Protecting Your Clients from Real Estate Fraud: Why Experience at the Signing Table Matters

Real estate fraud is a growing concern, particularly in a digital age where sensitive information is exchanged frequently and property ownership can be targeted by bad actors. One of the most concerning forms of this fraud is deed fraud — when a person fraudulently transfers ownership of a property using forged signatures, fake identification, or altered documents.

As a certified Notary Signing Agent with years of experience — including managing operations for a full-service title company — I’ve seen firsthand how easily these threats can be overlooked if a signing professional lacks training or attentiveness.

At Seewald Signing Services, my top priority is protecting my clients and partners from these risks. Here’s how I do it:

Spotting the Red Flags

One of the most important parts of a real estate signing is verifying the identity of each signer. This doesn’t just mean glancing at a driver's license — it requires a detailed review of the document for signs of tampering or forgery.

I’ve encountered IDs that looked legitimate at first glance but showed signs of being altered — from mismatched fonts to irregular barcodes. In other instances, I’ve had to pause signings when signatures didn’t match known samples or when a signer’s demeanor raised concerns. In every case, I followed strict protocol to alert the proper parties and prevent fraud from continuing.

Experience Is the First Line of Defense

Knowing what to do in those moments can be the difference between stopping fraud and allowing it to slip through. My background in title operations has given me insight not just into documents, but into the entire process — from lender instructions to title verification. This allows me to ask the right questions, trust my instincts, and protect all parties involved.

Why This Matters to You

Whether you're a real estate agent, investor, escrow officer, or buyer/seller — having a signing agent who knows what to look for and how to act is not optional. It’s essential.

At Seewald Signing Services, I bring an added layer of security, experience, and professionalism to every transaction. I don’t just notarize documents — I safeguard your deals.