Don't commit fraud in front of other people. Just a tip.

Reportedly an office manager in Florida allegedly signs the owner's name to documents (as well as other employees' names.) She then notarizes them. If I were doing this, I wouldn't let employees see me--one of whom asked about the practice on the web.

A notary asks should clients sign a contract? Generally no. The money involved is usually small. Putting up any roadblocks will just make the customer move to the next notary public.

One exception might be if your state allows you to do weddings. If you're doing more than solemnizing the vows, you may want a contract to spell out what.

---12 Tips to Make More Money as a Notary Public
Available for just 99 cents from Kindle or Nook or instant PDF download
Probably tax deductible as business expense--ask your accountant.

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Two Florida notaries may be in trouble

Two Florida notaries allegedly admitted to detectives they notarized homeowners' signatures without the signers being present. These quitclaim deeds allowed a third person to rent out vacant foreclosed homes he purportedly did not own; he has been arrested.

Florida law states "A notary public may not notarize a signature on a document if the person whose signature is being notarized is not in the presence of the notary public at the time the signature is notarized." (Chapter 117.107(9), emphasis added)

Notary public applications are now available online in the Virgin Islands.

One web site suggests that notary work is "high paying" and implies one can earn a living from being a notary public. The site also states notarizations in hospitals and jails (?) can be tricky. (Yeah, those jailers just don't understand.) I realize the guy is trying to hustle a $68 loan signing "certification" (also available in $119 and $179 editions). How are those poor students going to react when they discover the truth?

Being a notary public is a great second job but I don't know anyone who's doing it full time today.

---brought to you by 12 Tips to Make More Money as a Notary Public.
Available for just 99 cents from Kindle or Nook or instant PDF download
Probably tax deductible as business expense--ask your accountant.

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Apparent fraud. Attorneys edge notaries out.

A Florida man imprisoned for sexual battery and kidnapping presented a notarized statement from the victim saying the acts were consensual. (He also asked to have the victim's clothes returned to him.)

Problem: the victim and notary said they knew nothing about the affidavit--the judge believed them. (A web site supportive of the prisoner has not been updated to reflect this development.)

No word on whether anybody has checked the notary's journal.

Massachusetts reportedly now requires attorneys to supervise all real estate transactions. Many other states allow borrowers to simply sign the documents in the presence of a notary. The report does not say how much this oversight will cost the borrower.


--brought to you by 12 Tips to Make More Money as a Notary Public. Probably tax deductible as business expense--ask your accountant. Available for just 99 cents from Kindle or Nook. Or instant PDF download

Impostors allegedly got documents notarized in Florida

A process server in Florida claims one or more notaries notarized signatures of impostors claiming to be her. She suspects the widely varying signatures were attempts to speed up the home foreclosure process.

Questionable process work is so prevalent defense attorney have given it a nickname: "sewer service."

There is no allegation the notary was aware of the deception.

It's a good reminder to keep your eyes open and not skimp on the identification procedure.


Applicants to be a notary in New Jersey need the endorsement of their state legislator.


---This blog is brought to you by 12 Tips to Make More Money as a Notary Public. Probably tax deductible as business expense--ask your accountant. Available for just 99 cents from Kindle or Nook. Or instant PDF download