Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What action should a notary take if they suspect a document is fraudulent?

1. Notarize it anyway

2. Refer the signer to an attorney

3. Decline to provide notarization

4. Call law enforcement immediately

The correct answer is: Decline to provide notarization

In situations where a notary suspects that a document is fraudulent, the appropriate action is to decline to provide notarization. This decision is rooted in the notary's duty to maintain integrity and enforce the law in the notarization process. Notaries are responsible for verifying the authenticity of documents and the identity of signers, and notarizing a fraudulent document could expose the notary to legal liability and undermine the public's trust in the notarial process. By choosing not to notarize, the notary prevents any potential misuse of the fraudulent document. It is essential for notaries to exercise due diligence and to understand the signs of fraud, allowing them to protect themselves and uphold their responsibilities. In such circumstances, while referring the signer to an attorney or calling law enforcement could be prudent actions, the fundamental step is to refuse to lend credibility to a document that they suspect to be tampered with or false. Thus, declining to notarize is the correct and responsible course of action in order to maintain legal and ethical standards.