According to new numbers from the U.S. Commerce Department released recently, new home builds and sales are rising, which could mean a big opportunity for mortgages and unfortunately, cyber criminals.

Increasingly, malicious hackers are spoofing emails as part of a spear-phishing attack designed to trick home buyers into wiring money into the hacker's bank account. The FTC even issued a consumer advisory, warning of scammers phishing for mortgage closing costs.

"Hackers have been breaking into some consumers' and real estate professionals' email accounts to get information about upcoming real estate transactions. After figuring out the closing dates, the hacker sends an email to the buyer, posing as the real estate professional or title company," Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC wrote.