Last minute signing, came as a call from a company I had never worked for. (My policies clearly state NEVER TAKE LAST MINUTE SIGNINGS FROM UNKNOWN COMPANIES.) But it was handy, tucked neatly between two other signings, and times are tough… yeah, every excuse. So I took it.
The wording on the docs was vague, and I was in a hurry so I blew through prep and dashed out the door. I was halfway there, mulling over those docs in the back of my mind, when I realized it was a debt settlement! (Policy number two: NO DEBT SETTLEMENTS) But I was on my way, and policy number three is NEVER CANCEL AT THE LAST MINUTE.
The signer was a lady a few years older than I am, quite clear on the phone when I confirmed, seemed to know what I was there for, answered my questions with no hesitation, signed all docs with no problems. One document authorized a payment from her BECU card. I made sure to point that out to her twice and explain that a payment would be charged in the amount shown. She said she understood.
Two weeks later I get a call from Pierce County Sheriff. A complaint had been filed against me for Credit Card Theft and Fraud! The signer claimed I fraudulently represented myself as an employee of BECU to get her to sign those documents (which had nothing to do with BECU at all, and did not say BECU anywhere on them) and then had charged over $9,000 on her BECU card.
At the beginning of all confirmation calls, I clearly state my name, that I am a Notary Public with Kidd Notary Services confirming an appointment to (Fill in purpose of signing, lender name, etc.) I also attach a business card to all borrower copies. I explained my purpose for being there, emailed the deputy a copy of my assignment sheet, shamelessly gave up the signing service (Speedy Sign Notary, BTW - I STRONGLY suggest not doing business with them!). Thankfully, he understood, told me no further action would be taken against me, and that he would close the file.
This morning, Speedy Sign Notary called me! They said they needed me to get NEW CREDIT CARD information from the same customer! OMG! What a shameless batch of scammers! Not only had they managed to get over $9,000 from her original BECU account, THEY WERE GOING AFTER HER AGAIN! And they wanted ME to be the one to get her new card info!!!
I declined, and I was not at all polite when doing so. Later that evening I got a call from another local notary who had accepted that assignment, only to be met by a very tall, big angry man who was rude, declined to let the signer sign anything, accused her of attempting fraud, claimed the signer had dementia and was unable to sign legal docs, etc. So despite me telling Speedy charges had been filed against me for that signing, they SENT OUT ANOTHER NOTARY!
So, I have learned not to circumvent my own policies, which are in place to help me avoid just this type of problem.
ALSO: I cannot say how strongly I suggest NOT working for Speedy Sign Notary!!