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Notary Nightmares: Common Scams and How to Protect Your Seal
- Karynn Snow
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
Hey fellow notaries! Let's talk about something that keeps even the most seasoned professionals up at night: scams. We're the trusted gatekeepers of document integrity, but unfortunately, that makes us prime targets for those looking to exploit the system. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your notary journey, understanding common scams and how to avoid them is absolutely crucial.
Think of it this way: scammers are like sneaky ninjas, always looking for a way in. They often target notaries by trying to get us to do one of four things:
Notarize a document without the signer present.
Notarize the signature of an imposter.
Notarize a signature from someone who is unaware or pressured.
Gain access to your precious notary seal and journal.
I'll break down these tactics and, more importantly, how to defend against them.
Your Seal and Journal: Your Fortress, Not a Shared Resource
This might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating: your notary seal and journal are YOURS. They're not a company resource, a favor you can lend out, or something to be left unattended. Even if your employer paid for your commission (and many do!), these tools are your sole responsibility.
Imagine the horror of discovering your seal was used for fraudulent activity without your knowledge! You'd be held liable, facing potential legal and professional consequences. No employer, no friend, no family member should have access to them. Period.
The "But I Trust Them!" Trap: Forged Signatures and Family Feuds
We've all had those moments. A familiar face, a seemingly simple request. "My spouse is out of town, but I need this notarized right away!" You trust them, right? Big mistake. Forged signatures are a classic scam, often happening within families.
Picture this: your long-time neighbor asks you to notarize a travel permission letter for her kids, but her husband is away. You trust her, so you make an exception. Then you find out they're in the middle of a messy divorce, and she just forged his signature to take the kids out of the country. Yikes!
The Golden Rule: The Signer Must Be Physically Present. No Exceptions.
Pressure and Distraction: The Scammer's Playbook
Scammers are masters of manipulation. They might:
Create a sense of urgency: "I need this done NOW!"
Use charm and sympathy: "My whole life depends on this!"
Don't fall for it! They're trying to rush you, hoping you'll skip vital steps like verifying identification. Remember, verifying IDs and ensuring the signer's understanding takes time.
Pro Tip: Don't let your empathy override your professional judgment. Stick to the process.
High-Value Documents, High-Risk Scams
Real estate documents, powers of attorney, and estate documents are prime targets for fraud. Forged deeds can lead to massive financial losses.
Crucial Step: Don't just glance at the ID. Compare it! Does the photo match the person in front of you? Double-check everything.
Know When to Say "NO": Your Notary Superpower
Your role is to uphold the integrity of the notarization. That means refusing to notarize if:
The signer isn't present.
The ID is questionable.
The signer seems unaware or pressured.
Make sure you're adhering to your state law!
Your Notary Survival Kit: Vigilance and Records
To stay safe:
Secure your seal and journal.
Verify IDs meticulously.
Keep detailed records.
Know your state laws.
By staying vigilant and adhering to proper protocols, you'll protect yourself and uphold the trust placed in notaries.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed!
Being a notary is a serious responsibility. By understanding common scams and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself, your reputation, and the integrity of the documents you notarize. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep your seal safe!
Want more tips on how to avoid common Notary scams take a look at these articles from the National Notary Association.
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