SEPTEMBER 2025
Can't Miss Events and CE, Practical Title Tips, In Memoriam and more
Security Insights: Phishing Kits are Reaching the Enterprise Level
Genady Vishnevetsky | September 2025
Phishing attacks are evolving, and the Salty2FA toolkit is a prime example. This subscription-based kit allows attackers to bypass two-factor authentication and steal credentials with ease, creating convincing fake login pages tailored to each target. In this month’s Security Insights, Genady Vishnevetsky, Chief Information Security Officer at Stewart Title Guaranty Company, breaks down how Salty2FA works and shares practical steps you can take to protect your accounts.
Read more »
South Texas Seminar This Saturday – Don’t Miss Out!
Saturday, September 27 | McAllen
It’s almost here! Join us in McAllen this Saturday for a morning of practical, high-impact education.
- Earn 4 CE hours (plus 1 bonus On-Demand!)
- Gain solutions to common challenges that you can put to work immediately
- Get insights from expert speakers who know your market
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Seats are filling fast — Register now and join us this Saturday!
This year’s agenda features timely sessions on complex but common issues, including:
- Who Can Sign? Navigating murky signature authority situations
- Homestead Headaches like family-to-family transfers and construction tie-ins
- Tax Exemptions & Risk of Loss: How to identify and resolve risks before closing
Thank you to our 2025 South Texas Seminar Sponsors
Texas Land Title Institute Returns to San Antonio: Dec. 4-5
Registration and Hotel Reservations Now Open
The 35th Annual Texas Land Title Institute is officially open for registration and hotel reservations at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country are now available.
This year’s milestone event celebrates 35 years as the premier gathering for real estate attorneys and title professionals, delivering world-class education and unmatched networking opportunities. Over two dynamic days, you’ll hear from top legal and industry experts, earn CE credit, and connect with more than 500 colleagues in the beautiful Hill Country setting of San Antonio’s Hyatt Regency.
Seats and rooms fill quickly — reserve your place today
Title Tip: Fraud Prevention Reminders for Title Pros
Mark Lewis, CESP, CAEP, CTIP, NTP | TLTA Certification Committee Chair
We’re back with another Title Tip — our monthly video series offering quick, complimentary education from title professionals across Texas.
This month’s video features Mark Lewis, CESP, CAEP, CTIP, NTP who shares timely tips for preventing two of the most common threats facing title companies today: seller impersonation fraud and wire fraud. In this short and practical Title Tip, Mark shares reminders for staying one step ahead of scammers, including:
- Common red flags in email communication
- Tools and steps to verify identities early in the process
- Why urgent out-of-country signings should raise concerns
- Tips for vetting embassy and consulate appointments
- Best practices for verifying wire instructions every time
- How to train your team to slow down — especially during busy seasons
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Watch Mark’s Title Tip video here and stay tuned for more insights next month!
Looking to revisit our past installments of the Title Tips Series? Visit the Title Tips Section in TLTA's
Online Learning Center here.
This information is being provided by TLTA for educational and reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or business advice from or on behalf of TLTA. Users should consult their own legal counsel and subject-matter experts to ensure that any policies adopted or actions taken meet the requirements unique to their company.
In Memoriam: Mary O'Donnell
We are saddened to share the news that Westcor Land Title Insurance Co. CEO and President Mary O’Donnell unexpectedly passed away on September 4, 2025. O’Donnell had served as the president and CEO of Westcor since 2004.
“Mary was a highly respected and much-loved member of our title industry family, and her loss is deeply felt by all of us fortunate enough to have known her” said TLTA CEO Leslie Midgley. “Her innovative spirit and strong sense of purpose coupled with her people-first focus made her a powerful force for good. Her leadership, both at Westcor and on behalf of our entire industry as ALTA President, was incredibly impactful and she leaves a legacy that will carry on for years to come. Godspeed, Mary.”
Mary’s career in the title insurance industry saw her serve as the president of the American Land Title Association from 2019 to 2020. During her tenure, she created the
ALTA Good Deeds Foundation, which provides charitable grants to local organizations.
To honor Mary’s memory and passion for philanthropy, her husband has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to
The ALTA Good Deeds Foundation, which Mary founded. In addition, cards can be sent to Carmen Santana at the Maitland office and will be delivered to Mary’s family.
ATTN: Carmen Santana
875 Concourse Pkwy S Ste 200
Maitland, FL 32751
A celebration of life will be held on October 1, from 5-8PM at The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, Florida.
Read ALTA's Tribute »
In Memoriam: Joan White
We are saddened to share the passing of M. Joan White Engeling of Harlingen, Texas, on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 78. Joan was a respected leader in the Texas title industry and a pioneer in her community, having built and guided Rio Grande Valley Abstract Co., Inc. into a thriving family business.
Her dedication, work ethic, and care for clients and colleagues left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her daughter Jacqui now continues the family tradition as President of the company, carrying forward Joan’s legacy of leadership, dedication, and care.
Read the obituary »