Notaries are expected to be able to spot fraud. It is the reason people have to trudge through the ice and snow to our offices to show us their passports. We affix our stamps and signatures and the third party who receives the documents can trust that documents with our seal have been completed without fraud.
Now, a determined fraudster has any number of tricks up their sleeve. Always remember to trust your instinct, if the hair on the back of your neck is sticking up, something might be amiss. Notaries deal with transactions which can sometimes be worth millions or dollars and you will play an important roll (even if it is just to witness signatures). Don't open yourself up to unnecessary risk.
I have put together a short list of fraud detection techniques you can employ as a notary public in the course of your duties. This list is not exhaustive but will give you a good starting point. Remember, your personal liability is at stake if you knowingly or engage in willful blindness when notarizing a document which is clearly fraudulent.
People who are committed to engage in fraud will be either charming, or intimidating. Be aware!
Tip #1: Can you notarize these documents via videocam?
The rules regarding online notarization vary from province to province. But as of the writing of this blog, no province in all of Canada has permitted full online notarizations for all services. With this patchwork of rules, different "companies" have started to claim erroneously they can do instant online notarization for every document. This is false and these companies are running the risk of fines, litigation, and more.
However, fraudsters will point out that these companies are providing a more convenient service and will pressure you to notarize their documents online. Don't compromise. This is a high pressure tactic to make you believe you have a more inconvenient service. They will try to bully you to notarize documents online where it is easier to present false documents.
Tip #2: I'm late, I'm late, I'm late for a very important date
Someone barges into your office in a desperate state needing notarization done right away. Their "cab" is waiting and running, and they need their documents notarized right away. You will notice that people in a rush often "forget" their IDs and want to who you a picture of it instead. No dice, refuse service.
Due to the increased pressure to get the documents done quicker, the fraudster is hoping you will make mistakes and forgo some of the checklist (provided in the course) in order to make the sale. These are always difficult clients to reject because they switch very quickly to pleading and desperation, it is a good act, don't fall for it.
Trick #3: I'm a businessman, you can trust me!
Their dress is pristine, their charm is palpable. But for some reason, they always forget their IDs. They sometimes have an accomplice who "confirms" their identity instead of seeing a piece of ID. These "business people" often look very intimidating and have an air of authority around them. However, it is all smoke and mirrors, do not trust someone just because they are in a suit and tie. The requirement to present valid government issued photo ID applies to everyone, regardless of how official they are.
Trick #4: I'll refer you lots of client
These fraudsters always lie and threaten the viability of your business. They will ask you to notarize documents without following all the rules, they will refer lots of clients to you. This is a lie. It is also unethical. Don't compromise your processes and procedures so some random on the street may mention it to some of their friends (its a lie).
This also goes hand in hand with threats to give you a positive/negative review on Google. This is the more dangerous threat because removing false/fraudulent reviews on Google is almost impossible. Some of the reviews on my notary business account are fake, they never happened. And fraudsters know this that negative reviews impact businesses with the least amount of effort.
Trust me, negative reviews are not a reason to compromise your integrity. Don't fall for it!
Trick #5: Paper bag paupers/princesses
Lots and lots of your clients will bring their documents in plastic/paper bags, there is nothing concerning with this. The fraudster I am referring to in this section isn't your average client. This fraudster will show up with dozens and dozens of pieces of paper and will throw EVERYTHING at you. The purpose of this is to confuse you as to what you are actually doing. They will flip between the pages so rapidly and just point and shoot hoping you will just notarize things without question. Their IDs will often be "held" by the bank or government because of some case they are involved in. They sometimes present a photocopy of their ID stating this is what the government gave me. They will blame you for not helping them, they will claim a deal they need help on will fall through if you do not help them. They are VERY willing to raise their voice in public and cause a scene.
Stay strong, decline to notarize their documents!
Theses are just a few of the strategies fraudsters use to confuse and take advantage of unsuspecting notaries. These are a guide as fraudsters have a never ending list of tricks up their sleeves. Stick to your process, be ethical, and your reputation as a good notary will spread naturally.
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