I don’t know if this is specific to Maine or not but I’ve been targeted twice in the last few months. I received a text the first time and this time an email.
He stated he had a property transfer document that he needed notarized. The first time he wanted an online notarization on Zoom. The second time he just wanted to meet on Google Meet to discuss the details.
My AntiVirus software blocked every attempt to access Zoom and the Google Meet.
The scam has going been going on for over a month now, it started with just a few Enails here & there now I’m getting multiple daily. They have even started calling Usually an out-of-state number with a strong African accent! It’s pretty annoying now. I’m getting more scam calls than I am jobs! I’m seriously getting at least 5 a day.
I just got one today too.. from a woman that wanted some docs signed and her name was “Chary Saroue” is a specific AI voice model or user profile featured on the Best AI Text To Speech & Free Voice Cloning
It was an AI bot trying to get info from me. I stopped replying
Also remember never to say “Yes” to any question. Alternate answers are more appropriate. Just letting them have Yes in your voice makes life too easy for them!
Thank you for sharing your experience — it’s important for those who weren’t aware this type of scam is happening. I didn’t realize this was becoming an ongoing issue either.
Something similar happened to me. The scammer told me, “I think we can talk over a Zoom meeting before we fix a suitable date that works for us both,” trying to sound legitimate. He was relying on the mindset of, “If you’re expecting a link from them, then it must be safe.”
That’s exactly how people get tricked, and it’s concerning how easily they try to build trust.
I’ve learned that if the person emailing doesn’t provide their name, signer’s name, location, and specifics of document, it’s likely a scam and I don’t bother replying. And the same should go for the public when searching for a notary. If the notary doesn’t identify themselves or talk about their experience or education, I don’t bother calling on them for help. To me it means they’re a signing service and can be located anywhere in the world, but not locally. I know this is off the subject. I just wrote an article about it for consumers.
Thank you for this post… I see others have mentioned it happening over the past month and other discussions but this is the first I’ve heard. I don’t do a lot of general notary work as I primarily do loan signings. Anywho, I received an email last week from someone saying they needed me to notarize some docs. They asked for rate and availability. I responded accordingly. Then he asked to meet on zoom to ensure we were on the same page. I stopped responding. I was low key worried about a negative review for my lack of further communication. I told my husband and he agreed it sounded scammy. Sounds like I dodged a bullet.
Fortunately, your AntiVirus software blocked you from entering their Zoom call. Never open an attachment from someone unknown to you, unless you’ve already had communication with the person and are expecting documents for the appointment. Plus, re-read the email and ask yourself if this is a Notary Public act. We can’t offer any opinions on legal documents, unless with are a lawyer, therefore we do not need to review them. And, if you are a RON notary, I believe the transaction needs to be done using your source, not the clients.
Just received a phone call like this on July 9! African accent, vague details on “some real estate documents” but he wildly mispronounced the town where he wanted to meet, which was, coincidentally, the town my business is located in (full disclosure, it is a tricky pronunciation).
I am multilingual, and am quite used to accents. The red flag for me (besides the vagueness about the documents) was that folks can usually pronounce the name of their town.
I received it about a month ago regarding my wedding officiant services. Same MO: Not able to talk via phone, wanted to Zoom, etc. When I replied and asked the origin of the referral to me without an answer that was the antenna activator.
I received a message through my website last week, and I responded via email to set up a call to discuss their inquiry. The email they used was similar to yours with a full name and numbers @gmail.com and the message sent is below:
I am currently approaching the closing phase of the sale of twelve rental units located in New Mexico, and I am seeking the services of a reliable and experienced Notary Public to assist with and oversee the closing process.
Please contact me via the email address provided. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the details further about real estate transactions and closing dates.
They didn’t respond back to my email until today and included an attachment for my review. Rule of thumb for me is that I never open unsolicited attachments from someone I don’t have an established business relationship as the attachment could be a virus. So, I immediately deleted the email thread and if they contact me again it will be marked as spam. Hope everyone stays safe and vigilant!
Absolutely 
Accurate! 
