A NOTARY'S MORAL OBLIGATION

I respect your decision. I've been through very similar situations appearing for duty to notorize important documents where an elderly and seemingly incoherent person was being led to sign documents that in effect reliquish assets to a relative and at times a stranger. I've walked away from several such signings too. I will start doing the journal and thumb print as well.

Thanks!

Reading this sent cold chills through my body. I would still have thoughts of doing more than just walking away.

Good for you Steve!  I would have done the same.  You cannot be too careful when notarizing for elderly people.  When dealing with elderly persons, I also try starting up a conversation with them.  I always ask them certain questions, such as whether they know what they're signing and why they're signing it.  If they seem as if they're being coerced, or on any medication that affects their mental ability to sign, or don't seem to understand what's going on, I will refuse to do it.

When setting the appointment, I usually tell the person calling that the elderly person must not be under the influence of any medication that would affect their judgment or mental capacity; they must be fully awake and capable of signing any documents on their own with no help; and if possible, they should be sitting in an upright position so they're able to easily sign the notary journal.

Steve

You did the right thing. Hopefully he wasn't able to find a less honorable notary to help him steal that poor womans house.

Steve,

Yes, you did the right thing, but did you take it all the way and notify the police and or Adult Protective Services?

If not, this crook just kept calling until he got a notary that would do the job.

Agree with last post.  You really ought to call whichever agency in your city/state equipped to handle financial abuse of the elderly.  That fellow will just keep trying.  Think I'd also (depending upon exactly WHO he was) let the hospital or home know.   

Notaries play a vital role in detecting fraud...I am glad you were observant of the interactions of the consumer.  Please do think about alerting the authorities.

Way to go Steve! Our industry needs more people like you.

Phil

After the never ending Mortgage Fraud news, its nice to hear the other end of the spectrum.        Too bad the news does not balance the good & bad

Great job Steve!  This is what being a notary is all about.  If you have not contacted the authorities about this, I would encourage you to do so.  You never know what may be uncovered.  She might not be the first one to sign over property to him.

Very interesting Steve.  Do you have any follow up on this story?  Would like to hear the outcome if you have any as in reporting this gentleman.  This is a nice example of what we need to look out for as Notary Publics.  Im going to bookmark this blog to check back.  Looking foward to your input if you have any.

Absolutely the ethical (and legal) thing to do.  I fear that scenario is more common than we would like to believe.  Yes, it would be interesting to find out if there is any outcome to this situation.