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 notary pre-signs and seals several blank acknowledgment certificates to save time later. Why is this misconduct?
Answer: Pre-signed certificates can be attached to documents never notarized, enabling fraud
Signing and sealing certificates before the notarial act creates false certifications that can be misused.
Which identification document would generally be LEAST acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity?
Answer: Social Security card
Social Security cards lack a photo, physical description and signature, so they are not acceptable primary identification.
During a signing, the signer's signature looks noticeably different from the signature on the ID he presented. What should the notary do?
Answer: Investigate further, such as asking for additional ID, and refuse if doubts remain
A significant signature discrepancy is a red flag that warrants more verification or refusal.
Why should a notary keep the journal and seal under their exclusive control?
Answer: To prevent unauthorized use and protect signers' private information
Exclusive control prevents others from forging notarizations or misusing signers' personal data in the journal.
A person asks a notary to 'certify' that a photocopy of a birth certificate is a true copy. What is the correct response in most states?
Answer: Decline, because vital records copies must be obtained from the issuing agency
Notaries generally may not certify copies of vital or public records, which must come from the custodian agency.
A signer says, 'Just stamp it — I already signed it at home.' The document requires an acknowledgment. What is required?
Answer: The notary must refuse unless the signer appears personally and acknowledges the signature as his own
For an acknowledgment, the document may be signed beforehand, but the signer must personally appear, be identified, and acknowledge the signature.
A notary realizes after the fact that she mistakenly notarized for an impostor. Which best practice applies?
Answer: Report the incident to appropriate authorities and cooperate with any investigation
Reporting and cooperating helps victims and authorities, and the journal entry is key evidence that must be preserved.