Are you allowed to use undue influence on a customer?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with consent
• D. Only in emergencies

Answer: (B)

Undue influence undermines a customer’s ability to make a free, informed choice. In NYS professional and ethical standards, you must present information clearly, disclose relevant details, and obtain consent that is voluntary and based on the customer’s own judgment. Using pressure, manipulation, or exploiting someone's vulnerability to steer a decision is unethical and can create legal liability. The goal is to help the customer understand options and consequences, not to coerce them into a particular outcome. There is no justified scenario for using undue influence; even in urgent situations, decisions should respect autonomy and be handled with appropriate care and documentation. If you sense pressure arising, step back, provide complete information, and allow the customer to decide in their own time.