What should a notary do if they suspect a signer is being coerced?

If a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize and inquire further. This is critical because notarization requires the signer to act of their own free will, and any indication of coercion undermines that principle.

In such situations, the notary has a professional and ethical obligation to ensure that the signer is not being pressured or manipulated into signing the document. By refusing to proceed with the notarization, the notary safeguards the integrity of the notarization process and protects the rights of the signer. Inquiring further allows the notary to assess the situation more fully and ensure the signer's consent is genuine and voluntary.

Taking quick action without understanding the circumstances may lead to unintended consequences, including potential legal issues or further harm to the signer. Additionally, while contacting law enforcement may be necessary in certain situations of immediate danger, it is not the first step a notary should take when suspecting coercion. Lastly, proceeding with notarization even after verifying identification is inappropriate under the circumstances, as identification alone does not ensure that the signing is occurring free from coercion.