I have received at least 3 requests in the past 2 weeks from someone wanting to have a video call to discuss their document. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it a new scam?
The first couple I dismissed immediately as they felt off, the 3rd one I am unsure.
Just wondering if this is some new scam? Or maybe just the same person keeps trying to get a notary and we are all ignoring them.
Edit to clarify, they want to do a video before signing. Not to review a document I have already notarized.
Yes, to experienced it. While not exactly new, it has been discussed on multiple forums, including this one, regarding the request of a video conference. Consensus is that it is a scam. If it came directly from the consumer, then I report it to my email provider as phishing. If through an intermediatory (another site), I simply delete it. There is no need for a video conference to go over documents in my opinion.
Thank you for confirming! I did try to search before posting a duplicate post, thanks again!
I’ve also been contacted twice by 2 different email addresses with them same exact text:
"Hello,
I would like to arrange notarization for real estate documents and a Power of Attorney. My wife and I would also appreciate scheduling a brief Zoom meeting to discuss the process, requirements, and next steps.
Please let us know your availability and any information you need from us in advance.
Thank you,"
The first time I downloaded zoom on my phone and opened a meeting and he wouldn’t join, saying that the room wasn’t working for him, and he was insistent that I make the meeting on pc, but denied as I don’t have a webcam. Ghosted after that and then just got the same exact email from a diff source a couple days ago
Yep. Same thing. At least they stopped when I said no to Zoom. It was very weird and while I know no one can hurt me over zoom, I have no interest in games like this.
I got that also. I wrote back that I do not notarize documents by zoom.
from research, the link they provide isn’t zoom, it downloads malware.
Thank you. Very important to know that. That explains them being more persistent.
Yes, I’ve had at least two of that type of call several weeks apart. I didn’t bite either time. Instead I replied asking them to call me for a discussion. They didn’t call but sent a follow-up email. I again said we would need to have a phone conversation before arranging any possible meeting. I don’t recall what happened with the first one. The second one sent to me a link for the Zoom meeting. I replied that I must have a phone conversation first before any future activities. I told them that I am a “two strikes and you’re out” type of guy. The first strike was when they didn’t call me after the first response. This second response was my last response to them. If they didn’t call after this second response, then they were out. Never heard from them again.
How do you word it to the potential client when you set boundaries like that? Sometimes I feel as I’m too nice and being new to the business, it’s difficult to differentiate what would be a persistent (for whatever reason) client vs. a potential scam, so I don’t want to scare a client away by appearing rude but I also don’t want any part of the nonsense
I completely understand how you feel. I ALWAYS respond in a professional manner, regardless if I suspect it’s a scam. I require my clients to fill out an online questionnaire before making an appointment. The information they provide is everything I need to perform a notarization for them.
I’ve been getting those email requests left and right lately. I simply copy and paste my response, "Thank you for reaching out regarding your need for Notary services, blah blah blah, please fill out my Questionnaire, link… blah blah blah. That’s when they’ll write back, if they’re feeling persistent, asking for a video conference. I simply reply that a video conference is unnecessary. I don’t add a lot of fluff or anything, not a lot of Notary law jargon. This kind of interaction is a waste of my time, but, like you, I want to respond in a way that does not put off a genuine client - even if I’m confident that it’s a scam.
I also had ChatGPT draft a message for my email signature line:
“Notary fraud is on the rise. Beware of individuals who impersonate a Notary Public or use a notary stamp without being properly commissioned. These illegal acts can put your important documents and personal information at risk. Professional Notaries remain vigilant and will report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities, where violators may face serious legal consequences.”
Just my way of putting scammers on notice. Feel free to use the text in your emails.
Ahh yes an online questionnaire does sound like a great way to filter through these scams. Thanks for the tip !
I just politely tell them a phone conversation is necessary before discussing terms. I also tell them the reason for this requirement is because “there is so much fraud and scamming in this business I must be comfortable before proceeding.” So, just word it in a way that lets them know you are protecting yourself. If they’re legit, they will understand. If they’re not…they will move on to scam someone else.
Yeah I told them I was unavailable to do a zoom call at the moment but I can give them a call and they immediately reverted back to a zoom call with his wife, that’s when I knew something was up .
I have had requests for Zoom,FT calls from the same person who never seems to be available to forward that link. So much the Better as I will delete his forthcoming requests. Thanks for the heads up on what is certainly a screechy contact.
Unless you are a RON notary, claim you don’t do online notarizations because you don’t have the proper equipment. That may head them off at the pass!
You’re welcome! Always happy to help.
