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

When a notary suspects fraud during a notarization, the appropriate course of action is to refuse to complete the notarization and document the situation. This answer is correct because a notary's primary responsibility is to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of the notarization process. By refusing to notarize a document that appears to involve fraudulent activity, the notary is fulfilling their duty to uphold the law and maintain trust in the notarial process.

Documenting the situation is also crucial; it helps establish a record of the events and the reasons for refusing the notarization, which could be important if any issues arise later related to the document or the individuals involved. This careful approach not only protects the notary but also helps ensure that the public remains protected from potential fraud.

In contrast, proceeding with the notarization to avoid confrontation could facilitate fraudulent behavior and impose liability on the notary. Notifying law enforcement immediately may be necessary if there is clear evidence of a crime, but it does not directly address the immediate responsibility of the notary at that moment. Seeking legal advice before taking action might delay an essential decision, and a notary should act based on their training and the existing legal framework without deferring to legal counsel during the notarization process.