In today’s digital age, identity theft and document fraud are on the rise. From real estate scams to forged signatures, even small mistakes can lead to devastating legal and financial consequences.
That’s where a notary public plays a critical role. Notaries serve as the first line of defense against fraud — ensuring that the people signing important documents are who they say they are and that every signature is authentic and voluntary.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we take that responsibility seriously. Here’s how notaries protect individuals, businesses, and the integrity of legal transactions every day.
1. Verifying Identity and Authenticity
The foundation of every notarization is identity verification. Before witnessing a signature, the notary must confirm that each signer’s identification is valid, current, and government-issued.
Common forms of ID include:
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Driver’s licenses
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Passports
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State-issued ID cards
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Military IDs
By verifying ID in person (or securely through digital tools for remote notarization), notaries help prevent impersonation and forged signatures — two of the most common types of document fraud.
2. Ensuring Willingness and Awareness
Fraud doesn’t always come from fake documents — sometimes it comes from coercion or manipulation.
A notary public is trained to:
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Confirm that the signer appears mentally aware and competent.
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Check that the signer is willing and not being pressured.
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Refuse to proceed if something seems suspicious.
This crucial safeguard prevents people from being tricked or forced into signing away rights or property.
3. Creating a Legally Recognized Record
Every notarization results in an official record — a signed, sealed, and often journaled confirmation that the document was properly executed.
These records include:
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The date and time of notarization
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The type of document signed
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The signer’s identification details
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The notary’s seal and signature
If a document’s authenticity is ever questioned in court, a notary’s record serves as powerful evidence that the signing was legitimate.
4. Deterring Forgery and Tampering
A notarized document carries a unique seal or stamp that verifies its authenticity. Once applied, it’s difficult to alter without leaving clear signs of tampering.
This makes it much harder for bad actors to:
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Change terms after signing
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Replace pages
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Forge additional signatures
In short, notarization doesn’t just confirm authenticity — it helps lock in that authenticity for the life of the document.
5. Strengthening Trust in Remote and Digital Transactions
With the rise of Remote Online Notarization (RON), notaries now help prevent fraud even in virtual environments.
Through encrypted platforms, secure ID verification, and recorded signing sessions, online notaries can ensure that each transaction is both legally valid and digitally protected.
Whether you’re signing a real estate deed or a business contract, you can rest assured that the notarization process adds an extra layer of security.
6. Protecting Businesses and the Public
Notaries help safeguard:
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Banks and lenders against loan fraud
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Real estate professionals against forged deeds
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Employers against falsified employment or HR records
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Individuals against identity theft and misrepresentation
Every notarization reinforces public confidence — one signature at a time.
The Human Element of Fraud Prevention
While technology helps detect fake IDs or digital tampering, human judgment remains irreplaceable.
A skilled notary can spot red flags that software might miss — unusual behavior, hesitation, or inconsistent information. That’s why trained, ethical notaries remain essential to protecting your most important documents.
Trust the Experts at Looking Glass Notary
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we combine expertise, ethics, and modern technology to keep your documents secure.
Whether in person or online, every notarization we perform is done with precision, care, and a commitment to protecting your trust.
Key Takeaways
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Notaries are vital in preventing fraud, forgery, and coercion.
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They verify identities, witness signatures, and maintain legal records.
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Digital notarization adds convenience without sacrificing security.
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A trusted notary ensures your documents remain valid and protected.
