Notarisation is one of those processes people treat as a routine until something goes wrong. You show up, sign a document, a stamp goes on it, and you move on. When a document is notarised properly, it creates trust and confirms identity, willingness, and authenticity. That trust is highly beneficial for authenticating transactions.
Fraud thrives in that sense of normalcy. When someone rushes the process, avoids questions, or cannot explain their credentials, it becomes risky, and often, the client bears the risk. Many people only realise this after a document has already been used, sometimes in property transfers, loan agreements, or immigration paperwork. By then, fixing the problem can take months and cost far more than the original transaction. So, how do you spot a suspicious activity with your notary public before it is too late? Let’s find out.
Common Fraud Schemes to Look Out For
-
Fake stamps and forged signatures
This is the most basic scheme, and it still works. Through technology, a fraudster can now create stamps that look legitimate and notarise documents without witnessing the signing or verifying identity. On paper, everything appears valid. This often appears in contracts, affidavits, and consent forms. -
Expired or stolen notary credentials
Some individuals continue practising after their commission expires. Others use another notary’s seal or information without permission. The document carries real notary details, but the person performing the act had no authority to do so. This can raise uncomfortable questions when discovered. -
Notario fraud targeting immigrants
In many communities, the word “notario” is associated with legal expertise. Fraudsters exploit that misunderstanding by offering immigration or legal services they are not qualified to provide. Documents may be improperly notarised or entirely fabricated, leaving clients exposed. -
Real estate title and deed fraud
Property transactions are high-value, which makes them attractive targets. Fraudulent notarisation is used to transfer ownership, file false deeds or secure loans against property without the owner’s knowledge. Victims often discover the issue only after financial damage occurs. -
Loan and mortgage signing manipulation
A notary may be pressured to skip steps during loan signings, backdate documents or notarise without the signer present. In more serious cases, entire signing packages are altered after notarisation to change terms or authorisations. This is usually done in collaboration with one of the parties to the document.
- Remote notarisation impersonation
With the growth of online notarisation, impersonation has increased. Fraudsters use stolen IDs, deepfake videos or coached signers to pass verification. Weak platforms or careless procedures make this easier.
What to do if you suspect Fraud
The first step is simple. Stop. Do not continue the transaction because you feel pressured or embarrassed. Ask questions. Request verification. If something does not make sense, pause the process.
Report concerns to the appropriate notary commissioning authority in your state. This creates a record and can prevent further harm to others. Seeking legal advice early also matters. The sooner a potential issue is addressed, the more options you have to correct it. It is also important to have multiple initial meetings with the notary public to understand how the process is conducted, and fact-check the process before committing to anything.
A real notary does not fear scrutiny. Professional practice welcomes questions because transparency protects everyone involved. You are allowed to ask the right questions and understand what is happening to your documents.
Finally, if you work with notarised documents regularly, take time to learn what proper practice looks like. Share this with someone who might need it. The right information at the right moment can prevent a mistake that is difficult to undo.
