Please watch this video example before reading further:
Video-conference AI/deepfake scam example
A video call alone is no longer proof that the person on screen is the person named in the document. AI can create convincing fake faces, voices, and even multi-person video meetings designed to build trust and pressure someone into acting quickly. Deepfake video-conference scams have already shown that visual presence can be manipulated.
For Remote Online Notarization, we should never rely only on a signer’s appearance or voice. Follow your state’s RON requirements and your platform’s identity-proofing process every time | without shortcuts.
Signs to watch for
- Blurred facial edges, strange lighting, distorted hair, unnatural eye blinking, frozen expressions, or lip movements that do not match speech.
- Delayed, overly smooth, robotic, or mismatched audio.
- A signer who refuses to move naturally on camera, change camera angles, improve lighting, or follow reasonable live instructions.
- Pressure to rush the notarization, skip verification steps, or proceed after an identity-verification problem.
- Differences between the live signer, the ID credential, the document, and the signer’s answers.
- A person who appears coached, cannot explain the document, or does not appear to understand what they are signing.
Protect yourself and the signer
- Use only your approved RON platform | not an informal Zoom, FaceTime, Teams, or other video call.
- Compare the live signer carefully against the credential and the platform’s identity-verification results.
- When appropriate, request simple live actions, such as turning their head, moving a hand beside their face, or adjusting the camera position.
- Ask normal, open-ended questions about the document and listen for natural, informed answers.
- Never bypass credential analysis, identity proofing, audiovisual recording, journal, or other required RON procedures.
- If something does not feel right, pause. If you cannot establish identity to your satisfaction, refuse the notarization and document the reason under your state and platform procedures.
AI fraud is getting more convincing, but our responsibility remains the same: follow every required step, do not let anyone rush you, and do not proceed when you have reasonable doubt. Notaries are advised to ensure personal appearance, properly identify each signer, maintain complete records, and refuse suspicious transactions.
A wrong decision can harm the signer and may expose the notary to complaints, liability, reputational damage, or possible commission and licensing consequences. RON is a notarial act | not simply a video call. MP