What action should be taken if a notary public suspects fraud during a notarization?

When a notary public suspects fraud during a notarization, the most appropriate action is to refuse to complete the notarization and document the reasons for that refusal. This response protects not only the notary but also upholds the integrity of the notarization process.

By refusing to notarize the document, the notary prevents any fraudulent activities from being legitimized through their official act. Documenting the reasons for this refusal provides a clear record of the notary’s decision and the circumstances surrounding it, which can be crucial for any future investigations or legal proceedings.

Maintaining a high standard of ethics is essential for notaries, as they serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents. If fraud is suspected, completing the notarization could lead to legal implications for the notary and could undermine public trust in the notarial process. Taking the cautious approach of refusing the notarization helps ensure that only valid, authentic documents receive official acknowledgment.