Posted by Charm_AL on 2/2/07 7:55pm
Msg #173844

OMG....has anyone else received the latest NSA newsletter?..

quote ---

"This has been interpreted by Federal regulators to mean that the persons these companies hire to help process loans -- including Notary Signing Agents -- must undergo special background screening and awareness training. This also means that a number of companies won't hire Signing Agents who have not had this training and screening -- screening more specialized than that done by any state Notary-commissioning process..HUH? California's process isn't good enough...Lisa!

uh folks-- what about the LO's the TC workers, the mortgage company employees, the people that sit at a home biz computer all day....why? imo --because the NNA doesn't make any $$$$$$$$$$ off them do they?

further down --

"In response, these firms attempted to set up their own screening and training programs -- only to encounter a firestorm of objections from Signing Agents."
Uhhhh, I don't remember anything about this to be true other than that of a bunch of us getting peeved because the NNA hit the companies with this exact idea!

further down --

"In response to these objections, the nations leading title and mortgage document service firms """approached""" the NNA to set up a "one-stop" screening and compliance program to serve all participating companies." I cannot believe this.


WTF???????

Reply by davidK/CA on 2/2/07 8:09pm
Msg #173845

Every time the NNA issues another explaination of the background check issue they only add to the stack of lies and fake excuses they have already generated. They should just give it up and admit that the whole process was just a giant fraud.

Of course, this is just my constutionally protected free speech opinion.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/2/07 8:25pm
Msg #173848

I've previously posted requests from anyone who has any recent experience with their so called "training" to find out if they have actually added anything to their program that even addresses the issue of data security and privacy. So far, I don't believe I've received a response from anyone. It's possible, however, that the messages have fallen so far back so quickly that I haven't found them, as I don't have time to read here every day and stay current. But I am truly curious to know if they are really offering anything in the way of this "training" that supposedly distinguishes their program and certifications from other options being offered.

Anyone care to comment? They seem to be using the training issue as the big carrot - or stick - but what are they actually teaching people? I don't expect anyone to tell us the specifics of what is being taught, I just want to give credit where it is due if they have actually come out with a second or later edition of their "Notary Signing Agent Certification Course" book or online program that includes new info. If so, I'd also be curious to know what they have left out of the previous training classes about being a signing agent to make room for this supposedly unique training about protecting borrower's confidential data... training that makes their certification and membership so much better than everyone else's. hmmmmm??

I'm still waiting.......

[This entire message is jmho, of course, and simply a request for enlightenment. ;>]

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/2/07 9:57pm
Msg #173869

First hand experience

Here's what I can tell you - I got the CNSA back in August, did the BGC in October - there was NO additional training as far as security issues are concerned, it was just the background check. They may have revamped their training course since then to include security issues, but that was not the case when I got the BGC.

I have recently received emails from a couple of signing services asking for a copy of my NNA BGC. I thought the whole point of the exercise was that all they had to do was check me out on signingagent.com and find out I passed, but they want a copy of the BGC results (which I do have). I have no problem supplying that to those I want to continue doing business with.

All that being said, most of the assignments I get now are directly from TCs and law firms (and the occasional signing service), none of whom have even mentioned a BGC. If they need it, I've got it...

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/2/07 10:15pm
Msg #173871

Re: First hand experience

Most of my work comes from two major title companies. One national and one primarily in California/DFW area of Texas.

I am happy to report they have not yet mentioned a word about a criminal background report.

The reason some of the signing services are pushing it I-M-H-O is because they have a link back to the NNA which will pay them a tuppence of two for having an "affiliate link" do the referring.

It makes my brain hurt to think of the thing I would normally call a scam going on. I hear from a good and credible friend that the major title companies came to the NNA and asked for them to run these checks and to fold up the CSA certficiate in along with it. REQUIRE IT, they said.

I am sure glad the ones I do business with aren't demanding that. Guess I'd bet out completely if they did. I won't do it with the NNA !! No way, no how.

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/2/07 8:16pm
Msg #173846

Re: OMG....has anyone else received the latest NSA newslette

I scanned the article and sent it to Lisa two days ago.

Can you believe that crapolla?!

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/2/07 8:17pm
Msg #173847

Re: OMG....has anyone else received the latest NSA newslette

no I cannot, and this, to me is TOTAL BfreakingS!!!

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 2/2/07 9:27pm
Msg #173861

The backpeddling continues, and the bucks roll in...

