Arkansas Notary Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

If a notary suspects fraud during a notarization, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document. This response is grounded in the notary's duty to ensure the integrity of the notarization process. Notaries are responsible for verifying the identity of signers and ensuring that they are willingly signing the document without any form of coercion or deception. If there are any signs of fraudulent behavior or if the notary has doubts about the legitimacy of the transaction, refusing to proceed is crucial to uphold ethical standards and legal requirements.

Notarizing a document when fraud is suspected could expose the notary to legal liability and undermine the trust in the notarial act itself. By refusing to notarize, the notary is protecting not only their own position but also the interests of all parties involved, and maintaining the integrity of the document.

Consulting with an attorney before making a decision may not be necessary in straightforward cases of suspected fraud, as the immediate action should be to refuse notarization. Reporting to local authorities may be an appropriate step afterward depending on the severity of the situation, but the first and foremost responsibility is to not partake in the fraudulent act.