Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Fighting Fraud: Why Notaries Should Avoid Using Signature Stamps
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- Published: January 8, 2024
The customary practice of affixing a notary stamp onto documents during notarization has been a longstanding tradition. However, this practice has sparked the question of whether a notary should use a signature stamp to apply their signature to a notarial certificate.
Using a signature stamp instead of a handwritten (wet-ink) signature during a notarization might seem convenient for notaries, especially those dealing with a high volume of documents daily, but this can lead to serious consequences and should be avoided.
One of the main reasons why a notary should not use a signature stamp is the heightened potential for fraud. A handwritten signature offers an additional layer of security and authenticity, being unique to each individual and significantly more challenging to counterfeit. The ease with which fraudsters could access a notary's signature stamp and utilize it undetected opens the door to various fraudulent activities, such as forging signatures or tampering with important legal documents.
To maintain integrity and adhere to best practices, it is imperative for notaries to use wet-ink signatures during notarizations. By avoiding the use of signature stamps, notaries actively uphold their professional responsibilities and help prevent potential instances of fraud.
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