Avoiding Fraud and When to Refuse
Notaries are a first line of defense against document fraud. Knowing the warning signs — and when to say no — is essential.
✓Common warning signs of fraud:
- The signer appears confused or unsure
- The signer is being pressured by someone else
- The document is incomplete or has blank spaces
- The ID appears fake, altered, or does not match the signer
✓A notary MUST refuse when:
- Identity cannot be verified
- The signer is not physically present
- The signer is unwilling or appears coerced
- The document is incomplete
✓Never notarize:
- A blank document
- A document without the signer present
- A document where the identity is false or unverifiable
When in doubt, refuse. It is always safer — and more professional — to decline a notarization than to risk participating in fraud. A notary cannot be sued for politely refusing an improper request.