Notaries who adopt artificial intelligence can play a stronger role in preventing fraud by comparing visitors’ faces with the photo on their official documents. This is the core idea reported in the newspaper article News.
The report explains that the company Smart Engines has built a technology to automate the Express notary system. The system is already in use by roughly seven thousand notaries, which is a substantial portion of the roughly 8.2 thousand notaries operating in Russia today. This level of adoption signals a significant shift toward digital identity verification in the notarial sector.
Officials from Smart Engines emphasize that the tool offers protection for both notaries and clients by reducing opportunities for impostors to impersonate legitimate customers. The technology was designed to be non biometric, ensuring users feel their data is not being entered into somewhere without their awareness. This privacy-friendly approach is highlighted by Vladimir Arlazarov, the company’s general director and a Doctor of Technical Sciences, who notes that the system focuses on verification methods that do not rely on collecting new biometric data.
The report also notes a troubling incident from Astrakhan where an entrepreneur reportedly fell victim to a sophisticated fraud scheme. According to the victim, unknown individuals contacted him via a messenger with an offer to invest and promised high returns. Trusting the outreach, the entrepreneur transferred about three million rubles from his funds to an account provided by the scammers. In addition, he secured a bank loan totaling 13.6 million rubles and also sent money to the fraudsters. This case prompted law enforcement to open a criminal investigation charged as a particularly large scale fraud.
Beyond single incidents, the article underscores a broader pattern of premeditated deception that can target both individuals and business owners. Law enforcement authorities have been called on to respond to cases where the fraudsters use digital channels to create convincing narratives and pressure victims into making quick financial decisions. The emphasis on investigative action reflects a recognition that fraud in the digital age often blends traditional techniques with new technologies.
The newspaper also mentions earlier episodes in other regions. In Chelyabinsk, several elderly investors claim they lost substantial sums while chasing quick profits. These stories illustrate the ongoing risk landscape and highlight why enhanced identity verification tools, coupled with clear ethical standards and privacy protections, are increasingly important for financial and legal services.
Experts suggest that the combination of automated notary workflows and AI-driven identity checks could become a standard feature of modern notarial practice in Russia and beyond. When implemented thoughtfully, such systems can streamline legitimate transactions while creating a stronger barrier against fraudsters. The technology is not about replacing human judgment but about augmenting it with reliable, auditable processes that respect user consent and data rights.
In practical terms, the use of non-biometric verification methods means that clients can be reassured that their biometric data is not being captured or stored without legitimate need. This approach helps address common privacy concerns and aligns with evolving data protection norms that emphasize user control and transparency. As digital identity verification becomes more prevalent, customers may encounter clearer explanations of how their information is used, stored, and protected throughout the notarial process.
Overall, the developments described in the article point to a future where intelligent systems assist notaries in detecting inconsistencies, confirming identities, and safeguarding the integrity of legal transactions. The goal is to create a safer environment for both service providers and the public while maintaining strict adherence to legal and ethical standards. The discussion also serves as a reminder that technology alone cannot solve all fraud problems; it must be part of a broader framework that includes robust policies, employee training, and transparent customer communication.