What can constitute identity fraud during notarization?

Impersonating the principal signer during notarization is a clear example of identity fraud because it directly undermines the integrity of the notarization process. When a notary public is tasked with verifying the identity of individuals involved in a legal document, their primary role is to ensure that the person signing the document is indeed who they claim to be. If someone pretends to be the signer, it not only violates trust but also can result in serious legal repercussions for all parties involved.

Identity fraud erodes the fundamental principle of notarization, which relies on accurate identity verification to prevent fraudulent activities such as forgery or signing on behalf of someone without their consent. This can compromise the authenticity of documents, resulting in fraud and potential harm to individuals or organizations relying on those documents.

In contrast, presenting a current government-issued ID, using a signed document, or having a credible witness present are all functions within the scope of legitimate notarization and typically are practices supporting the process rather than undermining it.