If a notary suspects fraud during a RON session, what should they do?

In a situation where a notary suspects fraud during a Remote Online Notary (RON) session, the most appropriate course of action is to refuse to complete the notarization and report the incident. This approach is essential for maintaining the integrity of the notarial process and upholding the legal and ethical standards required of notaries.

By refusing to proceed with the notarization, the notary avoids potentially facilitating a fraudulent transaction or act. Notaries are responsible for verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that they are acting of their own free will and without coercion. If there are any indicators of fraud, completing the notarization could expose the notary to legal repercussions and diminish the trust in the notarial process.

Reporting the incident is also crucial, as it helps law enforcement or regulatory agencies address potential fraud and protect the public. This course of action fosters a culture of vigilance and accountability within the notarial community. Therefore, when faced with suspicions of fraud, the notary's obligation is to act with caution and report their concerns rather than ignore the issue or continue with the notarization.