California Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is the first step if you suspect a signature has been altered on an affidavit?

1. Contact the notary public for verification

2. Report to the police immediately

3. Consult a handwriting expert

4. Ask the witness to re-sign the document

The correct answer is: Contact the notary public for verification

The first step when suspecting that a signature has been altered on an affidavit is to contact the notary public for verification. The notary public has a crucial role in the signing process as they are responsible for verifying the identity of signers and witnessing the signing of documents. They typically maintain records of the notarial acts, including the date and details of the documents they witness. By reaching out to the notary public, you can gather relevant information about the circumstances under which the signature was notarized, which may help establish whether the document was altered after the fact. Engaging the notary first is essential because they can provide insight into the authenticity of the signature in question and whether proper procedures were followed during the signing. This foundational step can guide the next actions you might need to consider, such as involving law enforcement or a handwriting expert, depending on the situation's severity.