Notary Scam Alert
Stay informed about scams and fraud schemes targeting New Jersey notaries. This resource highlights current threats, common warning signs, and practical steps to help you recognize suspicious requests, avoid malicious links, and protect your personal and professional information.
Scam Alert:
Fake Clients Are Targeting Notaries With Malicious Document Links
A new scam targeting notaries is using what appears to be a completely normal request for mobile notary services to lure notaries into clicking malicious links.
The scam is particularly convincing because the suspicious behavior does not necessarily begin with the first message.
A prospective client may contact a notary asking about availability, fees, or a meeting location. The conversation may continue just like any other appointment request. A time and location may even be discussed.
Then, just before the appointment is confirmed, the supposed client makes one additional request.
They want to send the notary a copy of the documents for review.
The message may say something like:
“Before we confirm, I would like to send you the documents so you can review them and let me know what we need.”
The next step is a link.
It may appear to be a document-sharing service, secure file portal, electronic signature platform, cloud storage service, or online meeting invitation.
Do not click it.
The Manual specifically distinguishes between:
-
Per act fees for standard notarizations: $2.50 per act.
-
Per transaction fees for certain real estate matters: $15 or $25 regardless of the number of services in the transaction
If you perform real estate-related notarizations, applying the wrong structure can create compliance exposure.
NJNA education covers common fee scenarios and how to avoid overcharging mistakes.
