White collar crime has been on the rise in the United States. Fraudsters have even begun to falsify notary signatures, allowing them to defraud residents of property. But county clerks are seeking ways to combat notary fraud.
“Problems with people going and recording deeds, liens, mortgages without their consent,” said Jennifer Kelly, county clerk for Houghton County.
Recently, Houghton County Clerk Jennifer Kelly worked with her programs vendor to establish a new notary fraud alert tool that will notify notaries when a document has been registered with the register of deeds.
“You get your notifications. Once you’re signed up, you create your account and then you see any document that has come in to the register of deeds that has your notary name on it,” Kelly said.
The effort to add a new tool to the county’s toolbelt was led by Kelly. She says, while the state has encouraged counties to address fraud cases. The new tool available to local notaries was not shared by the state of Michigan. Kelly says the new notary fraud alert program will come to Houghton County at no cost.
“I may have to pay for some additional flyers or cards in the future to be able to give to people who are becoming notaries to get them when they sign up and get them information,” Kelly said. “But yeah, nothing that the state is doing. But you’re seeing it throughout the whole United States, how bad all types of fraud are becoming.”
She encourages existing notaries to register for the program as soon as possible.
“This program is going to protect the notary, so to speak. They’re at least going to be notified anytime their name comes across the register of deeds,” Kelly said.
Most banks and law offices employ notaries, and clerks in county offices are also registered notaries. Kelly says this initiative seeks to address a growing issue for communities and residents in the region.
To sign up for Notary Fraud Alert or learn more, visit Houghtoncounty.net or NotaryFraudAlert.com. If you suspect you are a victim of notary fraud, consider reaching out to law enforcement or legal counsel for further action
