What action should a notary take if they suspect fraud during a notarization?

When a notary suspects fraud during a notarization, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize and report the incident. This approach is consistent with the notary's duty to ensure that the transaction is legitimate and that the signer is acting without coercion or deceit. Notaries have a legal and ethical obligation to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of the notarization process.

By refusing to proceed with the notarization when fraud is suspected, the notary helps to maintain the trustworthiness of the notarial act, which is essential for both public confidence and the effective functioning of legal and financial transactions. Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities also allows for the potential investigation of fraudulent activities, which further helps prevent future occurrences.

Engaging in conversation with the signer about suspicions of fraud, completing the notarization to avoid confrontation, or simply asking for additional documentation do not address the fundamental responsibility of the notary to uphold the law and protect against dishonest practices. These actions could inadvertently facilitate a fraudulent act or complicate the legal standing of the notarization.