After receiving a text message at 4:00 pm for an assignment from this signing service scheduled for today, May 24, 2024, I researched them on this platform and found they are known for either not paying or delaying payment. The appointment time was unusually broad, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The first red flag was a “cattle call” text message with lengthy, confusing “Client Instructions.” It mentioned having the client sign a “retainer” contract for a law firm named “Motor Injury Attornies,” which is a misspelling of “Attorneys,” indicating a potential scam. The instructions referred to a “contingency fee agreement” and mentioned the client was in a car accident from two years prior, and hade difficulties in signing documents with “Motor Injury Attornies.” They insisted I repeatedly call the client, who only has a landline, suggesting the client may be elderly. I sensed fraudulent activity. I contacted Robb Papagno from Mobile Notary Zone, who repeated the same dubious information as the “Client Instructions.” I nearly declined the assignment but decided to review the documents first.
My suspicions were further aroused when I downloaded the documents, which lacked any names, making it impossible to identify the signer before the notarization. Robb suggested having the signer fill in their name where it should have been pre-printed, then sign, which is not standard procedure. Without knowing who I’m supposed to meet, I cannot verify the signer’s identity. Also, the assignment said the documents were about retaining “Motor Injury Attornies” as legal representation, but on the documents Dream Team Law LLC was listed as the legal representation. And finally, there was a POA tucked away in the back. I SMELL FRAUD! Suffice it to say, I quickly rescinded my acceptance and declined and called out Robb for this potential fraud activity!
I handle many of these over the years. A retainer contract, POA, and Contingency Agreements aren’t unusual. The broad time window is also not usual for legal engagements.
The concern I’d have is if the ‘client’ has questions you should not provide answers. That fact that the MNZ wants you to fill in the signer’s names and other information is a major alert. You filling in this information could put you in the role of practicing law without a license. You are correct not to fill in any information, except what’s needed by you in the Notary Certificate.
Keep in mind that "“Motor Injury Attornies” (misspelled) may be a marketing tag line. What would get my attention is “Dream Team Law LLC”. In many states the law firm must be the name of the principle lawyer or partners. Under the Texas Bar rules, OPINION NO. 663, SEPTEMBER 2016, there are clear practices that Lawyer must follow when marketing their practice:
“A lawyer in private practice shall not practice under a trade name, a name that is misleading as to the identity of the lawyer or lawyers practicing under such name, or a firm name containing names other than those of one or more of the lawyers in the firm, except that . . . if otherwise lawful a firm may use as, or continue to include in, its name the name or names of one or more deceased or retired members of the firm or of a predecessor firm in a continuing line of succession.”
I think you were right in declining this engagement, as would I.
Thank you so much for your valuable information! I will keep that Texas law under my belt going forward! I encourage all notaries to know their state laws so we don’t fall into the trap of practicing law without a license. I’m grateful for this community! Have an awesome day!
