What action must a Notary take if they suspect fraud during a notarization?

When a Notary Public suspects fraud during the notarization process, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize and report the incident. This is essential because a Notary’s primary responsibility is to prevent fraud and ensure that the documents being notarized are legitimate and signed willingly by the parties involved. Continuing with a notarization in the face of suspected fraud would undermine the integrity of the notarial process and could lead to serious legal consequences for the Notary.

By refusing to notarize, the Notary acts in accordance with their ethical obligations and contributes to the overall integrity of legal documents. Reporting the incident ensures that appropriate action can be taken, which may prevent further fraudulent activities. This proactive stance protects not only the Notary but also the public and the legal system as a whole.