Security and Preparation for Your North Arkansas Closing

At North Arkansas Abstract & Title Co., Inc., we believe in closing with confidence. Your real estate closing is one of the most important financial transactions you will ever make, and we are committed to making the process as seamless and secure as possible. This page provides essential information on protecting your funds from wire fraud and a detailed checklist to ensure you arrive prepared for your closing appointment in Yellville.

Protect Your Funds

Protect Your Funds - Real Estate Wire Fraud Prevention

Wire fraud is a pervasive threat in real estate. Scammers hack email accounts and send fake wiring instructions to steal funds. The single most important defense is a simple phone call.

Wire Fraud: The 5 Golden Rules


  • CALL, DON'T CLICK. NEVER follow wiring instructions sent via email. If you receive an email containing wiring details—even if it appears to be from our office—STOP immediately.


  • VERIFY ALL INSTRUCTIONS by calling our office at (870) 449-4207 using a phone number you obtained independently (from our official website or business card), NOT the number listed in the suspicious email.


  • BE SUSPICIOUS OF LAST-MINUTE CHANGES. It is extremely rare for North Arkansas Abstract & Title to change our wiring instructions. Treat any sudden change, especially those creating urgency, as fraudulent until verbally verified.


  • CONFIRM RECEIPT IMMEDIATELY. After initiating a wire transfer from your bank, call our office within 4-8 hours to verbally confirm the funds have been received and secured in the correct account.


  • PROTECT YOUR EMAIL. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your email account. This is the primary target for hackers who commit wire fraud.

  • What is Wire Fraud?

    Wire fraud in real estate involves scammers who hack email accounts to send fake wiring instructions, leading to the theft of funds. It's crucial to be vigilant.

  • How Can I Protect Myself?

    The most effective defense against wire fraud is a simple phone call. Always verify wiring instructions directly with our office.

  • What Should I Do If I Receive Suspicious Instructions?

    If you receive wiring instructions via email, do not follow them. Call our office at (870) 449-4207 using a number you obtained independently.

  • What About Last-Minute Changes?

    Be cautious of any last-minute changes to wiring instructions. Such changes are rare and should be verified verbally before proceeding.
Protect Your Funds

Protect Your Property — Marion County Property Fraud Alert

Beyond the closing table, your property remains a target for "deed theft" or mortgage fraud. This occurs when a fraudulent document is recorded against your property in an attempt to illegally transfer ownership or equity without your knowledge.

The Marion County Circuit Clerk’s Office  offers a free early-warning subscription service to all property owners in our county.



  • How it Works: You register your name or business name with the alert system.


  • Immediate Notification: If a document is filed in Yellville with a name that matches your registration, you will receive an immediate text, email, or phone call.


  • Take Action: While the alert does not prevent the filing, it gives you the vital "early warning" needed to contact law enforcement or legal counsel before significant damage is done.


Sign Up Today:

 Click here to register with Property Fraud Alert or call the Clerk’s office at (870) 449-6226 for assistance.

  • What is property fraud and how does it happen?

    Property fraud occurs when someone illegally records a fraudulent document in public records—such as a forged deed or mortgage—to make it appear as though they own your property or have a lien against it. Scammers often target vacant land, vacation homes, or properties with no mortgage to either "sell" the property to an unsuspecting buyer or take out a loan against your equity.

  • How does the Property Fraud Alert service work?

    This is a free subscription service offered by the Marion County Clerk’s office that monitors your name within the official land records. When you register, the system tracks any new documents filed under your personal or business name. If a match is found, you are immediately notified via text, email, or phone call, giving you a vital early warning.

  • Does this service stop a fraudulent document from being filed?

    No. By law, the County Clerk’s office must record any document that meets the state's legal requirements for filing. The alert service acts as an early-warning system rather than a "lock." It ensures you are notified within 24 hours of a filing, so you can take immediate legal action to protect your title before further damage occurs.

  • How do I sign up and what information do I need?

    Signing up is quick, free, and can be done online. Visit www.propertyfraudalert.com/ARMarion and enter the name(s) you wish to monitor. We recommend registering multiple variations of your name (e.g., John Smith, John A. Smith, and John Alan Smith) to ensure total coverage. If you need assistance, you can call the Marion County Clerk's office directly at (870) 449-6226.

Prepare for a Smooth Closing Day

Closing Day Preparation Checklist

To ensure your closing appointment in Yellville is efficient and stress-free, please come prepared with the following items:

For All Parties (Buyers & Sellers)


  • Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: Bring two (2) forms of ID for extra security. One must be a photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or Military ID).


  • Personal Checkbook: You may need this for minor, unexpected adjustments or prorations that arise on closing day.


For Home Buyers


  • Final Closing Funds:
  • Confirm the final, exact amount with us 24-48 hours before closing.
  • Bring a Cashier's Check made payable to North Arkansas Abstract & Title Co., Inc. OR bring your Wire Transfer Confirmation (verified using the steps above).


  • Proof of Homeowner's Insurance: You must provide the Declarations Page and confirmation that your first year's premium has been paid (if applicable and required by your lender).


  • Any Documents Requested by Your Lender: Such as updated pay stubs or bank statements.


For Home Sellers


  • Keys, Codes, & Remotes: Bring all sets of keys, garage door openers, mailbox keys, and any security system or gate codes for the property.



  • Receipts for Agreed-Upon Repairs: If you agreed to complete repairs as part of the sales contract, bring the necessary receipts or documentation.


  • What do I need to bring for closing?

    To ensure a seamless closing appointment, both buyers and sellers should come prepared with essential documents and items.

  • What should home buyers prepare?

    Home buyers need to confirm their final closing funds, provide proof of homeowner's insurance, and bring any documents requested by their lender.

  • What do sellers need to bring?

    Sellers should ensure they have all necessary documents related to the property, including any disclosures and title information.

  • Why is a personal checkbook important?

    A personal checkbook can be useful for minor adjustments or prorations that may arise unexpectedly on closing day.

"Knowledge is the currency of the 21st century."

David R. Ross