As a notary, I’m here to keep everything legit, safe, and by the book. But there are scammers out there with some sneaky tricks!
Let me take you behind the scenes on a few of the types I stay vigilant about to make sure everything I notarize is safe and above board.
The “Demanding Boss"
Some notaries get their commission through work, but here’s the deal—your notary seal and journal are yours, no matter who pays for them.
Sometimes, an employer might think it’s okay to treat your notary tools as “company property,” but that’s a no-go. I always keep my seal and journal under my exclusive control to make sure nothing is misused, even if it’s just for convenience. No one but me handles my notary tools.
The “Sneaky Spouse”
This one is heartbreaking—a spouse might try to push through something like a custody letter or other sensitive document by having it notarized without the other person’s consent.
Even if it’s a friendly neighbor or longtime acquaintance, if the signer isn’t present, I won’t notarize it. My rule is simple: If the signer isn’t in front of me, it’s a no. That’s how I make sure everyone’s rights are protected.
The “Real Estate Trickster”
Real estate scams can get complex! Picture someone you know casually trying to slip through without ID, like saying, “You know me, right?” when they “forget” their ID. Friendly or not, I’m firm—’ll always ask for proper ID and go through the same careful process with everyone to ensure every box is checked, no distractions allowed.
The “Elder Abuser”
Sadly, some scammers target seniors. If I sense the signer seems hesitant, unsure, or if someone else is doing all the talking, that’s a red flag for me.
I’ll engage directly with the senior, ask questions, and make sure they’re comfortable and fully aware. If something doesn’t feel right, I won’t proceed. It’s about protecting everyone involved, especially the most vulnerable.
The “Unknown Imposter”
This one could be anyone walking in with polished confidence. Even if someone hands me what seems like a legit ID, I always take a few seconds to look carefully and match the ID with the person. Double-checking IDs is part of my process, no matter who is sitting across from me. It’s just another step to keep fraudsters from slipping through.
I take pride in following every step by the book—keeping your documents, your rights, and my notary practice safe and sound.
Got questions about notarizations? Reach out to Girl Friday Notary Services for all your mobile notary needs!
GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES
Notarization may be boring, but I'm not!
253.208.2792
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