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

When a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document. This decision safeguards the integrity of the notarization process and protects the rights of the signer. A notarization requires the signer to provide their consent freely and willingly, without any pressure or influence from others. If a notary observes signs of coercion, proceeding with the notarization could undermine the validity of the notarized document and expose the notary to legal complications or penalties.

By refusing to perform the notarization, the notary acts in accordance with their duty to ensure that all signers are acting voluntarily and are fully aware of what they are signing. This helps maintain the trustworthiness of notarizations and protects against potential fraud or legal issues that could arise from a coerced signature.