If a notary suspects a document is fraudulent, what is the best course of action?

When a notary suspects that a document may be fraudulent, the most appropriate course of action is to refuse to notarize the document. Notaries have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the notarization process, which includes ensuring that the documents they notarize are genuine and that the signers are acting without undue influence or fraud.

By refusing to notarize, the notary protects themselves from potential legal liability as well as ensuring that they do not inadvertently facilitate fraudulent transactions. Notarization is intended to deter fraud and safeguard the parties involved, and if there are indicators of fraud, it is vital for the notary to take a stand against proceeding with the notarization.

While verifying the document or investigating further could be considered in other contexts, such actions do not hold the same weight as a refusal to notarize when fraud is suspected. Notaries do not serve as investigators or compliance officers; their role is to confirm identities and witness signatures under the presumption that the documents are legitimate. Therefore, refusing to notarize is the best and most responsible option when there are doubts about the authenticity of a document.