Notary stamped a document without verifying signatures

If a notary knowingly stamps a document without verifying signatures or named persons even present does that constitute fraud?

Originally Posted by Unregistered If a notary knowingly stamps a document without verifying signatures or named persons even present does that constitute fraud?

It would only be fraud if the Notary knowingly notarized the document when they knew that the party they are attesting to did not sign the document, not through negligence alone.

You'd better believe that is TOTALLY against the law. If it is any kind of a serious legal document or binding contract then this is essentially perjury if the notary accepts said document knowing the person named is not there and probably would not be willing to sign it.

When the notary is appointed, they are legally bound to take proper steps to check identification of the party(ies) signing a document if the person is not known to them personally through other dealings and should never, ever, notarize a document that they did not personally witness the party signing the document.