Medium riskJob

Notary Signing Agent Job Scam

In this scam, a notary or loan signing agent 'opportunity' charges upfront for certification, supplies, or background checks, or sends a fake check to buy equipment, with promised assignments that never come.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Advance-fee / fake check (job)
Main red flag
A notary job that requires paying for certification or supplies, or sends an overpayment check.
What to do first
Verify certification requirements officially; never pay fees or move check funds.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a notary or loan signing agent 'opportunity' charges upfront for certification, supplies, or background checks, or sends a fake check to buy equipment, with promised assignments that never come.

Job and employment scams exploit hope and momentum with an easy "hire", work-from-home promises, and tasks that supposedly pay commission. The tell is the direction money flows: real employers pay you, while scams get you to pay in for training, equipment, or to "unlock" earnings, or to hand over bank and ID details.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: A notary job that requires paying for certification or supplies, or sends an overpayment check. Verify certification requirements officially; never pay fees or move check funds.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Job Training Course Scam or the Background Check Fee Scam, browse the Job Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

Fast-growing
business and job-opportunity scams are among the fastest-growing fraud types reported to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$10.3B
total reported US fraud losses in 2023 across all categories
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Become a high-paid loan signing agent! Pay $199 for our certification and supplies, and we guarantee assignments.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Why this is a red flag: A notary job that requires paying for certification or supplies, or sends an overpayment check.

Red flags to watch for

  • Upfront fees for certification, supplies, or checks
  • Guaranteed assignments after you pay
  • An overpayment check to buy equipment
  • Contact through chat apps or generic emails
  • Pressure to enrol quickly

What to do

  • Verify real certification requirements through official bodies
  • Never pay upfront fees on a promise of assignments
  • Do not move funds from a check until it fully clears
  • Report misleading offers to consumer authorities

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid, dispute it with your payment provider
  • If you sent check funds, contact your bank immediately
  • Keep all messages and receipts as evidence
  • Report the scheme

What not to do

  • Do not pay for certification or supplies on a guarantee
  • Do not move money from an uncleared check
  • Do not trust guaranteed assignments

Similar scams

Medium risk Job

Job Training Course Scam

This scam promises a guaranteed or high-paying job once you pay for a 'required' training course, certification, or starter kit, then provides little of value and no real job at the end.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Job

Background Check Fee Scam

This scam offers a job conditional on paying for a 'mandatory background check', 'screening', or 'credentialing' through a specific link or service, taking your fee and personal details for a role that does not exist.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Job

Remote Customer Service Job Scam

In this scam, you are hired for a remote customer service role and sent a check to buy a laptop and equipment from the employer's 'approved vendor', who is the scammer; the check bounces after you pay.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

Do real notary roles charge upfront for certification?
Genuine certification requirements are set by official bodies. A 'job' bundling paid certification with guaranteed assignments is a warning sign.
They sent a check for supplies. Is that normal?
An overpayment check with a request to send money back or buy from a specific vendor is a fake-check scam. Do not move the funds.
I paid the certification fee. Can I recover it?
Dispute the charge with your payment provider, keep your evidence, and report the scheme.
How do I become a notary safely?
Verify the real requirements through official bodies in your area, and avoid offers bundling paid certification with guaranteed work.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.