XYZ can't get their story straight. Each time they attempt to rationalize their actions and behaviour, they just dig a deeper hole, folks.
All correspondence and emails from individuals are saved and are regularly being forwarded to the appropriate persons for examination.
Methinks, and mind you this is only my OPINION, that XYZ has received a less-than-gentle nudge to clarify their reasoning. I think that the 'powers that be' have asked them to publicly RESTATE / RETRACT thier initial contention that the GLB Act targeted Notaries Public and that as of 1/1/07, any Notary that had not complied with this 'mandate' would be out of work.

They are, IN MY OPINION, snake oil salesmen. Unfortunately, it isn't illegal on its face (the strong-arm marketing of their wares to TC's). LYING about the 'mandate' is another story. We have to dig a little deeper to find the illegalities in their actions, and that is being done.

At the end of the day, they stink. Their program is a farce. I've spoken to Notaries that have fallen prey to their scare tactics and ordered the "new" certification program. I was told that there was nothing that addressed privacy/security further than in thier old Certificaiton program.
Bottom line..... they've shot themselves in the foot, lost a tremendous amount of credibility, and should be worried about the irrpairable harm they've done to this profession and their business. They want us back, and are trying to extend a wilted olive branch....
And (again in my OPINION) that dog just won't hunt. Not with me, anyway. I think it's poisonous and will steer clear.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/2/07 9:34pm
Msg #173863

Re: The backpeddling continues, and the bucks roll in...

Thanks for the update - and for all your efforts on this issue. Just as I suspected. As much as I have felt the same as you on this all along, I still find it difficult to believe that they could be so flagrant - and foolish - iin their claims. If they had somewhere along the way decided to take the high road with honesty and integrity, they might have won back many, many as members, myself included, but that's going to be near impossible now. You put it so well: "that dog just won't hunt". How very sad. [Again, all just my opinion.]

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 2/2/07 9:38pm
Msg #173866

Re: The backpeddling continues, and the bucks roll in...

Janet, I really wanted them to take the high-road... to act in the best interest of the Notary.
They've proven time and time again that they have a mission: To liberate unsuspecting Notaries Public of a couple hundred bucks a year (apiece) and create revenue streams based on greed.
Sad.

Reply by MichiganAl on 2/2/07 11:21pm
Msg #173875

My confession...

First off, let me say that I have the same opinion of XYZ as many others do. I don't like what they've become, I don't believe they have our interests in mind, and I think they're fleecing unsuspecting victims. I'm not an unsuspecting victim (but a victim none the less). I know the score. And I've watched them change the story month after month. But they've still got me over a barrel. There are enough TCs and SS that think that an XYZ certification, background check, or listing means something. My XYZ renewal form sat on my desk for three months while I toiled over the decision. But ultimately, for $99 I did it. What can I say? If it gets me one signing, it was worth it financially (even though I feel like I sold a little piece of myself to the devil). Believe me, I'm not advocating that anyone else should do the same. But when you're trying to do what's best for your business, it's not so clear cut.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/2/07 11:27pm
Msg #173876

Re: My confession...Alex...that's just a good biz

decision on your part. For me, it would require over $200 b/c I don't have a membership with the NNA. I would not renew on "principle" year before last. I never, ever, ever got any calls from that site except $50 offers. Maybe it's better now, but I was not impressed with the offerings. At this point, it's not going to happen--me rejoining, I mean.

I like it when people tell the truth even when it would be more comfortable to be silent. Kudos to you, Bubba. It's better to be honest about your business and let others make up their mind.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/3/07 12:05am
Msg #173879

Ditto, Brenda, on all counts.

I gave up my NNA membership at least a couple of years back because I was only getting a few low bid jobs. Wondering why I wasn't getting more response, I tried to get an idea of what a potential client would see when looking for a notary in my area. Then I found out that that view was not accessible to me as a mere CNSA. I don't miss it, as I have found other avenues more productive. FWIW, so far I haven't bothered pursuing any bgc (other than that already required by CA) and I haven't noticed any drop off in business because of it.

Thanks for the honest replies. Someone might think I'd be glad to have confirmation that I've been right about the NNA's claims all along, but instead, it just makes me sick to my stomach! I think I've really wished to be wrong and that such a large organization claiming to represent notaries nationwide couldn't possibly be as unethical and unprincipled as they have shown themselves to be (IN MY OPINION). 'Course, I can think of other examples of that type of behavior, but I won't go there... ;>

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 2/3/07 4:45am
Msg #173888

You're absolved, Al...

as is anyone else who made the same decision. Believe me, if I noticed a decline in business due to my not having a membership or BGC from them, I'd do the same... kickin' and screamin' the whole way, mind you.... but I'd do it.
Fortunately, that isn't the case. XYZ got my money once, for a 2-year membership (I think). The financial benefit was nominal to me. Mostly $50 and $75 calls that annoyed me more than anything else. 99% of my workload comes from TC's, and not one has even mentioned it to me thusfar.
Business decisions are subjective, not one-size-fits-all. You're a smart guy, and you know what's best for you, Al. No disrespect from me, I assure you

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/3/07 9:15am
Msg #173901

ditto, Al...:).... n/m

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/3/07 11:31am
Msg #173925

Re: ditto, Al...:).... well

I shouldn't have replied with a ditto, but with a "I understand'...where you're coming from.

