Notaries play an important role in helping people verify their identity, sign legal documents, and prevent fraud. But as notary services become more common—and as remote and mobile notaries grow in popularity—there has also been an increase in fake or unauthorized notaries offering services they are not legally allowed to perform. These “notaries” can cause major problems, including invalid documents, identity theft, and financial loss.
Whether you are signing real estate papers, estate planning documents, immigration forms, or business contracts, it’s important to know how to protect yourself. In this guide, we’ll explain how to spot fake notaries, what red flags to watch for, and how a trusted location like Newport Beach Mailboxes can help you find verified, professional notary services.
Why Fake Notaries Are a Real Problem
Many people assume that anyone who calls themselves a “notary” is automatically legitimate. In reality, every state has its own rules, training requirements, and licensing process. Someone pretending to be a notary may:
- Sign documents illegally
- Overcharge for basic services
- Give legal advice they are not qualified to offer
- Put you at risk of document rejection
- Steal your personal or financial information
This is why checking a notary’s credentials is essential. A single mistake can invalidate important paperwork, especially in real estate, loan signings, wills, and powers of attorney.
Red Flags That a Notary May Be Fake or Unauthorized
1. They Cannot Show a Valid Notary Commission
Every real notary must have a current, active commission issued by their state. A legitimate notary should always be able to present:
- Their notary commission certificate
- A valid state-issued ID
- Their notary seal or stamp
If the individual cannot provide these items on request, walk away immediately.
2. Their Seal Looks Suspicious or Incorrect
Real notary seals must include specific information such as:
- The notary’s full name
- Their commission number
- The state in which they are authorized
- The expiration date of their commission
Fake notaries often use vague, generic, or missing information. Some use stamps purchased online that look official but are not legally valid.
3. They Offer Legal Advice
Notaries are not attorneys, unless they explicitly hold both roles (which is rare and must be clearly stated).
A notary who:
- Tells you how to complete legal forms
- Advises you on immigration documents
- Explains your rights
- Tells you which type of document you should use
is acting outside the law. This is one of the biggest signs of an unauthorized or predatory notary.
4. Their Fees Are Extremely High or Suspiciously Low
States regulate how much notaries can charge for services. Someone charging:
- Large, unexplained fees
- “Package deals” that don’t make sense
- Extra charges to “rush” your documents
- Cash-only payments
may be operating illegally. On the other hand, extremely low fees can also be a sign of inexperience, poor training, or unlicensed work.
5. They Cannot Explain What Type of Identification Is Acceptable
A trained notary will clearly understand their state’s ID rules. If they seem confused about what types of identification are allowed—or they accept IDs that are expired, foreign, or not government-issued—that is a major red flag.
6. They Do Not Work from a Verified or Reputable Location
Fake notaries often operate out of temporary spaces, social media profiles, or vague “mobile only” services with no physical address.
Professionally trained notaries often work through reputable business centers such as Newport Beach Mailboxes, which ensures notaries are properly screened and authorized to perform the services they offer. This gives customers greater confidence that they’re working with a legitimate professional.
How to Verify a Notary’s Legitimacy
If you’re unsure whether a notary is legitimate, here are steps you can take:
Check Their Commission Online
Every state has an online notary search tool. You can quickly verify whether their commission is active and valid.
Request Their Business Card or ID
A real notary will have consistent contact information, including a name, phone number, and often a business location such as Newport Beach Mailboxes, where reputable notaries are available.
Look for Reviews and Online Presence
Search their name and business. Real notaries typically have reviews on Google, Yelp, or professional listing sites.
Ask About Their Training
Notaries should know the laws, ID requirements, and proper procedures for your state.
Final Thoughts
Notaries protect the public from fraud, and most work with honesty and professionalism. But fake or unauthorized notaries do exist—and they can cause serious harm. By learning what red flags to look for, checking credentials, and choosing trusted business locations like Newport Beach Mailboxes, you can make sure your documents are notarized correctly and safely.
When your paperwork matters, don’t take risks. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your documents secure, valid, and legally protected.
