What is the primary duty of a notary when encountering suspected fraud?

The primary duty of a notary when encountering suspected fraud is to protect the integrity of the notarization process. This responsibility is crucial because notaries serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents. Their role is to ensure that the signatures are genuine and that the individuals involved are who they claim to be and are signing willingly.

When a notary suspects fraud, moving forward with the notarization could potentially facilitate a fraudulent act, undermining the trust and reliability attributed to notarial acts. Protecting the integrity of the notarization process means taking appropriate steps to assess the situation, which may include refusing to notarize the document if fraud is evident. This duty emphasizes the notary's role not just as a conveyor of paperwork, but as a guardian of the authenticity and legality of the transactions they witness.

Engaging in actions like completing the notarization or simply reporting fraud to the involved parties would not adequately fulfill the notary's primary obligation and could lead to legal repercussions for the notary. Thus, prioritizing the integrity of the notarization is vital in maintaining both the notary’s ethical standards and the public's trust in the notarial system.