It is rare for someone to impersonate a notary. Most reputable rubber stamp and embosser shops require the notary ID card for them to process an order. However, there are now walk-in facilities that will take any image and turn it into a rubber stamp - without a glance! Your first line of defense is to ask to see the notary ID card - issued by the Department of State. It has the name of the notary and the expiration date of their current commission. In New York State a notary commission is for four years. The notary ID card does not have a picture - ask to see photo ID - compare the name on the notary ID card to the photo ID.
There is a wide range in the quality of notary service. At one extreme is the totally incompetent notary who just stamps and initials your document. Ken Edelstein is at the other end of the spectrum. I take each assignment personally, doing the best job possible. Many times I spend a long time explaining procedures and giving advice - with the knowledge that the discussion will not lead to me earning a fee. There is an aspect of public service to my profession that I accept, not as "overhead"; but as "giving back" to the community as New York Mobile Notary Public
Examine the web site of the notary carefully. When you read boastful "baloney" - move on. Sites that claim to be able to respond anywhere in 15 minutes, or that have been in every hotel in New York City - are - to put it gently - not being totally honest. My notary "kit" is second to none - it weighs over 20 pounds. Two sizes of embossers, two sizes of rubber stamps, a wide variety of notary forms, National Notary Association receipts, gold seals, etc.
Some notary services attempt to "trade up" the job. They will totally abandon one client if an assignment that pays more wants the same time slot on the same day. My word is my bond. I am almost never late - actually, I usually arrive early. My home address is on my site - very few notaries do that - I do not make enemies. Kenneth A Edelstein from New York Mobile Notary Public. has a policy of full refund or redo (at your option) if you are not satisfied with my work. My A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau of New York, and other references on my "about me" page - are aspects of my full disclosure policy. I welcome your call.
