The Hague Convention defines a “public document” as: While they accomplish the same objective, there are differences between Apostilles and Authentications.Īn Apostille is a certification form set out in The Hague Convention abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents (1961).Īn Apostille may be obtained to transmit public documents executed in one signatory country to another signatory country in which the documents need to be produced. An Apostille or an Authentication enables a public document issued in one country to be recognized as valid in another country. Instead please contact our office immediately at 61.Īn Apostille or an Authentication certifies the authenticity of the signature, seal and position of the official who has executed, issued or certified a copy of a public document. If you receive such a request, do not respond. The Secretary of State and his staff never send unsolicited communications through unofficial channels such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or twitter– and would never use these methods to request your personal information. Please be wary of any unsolicited communications using the name of a government official. The scammers typically communicate through direct messages on social media or Google hangouts, or through comments made on online video streaming platforms such as YouTube. The scam may also involve the requestor asking for help with forming a business, creating various online accounts, or creating an "ID.me" profile.
The scam may involve requests for personal information such as a social security number, drivers' license number or bank account details. The Secretary of State's office has become aware of a new scam where individuals are being asked to provide personal information from a requestor who claims to be a celebrity or claims to be requesting information on behalf of a government official such as the Secretary of State.