In North Carolina, what must a notary do if they suspect fraud during a notarization?

In North Carolina, if a notary suspects fraud during a notarization, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document. This is rooted in the notary’s responsibility to maintain the integrity of the notarization process. A notary public is tasked with ensuring that the signer is doing so willingly, competently, and without any form of coercion or deception. If there is any indication that fraud is involved, proceeding with the notarization could facilitate unlawful activities and undermine the notary's role as an impartial witness.

Refusing to notarize protects not only the integrity of the document but also safeguards the notary from potential legal repercussions that could arise from participating in fraudulent activities. It is crucial for notaries to be vigilant and to act ethically when they observe signs of fraud or deceit. Notaries are trained to assess the situation and make the right decision to uphold the law and their professional duties.

In contrast, options like continuing with the notarization, contacting law enforcement immediately, or having the signer sign a waiver would not adequately address the underlying issue of fraud and could lead to significant legal and ethical complications. Therefore, the only appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document in such circumstances.