Real estate and fraud poses a significant threat to homeowners and buyers, with criminals employing various scams to exploit the system. However, the rise of virtual notarization has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against real estate fraud. By partnering with virtual notaries or remote online notaries, individuals and organizations can implement robust security measures to safeguard transactions. This article explores how virtual notarization cuts down on real estate fraud and highlights the key reasons why it is an effective solution.
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The Common Scam and its Consequences:
Real estate fraud often involves fraudsters impersonating homeowners and attempting to sell properties through realtors or direct sales. These criminals exploit the system to receive payment through wire transfers before vanishing, leaving unsuspecting buyers in financial ruin. This prevalent scam necessitates innovative solutions to combat and prevent such fraudulent activities.
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The Role of Virtual Notarization:
Virtual notarization offers a compelling solution to mitigate real estate fraud risks. Unlike traditional in-person notarization, virtual notarization incorporates advanced security measures that significantly reduce the potential for fraud.
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Two-Factor Authentication:
Virtual notarization employs a rigorous two-factor authentication process to ensure the authenticity of the signer. In addition to uploading identification documents, the signer must pass knowledge-based authentication or undergo a biometric face scan. The knowledge-based questions draw from reliable public records, making it nearly impossible for fraudsters to possess the required information. This comprehensive authentication process establishes a strong foundation for secure transactions.
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Audio-Visual Verification:
One of the fundamental requirements of virtual notarization is the continuous audio-visual presence throughout the entire process. This means that all parties involved, including the notary and signer, must be visible and audible during the notarization. The presence of audio-visual recording acts as a powerful deterrent for potential fraudsters, as they are unlikely to willingly expose themselves on video while committing illicit activities.
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Visual Inspection of Identification:
To further enhance security, virtual notaries conduct visual inspections of the uploaded identification documents. By cross-referencing the ID with the person appearing on the screen, virtual notaries ensure that the individual involved in the transaction is indeed the rightful owner or authorized party. This additional layer of scrutiny bolsters the integrity of the process.
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The Cumulative Effect:
When combined, these three essential components of virtual notarization—two-factor authentication, audio-visual verification, and visual ID inspection—form a robust defense against real estate fraud. Each measure complements the others, creating a comprehensive system that significantly reduces the risk of fraudulent activities.
Real estate fraud is a persistent threat that demands proactive measures to protect homeowners, buyers, and the integrity of transactions. Virtual notarization has emerged as a game-changer in the fight against such fraud, offering enhanced security features that traditional in-person notarization lacks. By leveraging two-factor authentication, continuous audio-visual verification, and visual ID inspection, virtual notarization minimizes the potential for fraud, fostering trust and confidence in real estate transactions. As technology continues to evolve, embracing virtual notarization becomes increasingly crucial to safeguarding the real estate industry against fraudsters.
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Major Notarization Scams That Cost Victims Millions
As a notaries public hold an important position of trust. However, that trust can be exploited through fraudulent activity if you are not vigilant. There have been several major cases of notarization fraud that serve as warnings to notaries and the public.
For example, in 2017 a notary public in California notarized over 100 fraudulent deeds, resulting in $60 million in losses. The notary failed to properly verify the identities of the signers, allowing imposters to pose as property owners. Similarly, a Florida notary was involved in a $1 billion fraud scheme in 2020 by notarizing fraudulent bills of sale for yachts and other luxury items.
In both cases, the notaries were charged with multiple felonies for their negligence and role in enabling the scams. These examples highlight the importance of notaries thoroughly confirming the identity of all signers, the voluntariness of their signature, and their awareness of the contents and consequences of documents. Failure to do so can enable predatory actors to illegitimately transfer assets and launder money, often leaving victims with little recourse.
Notarization may seem like a routine step, but it is a process that requires focus, diligence and integrity. Notaries must uphold high standards to avoid becoming unwitting accomplices in fraudulent activity. BlueNotary helps teams stay vigilant and take the necessary steps to authenticate signers and the documents they sign. Notaries can utilize BlueNotary to help prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of the notarization process.
Discover the Power of BlueNotary:
To explore the full potential of virtual notarization for your law firm, we invite you to schedule a discovery call with our team at BlueNotary. You can sign up and poke around while you wait. Our experts are here to address any inquiries you may have and provide valuable insights into implementing this transformative solution in your firm.
