What should a notary do if they suspect a document is fraudulent?

When a notary suspects that a document may be fraudulent, the most appropriate course of action is to refuse to notarize the document and document the reasons for that refusal. This approach helps to maintain the integrity of the notarization process and protects the notary from potential liability if the document is indeed fraudulent. Notarization is a serious responsibility, and notaries are expected to verify the legitimacy of the documents they are signing. By refusing to notarize a document that raises suspicions, the notary ensures they are not complicit in any potential fraud.

Documenting the reasons for refusal also serves as a safeguard for the notary, providing a clear record of their decision-making process in case any questions arise later. This documentation can be crucial if there's a challenge related to the notarization.

While consulting a lawyer or contacting law enforcement may seem like viable options, those actions are more appropriate in circumstances involving legal complications or immediate threats. However, the cornerstone of a notary's role is to verify documents and act according to the integrity of the notarial process, which includes declining to proceed with any notarization that appears fraudulent.