Reply by Lee/AR on 2/3/07 7:50am
Msg #173889

Re: My confession...

We understand.
I was an NSA when it didn't have a name. They always found me. I'd been 'doing loan signings' for years before I even thought to search the 'net. Found NNA, NASA, ASN, NLI, SR and 'findanotary' sites like NR, GMN, 123, etc. and lots of companies with whom I could 'sign up'. Wow! Lurked for another year...reading, reading, reading. Finally decided to join NASA at exactly the time it was 'bought out'... but then waited to see what would happen. And immediately saw the beginning of what that has become. I was disappointed. Then disgusted. The disgust increased geometrically annually...and now monthly.
They could have been an excellent organization. They ARE anything but. There was even a time and the opportunity to redeem themselves, take the high road & become the organization the members would like to see. They chose not to do that because that's not what they are about.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/3/07 8:57am
Msg #173898

Re: My confession...

Agree Lee 100%!!! ....it's all about lining pockets and they could give sh!t who they do it with...I forgot to mention the BEST part of the article--

the middle part that stands out --- blown up for ....what??? Here it is...

"If you want screening and training that is acknowledged " gold standard" for the mortgage industry and that affords you the widest possible access to employment, then the NNA's Notary Signing Agent Certification and Background Screening Program is the answer."

Gold standard my a$$! and take take that to the bank! fkrs....

Reply by Mia on 2/3/07 9:03am
Msg #173899

Re: My confession...

The XYZ is an "Association", and it does NOT having anything to do with the Laws
of Michigan.
You can see the flow chart that is online (for MI Notary Public)...... here is the part
of the flow chart that the Department Of State is responsible for. #6. Office of the
Great Seal Reviews application and may conduct background check. #7. Application
approved?-No--> #8.1 Denial Letter Sent ---> End
#8. Notary Commission Is Issued.

I have been a Notary Public for 27 years -- I am digging my heels in and not budging
on this issue. 99% of my work is RM's and, I have not been asked once for a background
check.

What will they want from you next?..... to get your car inspected (which MI does not require)
before you go to a borrowers home?

All this is just for making money for an "Association/Company", and has nothing to do
with what our (Notary Public / Signing Agent) duties are about. (And the other people/
companies that have jumped on the bandwagon with this are not helping "us" in
anyway, shape or form).

***The opinions expressed here are mine alone, do not reflect the opinions of any
employer, cost you nothing, and are probably worth what you paid for them.***

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/3/07 9:09am
Msg #173900

Re: My confession...

the thing is Mia....that they don't give a rat's patooty that you have already been bgc'd by any company, let alone 3 or 4.......they say their's is "gold standard"!(quote)....what the hell does that mean??? I am not going to give them my $$$ to BCK me.

Reply by Mia on 2/3/07 9:48am
Msg #173910

Charm

I could tell you that for a fee of $50.00, I will give you a title of "Platinum NSA".
Sounds great doesn't it? It is just a title that doesn't mean anything.

The bottom line is, if you don't know what your doing in this business, any
title that you pay for isn't going to give you the knowledge that is needed.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/3/07 9:20am
Msg #173902

Re: My confession...That's a big 10-4 Mia...

***99% of my work is RM's and, I have not been asked once for a background
check. What will they want from you next?..... to get your car inspected (which MI does not require) before you go to a borrowers home? ***

True.

My livelihood no longer depends on the notary gig. But, the money I derive from it is great for extras and for putting up for the Golden Age of Brenda/TX. I have a vested interest in this business and will continue to be a hobbiest PITA to lowball SSs and to the UNEMP(Unnecessary Notary Expenses Manufacturing Plants) far and wide.

Reply by LawrenceOK on 2/3/07 9:55am
Msg #173913

Re: My confession...That's a big 10-4 Mia...Brenda

I bet I can come up with a Certified PITA Certificate for you.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/3/07 10:10am
Msg #173915

You'd Better Make It...

...Platinum!

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/3/07 10:17am
Msg #173919

Re: You'd Better Make It...

Dennis? Now...Punkin', did you mean the "Platinum age" or Platinum PITA? LOL

( I am practicing all these little gooey names because the LO I am seeing in a bit does that. LOL...gettin' my game face on. )

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/3/07 11:05am
Msg #173923

I Was Referring to the Certificate...

