Closing Day in Alabama: Wire Fraud Warnings & Final Walk-Through

You’re almost done. Closing week is when tired sellers make expensive mistakes — especially with wiring instructions. This guide is a practical Alabama / Wiregrass closing checklist. It is not legal advice and not a substitute for your closer’s instructions.

Who this is for

Sellers (and buyers) closing in Alabama, especially Enterprise and the Wiregrass
PCS households signing remotely or under time pressure
Anyone who received an email about “updated wiring instructions”

Wire fraud: treat surprise emails as hostile

Criminals spoof title companies, attorneys, and agents. A common pattern: late-stage email saying the wire account changed. Rules of thumb:

Never trust wiring instructions that arrive only by email
Call a known phone number from the closing packet, title website you typed yourself, or your agent’s verified contact — not a number in the suspicious email
Confirm beneficiary name, bank, account, and amount out loud
Be extra careful with last-minute “urgent” changes before funding

If something feels off, pause. Slow money is better than stolen money.

Final walk-through (sellers: be ready)

Buyers typically walk the property shortly before closing to confirm:

Agreed repairs were completed
Systems that were working still work
The home is broom-clean (or as contracted) and personal items are removed
Included appliances, fixtures, remotes, and keys match the contract

Sellers: leave manuals, garage remotes, gate codes, mailbox keys, and spare keys labeled. Don’t play scavenger hunt on closing morning.

Documents & IDs

Government photo ID as required by the closer
Any remaining affidavits or HOA docs your title company requested
Payoff confirmation path if your loan is being paid off
Forwarding address for any residual mail / refunds

Remote / mobile notarization rules vary — ask your Alabama closer early if you’ll be gone for PCS.

Utilities, insurance, and keys

Schedule utility transfer or stop dates (don’t leave the buyer in the dark — literally)
Confirm when seller’s homeowners insurance should end (coordinate with lender/title)
Hand over all keys, fobs, remotes, alarm codes, and locker codes per contract
Cancel or transfer monitoring services

Money movement checklist

Know whether you’re receiving proceeds by wire or check
Verify destination account details by phone using a trusted number
Watch for phishing texts claiming to be your agent or spouse
Keep a written log of who you spoke with and when

After the ink

Save the closing disclosure / settlement statement
Update your budget for payoff of temporary housing or double moves
If you’re also buying, repeat wire-verification discipline on the purchase side