If a Notary suspects fraud, what is their responsible course of action?

When a Notary Public suspects fraud, the most responsible course of action is to document the suspicion and consult state guidelines. This approach ensures that the Notary adheres to legal protocols and safeguards the integrity of the notarization process. By documenting any suspicious behavior or inconsistencies, the Notary creates a record that can be referenced if needed, especially in legal situations or disputes regarding the notarization.

Consulting state guidelines is essential because it provides specific instructions on how to handle suspected fraud. Different states may have varying requirements for Notaries on dealing with such situations, and following these guidelines helps maintain compliance with the law. This is critical for protecting both the Notary’s commission and the parties involved in the notarization.

The other options may seem tempting but could lead to significant ethical and legal problems. Proceeding with the notarization quickly without addressing suspicions can facilitate fraudulent acts and undermine the purpose of notarization. Informing the signer about suspicions might not be advisable, as it could alert individuals who are committing fraud and potentially compromise any investigation or actions that could be taken. Notarizing anyway to avoid confrontation directly conflicts with the Notary's duty to deter fraud and ensure the legitimacy of documents, which can have serious consequences for all parties involved