated email hacking schemes designed to divert large payments into fraudulent accounts. The sums involved are often significant, representing deposits, completion funds, or full purchase payments tied to property transfers.
Reports from international real estate bodies indicate that attempted wire fraud is now a common feature of prop…
