What should a notary do if they suspect fraud during a notarization?

When a notary suspects fraud during a notarization, the appropriate action is to refuse to complete the notarization. This is crucial because the primary role of a notary is to ensure the integrity of the notarization process and to verify that the signer is acting voluntarily and is who they claim to be. If there are indicators of fraud, proceeding with the notarization would compromise that integrity and could potentially lead to legal complications or liability for the notary.

Refusing to notarize in the face of suspected fraud protects not only the notary but also the parties involved from any potential fraudulent activity. Additionally, documenting the refusal and the reasons for it can provide valuable context if questions arise later about the notary's actions. This approach helps uphold the standards and ethical obligations required of notaries, ensuring that they do not inadvertently become a part of a fraudulent scheme. Such diligence reinforces public confidence in the notarization process and its validity.