What should a Notary do if they are approached for notarization by someone they know?

Proceeding with caution to avoid a conflict of interest is the correct choice because a Notary Public has an obligation to maintain impartiality and integrity in their role. When approached for notarization by someone they know, there is a potential for a conflict of interest, which could compromise the Notary's ability to remain unbiased in the transaction.

By proceeding with caution, the Notary can evaluate the situation to ensure that they are not putting themselves in a position where their personal relationship could influence the notarization process. This includes assessing whether they can provide a fair and impartial service without any undue influence or pressure. If the Notary feels that their relationship with the signer could affect their impartiality, it is prudent to either refuse the notarization or to ensure that all legal requirements and ethical standards are met.

In contrast, the other choices either encourage a lack of professionalism by notarizing for a friend without assessment of possible conflicts or suggest actions that do not align with the ethical obligations of a Notary. Thus, the choice to proceed with caution not only protects the integrity of the notarization process but also safeguards the Notary against potential legal repercussions or accusations of misconduct.