How to Share Proof of Funds Without Exposing Client Data

Every real estate transaction requires proof of funds. And every proof of funds document contains information that could destroy your client's financial security if it falls into the wrong hands.

Bank statements, investment account summaries, and verification letters typically include:

• Full account numbers
• Social Security numbers
• Complete transaction history
• Home addresses
• Account balances across all accounts

The listing agent only needs to know one thing: Can this buyer close?

They don't need your client's routing number.

What Listing Agents Actually Need

A valid proof of funds verification requires:

1. The client's name (to match the offer)
2. The account balance or available funds
3. The date (to confirm it's current)
4. The financial institution's name

That's it. Everything else is unnecessary exposure.

The 30-Second Fix

Before emailing that bank statement:

1. Upload the PDF to a redaction tool
2. Black out account numbers, SSN, transaction details, and any other accounts shown
3. Download the redacted version
4. Send that instead

Your client gets the same result — their offer moves forward — without their financial life sitting in six different email inboxes.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Real estate transactions are prime targets for wire fraud. Criminals monitor email chains looking for transaction details, then strike at closing with fake wire instructions.

The more information in circulation, the more convincing their scam becomes. A criminal who knows your client's bank, account balance, and home address can craft a frighteningly believable phishing attempt.

Choose Your Tools Wisely

Not all redaction tools are created equal. Many require you to upload your client's bank statements to their servers — which defeats the purpose.

When you're handling your client's most sensitive financial documents, the tool you choose matters.