04/28/2026
Let’s talk about something that might surprise you…
Most people assume refinance transactions are pretty low risk. You already own your home, everything seems straightforward, and it feels like just another set of documents to sign.
But the reality is very different.
I recently came across an article from the National Notary Association that highlighted something eye opening. Refinance transactions have become one of the biggest targets for fraud and forgery in the real estate world.
Why?
Because many of the usual safety checks don’t catch this type of fraud.
In a refinance, there isn’t always a buyer and seller going back and forth. It’s often just one person claiming to be the homeowner. That creates an opportunity for things like identity theft or impersonation.
In some cases, criminals use stolen personal information to pretend to be a homeowner and take out a loan against a property they don’t even own. If it goes through, they walk away with the money, leaving the real homeowner to deal with the fallout.
Even more concerning, a lot of this type of fraud cannot be caught through public records or title searches. On paper, everything can look completely legitimate.
That’s where the notary becomes critical.
My role is not just to stamp documents. I am there to verify identity in person, make sure the signer is who they say they are, confirm they understand what they are signing, and ensure they are signing willingly.
That moment at the table is often the only point in the process where a real person is verifying everything face to face.
This is why I take my time.
This is why I carefully review identification.
This is why I will never rush a signing, even if someone is in a hurry.
Because sometimes, that is the only chance to catch something that doesn’t feel right.
The takeaway?
If your notary is being thorough, asking questions, or slowing things down, that is not an inconvenience. It is protection.
And if something ever feels off during a signing, trust your instincts and speak up.
Your home, your identity, and your signature are too important to rush.
If you ever have questions about your documents or want to make sure everything is handled properly, I’m always happy to help. Feel free to reach out before your appointment so we can make the process smooth and stress free from start to finish.
✨ GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES ✨
Notarization may be boring, but I’m not!