If something smells off, it probably is.

As a notary signing agent, opportunities come flying in from every direction. But not every signing is worth your time — or your reputation.

Knowing when to say “yes” is important. Knowing when to say “not today, Satan” is essential.

Here are 5 big red flags to watch for before accepting that next signing job.

🚩 1. They Can’t Tell You What You’re Notarizing
If a scheduler says, “Just a couple documents” or “It’s no big deal,” but won’t provide any real info? That’s a problem.

✅ What you should ask:

Is this a loan package, or general notary work?
Are there scanbacks?
Who is the title company?
How many pages?
Vague jobs often turn into 200-page nightmares with no extra pay.

🚩 2. The Fee Is Way Too Low for the Work
If they’re offering $60 for a full refinance with scanbacks, two copies, and same-day FedEx — run.

You’re a professional, not a discount delivery driver with a printer.

✅ Your time, travel, print costs, and risk matter. If the math doesn’t add up, politely decline.

Pro tip: Don’t chase “desperation dollars.” They almost never lead to quality partnerships.

🚩 3. The Company Has a History of Not Paying
Not every signing service is created equal. Some are late-payers. Some are no-payers. And some are repeat offenders.

✅ What to do:

Search the company on NotaryRotary, 123Notary, or Facebook notary groups
Look for reviews, complaints, or horror stories
Trust your gut — if everyone says “they don’t pay,” believe them
You work too hard to be ghosted after the job.

🚩 4. They’re Rude, Pushy, or Avoiding Questions
If the contact person is:

Dismissing your questions
Pressuring you to accept right away
Acting irritated when you ask about fees or conditions...
That’s a huge red flag. If they treat you like an inconvenience before the job, they’ll treat you worse after it.

✅ Only work with companies who value your time, your role, and your professionalism.

🚩 5. They Want You to Bend the Rules
This is the biggest red flag of all.

If they say things like:

“Can you just backdate that?”
“They forgot their ID, but it’s okay.”
“We’ll fill that in after you leave.”
🚨 STOP. You’re being asked to commit fraud. Notarizing incorrectly, unethically, or illegally can cost you your commission — or worse.

✅ Your job is to follow the law, not their convenience. Protect yourself.

Know the Signs. Trust Your Instincts. Guard Your Business.
You don’t have to accept every job that comes your way. The best notaries say no when it matters — and that’s exactly why their phones keep ringing.

At Notary Academy, We Teach You What to Look For — and What to Run From
From vetting clients to negotiating rates to handling fraud attempts, we train notaries to think like business owners — because your career depends on it.

🚦Red flags aren’t obstacles — they’re warnings. Learn to read them, and you’ll level up faster than you think.