Preventing Fraud and Misconduct Flashcards
7 cards from real NNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Preventing Fraud and Misconduct flashcards as text
A signer presents a driver's license whose photo resembles him, but the lamination is peeling and the font on the birth date looks different from the rest of the card. What should the notary do?
Answer: Refuse to notarize based on that ID and ask for other acceptable identification
Signs of tampering make an ID unreliable, so the notary should not rely on it and should request another acceptable form of identification.
Which situation is the strongest red flag that a signer may be acting under undue influence?
Answer: A relative answers every question for the signer and won't let the signer speak alone
A third party controlling the conversation suggests the signer may not be acting of their own free will.
A document presented for acknowledgment has several blank spaces in its body. What is the best practice?
Answer: Have the signer fill in or line through the blanks before notarizing
Blank spaces could be filled in fraudulently after notarization, so the signer should complete or strike them first.
Why does the NNA recommend recording a signer's thumbprint in the notary journal for high-risk documents such as real property deeds?
Answer: It deters impostors and provides strong evidence of who appeared
A thumbprint is a powerful deterrent to impostors and provides evidence if the notarization is later challenged.
A notary's seal stamp goes missing from her office. What should she do first?
Answer: Promptly notify the commissioning authority (and law enforcement if theft is suspected) as required by law
A lost or stolen seal could be used to forge notarizations, so it must be reported promptly per state rules.
A caller asks the notary to notarize his elderly mother's signature on a power of attorney, saying she is too ill to come to the phone or meet. What is correct?
Answer: The mother must personally appear before the notary; otherwise the notary must refuse
Personal appearance of the signer is a core fraud-prevention requirement that cannot be waived for convenience.
A signer seems confused, cannot say what the document is, and asks the notary what it means. What should the notary do?
Answer: Decline if the notary believes the signer lacks awareness of the transaction
Notaries must be satisfied the signer understands the transaction and should refuse if awareness appears lacking.