If a document looks forged, what is one course of action a notary should take?

The appropriate course of action for a notary when faced with a document that appears to be forged is to immediately refuse to notarize. A notary's primary responsibility is to ensure the integrity of the notarization process, which includes verifying the authenticity of the document and the identity of the signer. If a document looks forged, the notary must protect both the public interest and their own liability by not proceeding with the notarization.

This refusal is essential to maintain the trust in the notarial process, as notarizing a forged document could result in legal ramifications, including potential criminal charges for the notary. Notaries are tasked with deterring fraud and ensuring that all documents they notarize are genuine. Thus, taking immediate action to refuse notarization is crucial in upholding these ethical and legal standards.