How a Notary Can Actually Protect Your Identity

wrighteck
Aug 30
2 min read

When you think of identity protection, you probably picture antivirus software, password managers, or fraud alerts. But here’s something most people don’t realize: a notary public is one of the oldest, most trusted forms of identity protection.

Yes—those stamps, signatures, and seals do more than make paperwork official. They help keep your identity safe.

How Notaries Protect You

Verifying Identity: A notary checks your ID before you sign. That simple step stops imposters from pretending to be you.
Preventing Fraud: Many scams rely on forged signatures. A notarization proves the signature is authentic.
Document Security: From property deeds to powers of attorney, notaries make sure sensitive documents are signed by the right person.

Real-Life Examples

Property Sales: Imagine someone trying to sell your house without your knowledge. A notary would catch the fraud instantly by checking IDs.
Loans & Mortgages: Lenders rely on notarization to confirm borrowers are who they say they are.
Legal Documents: Wills, affidavits, and powers of attorney all require notarization to protect against fraud.

Why This Matters in a Digital Age

Cybercrime is growing—but identity theft doesn’t just happen online. Fraudsters still try to use fake IDs, forged signatures, and phony documents.

That’s where notaries come in: they serve as a human firewall against identity theft.

And now, with online notarization, the same protections can happen digitally—often with added layers of security like video recordings and encrypted storage.

Action Steps for Protecting Yourself

Use a Notary when signing important legal or financial documents.
Ask Questions—a good notary will explain what you’re signing.
Go Digital Safely—if using an online notary, make sure the service is state-approved and secure.