What might a notary need to do if they suspect fraud during notarization?

If a notary suspects fraud during the notarization process, the appropriate response is to refuse to notarize the document. A notary public has a duty to ensure that the signatures they witness are legitimate and that the individuals signing the document are who they claim to be. If there are red flags indicating potential fraud, such as inconsistencies in the signer's identification or suspicious behavior, the notary is obligated to protect the integrity of the notarization process.

Going ahead with the notarization when fraud is suspected would not only undermine the purpose of the notary’s role but could also expose the notary to legal liability. Notarizing a fraudulent document can lead to criminal charges or civil penalties against the notary, as they would be facilitating and endorsing a fraudulent act.

Thus, the only responsible course of action in such a scenario is to refuse to perform the notarization until the matter is resolved or clarified, ensuring adherence to the legal and ethical standards required in their role.