{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Wire Fraud, Fake Payoffs & Stolen Titles: What's Really Happening at Closing with Megan Lopez","description":"If a hidden lien, fraudulent seller, or wire scam surfaced after closing, would you know who is actually protecting your ownership rights? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Megan Lopez. Megan is an Agent Account Manager with Fidelity National Financial and a title insurance expert serving Northeast Florida. Drawing from a family background deeply rooted in real estate and title work, Megan explains the critical role title insurance plays in protecting homeowners, lenders, agents, and real estate transactions from hidden risks. Throughout the conversation, Megan breaks down the differences between owner and lender title policies, discusses real world fraud cases involving seller impersonation and wire fraud, and explains how title professionals verify ownership, resolve title defects, and protect consumers from costly claims. She also shares insights into Fidelity's underwriting process, fraud prevention strategies, and the ongoing importance of human expertise in an increasingly digital real estate landscape. If you found value in this episode, subscribe to the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, share this episode with fellow real estate professionals, and leave a review to help more buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders stay informed and protected.   HighlightsTop of FormBottom of Form 00:00 - 09:43 Megan's Journey Into Title Insurance and Real Estate \u00b7       Family background in title and real estate \u00b7       Starting as a receptionist in a real estate law firm \u00b7       Becoming a licensed title agent \u00b7       Moving to Jacksonville and joining Fidelity \u00b7        Understanding the role of a title underwriter 09:43 - 18:29 Understanding Title Searches and Title Insurance Protection \u00b7        How title searches are performed \u00b7        Identifying liens mortgages and ownership issues \u00b7        The relationship between title companies and underwriters \u00b7        Differences between owner and lender policies \u00b7        Why title insurance matters for every buyer 18:29 - 25:54 Real World Claims and Hidden Risks Homeowners Face \u00b7        Common title insurance claims \u00b7        Unknown heirs and probate disputes \u00b7        Mechanic lien issues in new construction \u00b7        Tax judgments and outstanding debts \u00b7        How title insurance protects property ownership 25:54 - 34:40 Seller Fraud and Identity Verification Challenges \u00b7        Rise of seller impersonation fraud \u00b7        Vacant land fraud schemes \u00b7        Warning signs agents should recognize \u00b7        Identity verification best practices \u00b7        Technology tools used to detect fraud 34:40 - 48:15 Wire Fraud Threats and Transaction Security \u00b7        How wire fraud attacks happen \u00b7        Email compromise and phishing schemes \u00b7        Fake lenders and fraudulent instructions \u00b7        Secure portals and verification platforms \u00b7        Protecting buyers sellers and escrow funds 48:15 - 01:05:37 Fidelity's Role Supporting Agencies and Protecting Consumers \u00b7        Education and training for agents and lenders \u00b7        Marketing and growth support for title agencies \u00b7        Underwriting expertise for complex transactions \u00b7        Escrow oversight and reconciliation reviews \u00b7        The future of title insurance and consumer protection     Quotes: "I don't think AI will completely take over what title professionals do day in and day out." \u2013 Megan Lopez "The owner's policy is paid once at closing and protects them for the life of them owning that home." \u2013 Megan Lopez "We're seeing a lot of fraud and those are usually the biggest losses." \u2013 Megan Lopez "The more we all are informed and educated about the benefits of title insurance, the dangers of fraud, it protects us all." \u2013 Megan Lopez   To contact Laura Megan Lopez, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.   Connect with Megan Lopez! Website: https:\/\/nationalagency.fnf.com\/home Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/megan_lopez_fnfagency\/ LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/megan-lopez-48a535a3   Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com   Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.   #RealEstateExcellence #RealEstate #MeganLopez #TitleInsurance #RealEstate #RealEstateExcellence #HomeOwnership #PropertyProtection #FidelityNationalFinancial #RealEstateFraud #WireFraud #TitleSearch #HomeBuying #RealEstateAgent #MortgageLending #OwnerPolicy #LenderPolicy #PropertyOwnership #EscrowSecurity #FraudPrevention #RealEstateEducation #JacksonvilleRealEstate ","author_name":"Real Estate Excellence","author_url":"https:\/\/www.tracyhayespodcast.com","html":"