What should a notary do if they suspect a document is forged?

If a notary suspects that a document is forged, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document. This is essential because the notary's role includes verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that the document is authentic and the signature is genuine. Proceeding with notarization in cases of suspected forgery could lead to legal consequences for the notary, including potential criminal liability for facilitating a fraudulent act.

Refusing to notarize the document protects not only the notary but also the integrity of the legal process and helps maintain trust in public notaries. It is crucial for notaries to be vigilant and uphold their duty to avoid participating in potential fraud. By denying notarization, the notary can prevent any future complications that may arise from a forged document being accepted as valid. Therefore, the best course of action in this scenario is to refuse the notarization.