**Administrative Actions Initiated Against Eight Notaries in Baja California**
The governmental body overseeing legal and governmental matters in Baja California has initiated administrative proceedings against eight notaries over the past year. This was revealed by Xóchitl Morales Díaz, who is responsible for governmental and legal affairs. The proceedings follow complaints from citizens about unexplained delays in notarizing documents. Five of these actions stemmed from such grievances, while the remaining three resulted from routine checks.
During a recent presentation with the Political Coordination Board of the Congress, Morales Díaz disclosed that a strategic approach is employed to monitor the performance of notaries across the state. She stated, “We schedule visits to various notaries and identify problems. When issues are found, we initiate procedures to ensure compliance by the notaries.”
So far, three notaries have faced penalties. Two were fined for unjustified delays in issuing deeds, with fines amounting to approximately 141,141 pesos. The third faced a penalty of 81,427 pesos for overcharging clients beyond the regulated fees. Furthermore, an effort to fill the vacant public notary position in San Felipe saw no interest, prompting plans for a new announcement soon.
Those who wish to file complaints against notaries need to submit a formal grievance to the General Notary Archive Office in Mexicali.
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**Expert Warnings About Notarial Fraud Amid Real Estate Uptick**
As Baja California navigates a real estate boom, concerns have emerged about an increase in fraudulent activities targeting notarial transactions. Experts caution the public to be wary of scams, particularly those involving phone calls that promise expedited notarial services but demand upfront payments.
With Tijuana experiencing a surge in real estate development, some opportunistic fraudsters are taking advantage of the high demand. Local authorities have reported multiple incidents where individuals claim to be affiliated with notarial offices, deceiving clients into paying fees for services that are never rendered.
Residents are advised to exercise caution and verify the credentials of anyone offering notarial services, especially if approached through unsolicited calls. It is emphasized that legitimate notaries adhere strictly to published service fees and established legal processes.
Communities are encouraged to report suspicious activities to law enforcement to prevent further occurrences of these scams.