Module 6: Common Mistakes & Legal Risks

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Recognizing Warning Signs

Notaries are the first line of defense against fraud. Part of avoiding legal risk is recognizing situations that call for extra caution — or an outright refusal.

✓Warning signs to watch for:

  • The signer seems confused, unsure, or unable to answer basic questions
  • The signer is being pressured, coached, or answered for by someone else
  • The ID appears altered, fake, or does not clearly match the signer
  • The document is incomplete, has blank spaces, or looks tampered with
  • The signer is not physically present for an act that requires it

When any of these signs appear, slow down. When in doubt, refuse the notarization — it is always the safer choice, and a notary cannot be held liable for politely declining an improper request.

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