How should a notary respond to a request for notarization if they suspect fraud?

When a notary public suspects that a notarization request involves fraud, the appropriate and responsible action is to report the suspicion to the relevant authorities. This response acknowledges the notary's duty to uphold the law and protect against fraudulent activities. Notaries have a legal obligation to ensure that all parties involved in the notarization are acting in good faith and are not committing or intending to commit fraud.

If a notary proceeds with the notarization despite these suspicions, they could potentially become a part of the fraudulent activity, exposing themselves to legal consequences. Choosing to notarize under protest or simply informing the signer about the illegality of fraud does not adequately address the situation, as these options do not prevent the notary from becoming complicit in the act of fraud.

Reporting the suspicion allows authorities to investigate the matter further, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the notarial process and protecting the public from potential harm. This action emphasizes the notary's role in preventing fraud rather than facilitating it, reinforcing the importance of ethical behavior in the profession.