What should an electronic notary do if they suspect fraud during a notarization?

If an electronic notary suspects fraud during a notarization, the appropriate action is to refuse to proceed and document the concern. This response is grounded in the notary’s responsibility to ensure the integrity of the notarization process. A notary is tasked with verifying the identity of the signers and ensuring that they are signing willingly and understand the documents they are executing.

If there is a suspicion of fraud, proceeding with the notarization would not only be unethical but could also lead to legal repercussions for the notary. By documenting the concerns, the notary creates a record of the events, which can be crucial if the situation escalates or if there are future inquiries into the matter. This documentation serves as a protective measure for the notary and ensures accountability in their duties. Thus, refusing to proceed under these circumstances is not only the correct course of action, but it also aligns with the notary’s role in preventing fraudulent activities.