Who should a notary contact if they suspect fraud during a notarization?

When a notary suspects fraud during a notarization, the appropriate course of action is to contact local law enforcement. This is because suspicions of fraud may involve criminal activity, and law enforcement is equipped to investigate such matters. They have the authority and resources to handle situations that may pose a risk to the integrity of the notarization process and can determine whether any legal actions are necessary.

Contacting law enforcement ensures that professionals trained to assess and respond to potential fraud take appropriate action. While other parties, such as the signer's attorney or the notary's employer, may be important in different contexts, they do not have the immediate authority or capability to address the potential criminal implications of suspected fraud. The Nevada Secretary of State also plays a role in overseeing notarial acts but is not the first line of defense in cases of suspected fraud that require urgent attention.