New York State Notary Practice Exam

When a notary suspects signature fraud, the appropriate course of action is to refuse to notarize the document and report the incident. This is crucial for several reasons.

First, notaries are tasked with ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the notarization process. If there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the signature presented may not be legitimate, proceeding with notarization would violate their duty to act impartially and protect the public from potential fraud.

Moreover, reporting the suspicion aids in the broader context of preventing fraudulent activities and maintaining the integrity of legal documents. This aligns with the notarial standards that require notaries to conduct due diligence when verifying the identities of signers and the authenticity of signatures.

By refusing to notarize and reporting the issue, the notary is fulfilling their ethical and legal obligations. It ensures that they protect not only their own professional standing but also the rights of individuals who may be affected by the fraudulent document. This response is not only responsible but also reinforces the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the notarization process.