...of course!

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/3/07 10:14am
Msg #173917

Re: My confession...That's a big 10-4 Mia...Lawrence...

Hey Lawrence-Baby...send that to my current addy...don't let it get lost like our other emails!

Check my profile! LOL

Reply by MelissaCT on 2/3/07 7:56am
Msg #173891

They do know HOW to market

that's about all, though. Market to newbies, market to title & lenders. Certainly not looking out for our best interests, only their wallets. Sad, sad, sad. They won't be getting my renewal $$...but I'm sure there are several others in line t take my place in their coffers.

**OPINION ONLY**

Reply by LawrenceOK on 2/3/07 9:42am
Msg #173909

Re: They do know HOW to market

It is just my personal opinion that, not one of these companies has a lawful right to FORCE you to join any organization before they employ your services. There are other ways of acquiring BGC's then having to go though the NNA. Not once have I had any one of these companies that supposedly "approached" the NNA state to me "you must join the NNA before we will use your services".

I don't know about other states, but Oklahoma is a right to work state and the laws include provisions for Independent Contractors. Here it is illegal for any propsective employer to force or intimidate a prospective employee (includes independent contractors) to join any Union or Organization. In my opinion again, this is what the NNA is attempting.

Reply by DonR_NYC on 2/3/07 9:32am
Msg #173906

They can scratch their %@* with a broken bottle

I have 3 main clients, all TC/EC. Never have I been asked for a BGC. In fact one stopped using me for 2 months because the higher ups wanted to cut costs and instructed the scheduler to go through the NNA list. After numerous re-signs due to errors or just not showing up, the schedulers were able to convience the bosses to go back to using me since in the long run it saved them money. I've even spoke to the owners of my clients and their interpretation is that this so-called requirement is for lenders and their employees who have far greater access to personal information than any NSA could possibly have.

I've even had calls from FASS (which I only do if its within 5 miles of me and they meet my fee) and they never asked for a BGC.

IMHO this whole thing is just a scam from a money hungry con artist company looking for more money.

Reply by Mobile Signer - Allison Dykstra on 2/3/07 12:45pm
Msg #173926

I was a loan processor for 8 years and have been doing signings for 6 years and I think the certification and background check requirements that the NNA has come up with and pushed for everyone to see as an important requirement is just a ploy for them to make money. I think that requiring people who know what they are doing to be required to obtain a certification from and open book test is absolutely ridiculous. I probably have forgotten more than is even on the test. And now not only are you required to have this certification but now they want more money to do a back ground check.. This stinks... We were doing signings long before they jumped on the idea and now they are making it hard for us to do it without their certification.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/3/07 6:52pm
Msg #173949

Allison Dykstra...come on down!

Talk about the voice of reality....I love it!

"I probably have forgotten more than is even on the test."

Does anyone have a spare tiara for Ms. Dykstra? Mine is on my head...but if anyone deserves the "Princess for Today's Words of Wisdom" ...here she is!

(Sorry, Allison...but, when you make up these fake award "things" you always get to be The Queen of the "Thing." )

Reply by Tricia on 2/3/07 3:42pm
Msg #173936

Last year, prior to any information about background screening by the NNA, one of my premier signing companies informed me that the would be performing background checks on all of their notaries, at the request of one of their clients. I was asked to submit a resume and 3 references. Once I submitted my information, I did not receive any signings from them. After about 3 months, I was finally on their approved list and began receiving signings. I have had many more signings from this company since I have been background checked.
So I do not believe that it is all a hoax as so many of you seem to think.

Also, I rarely visit this forum since most of the posts are digs on the NNA. I do not mind people having opinions different than mine, but I am dismayed at the amount of negative energy that is aimed at this particluar organization. If you don't like them, then don't associate yourself with them. I see that although you dislike them, you are still members of their association.."Seen the latest newsletter?" and all the responses to boot. PLEASE stop griping about how you don't like them! It has gotten old and tiresome.

Reply by Lee/AR on 2/3/07 4:29pm
Msg #173939

Trisha... you certainly have the right to express your

opinion. Just do yourself a favor and read all those 'digs' and do some research on your own and you should see that these 'digs' are absolutely justified. Google GLBA, read it, see that it does NOT mention notaries. I agree, there are a few lenders who require 'a' background check--and that is their decision. Yours was paid for by the company who wanted it. The organization that has drawn the negative energy has done so by their misleading marketing tactics. Or just keep your opinion and your checkbook handy. The choice is yours.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/3/07 6:45pm
Msg #173947

Re: OMG....has -- Longhorn Cheese is GREAT!

**Also, I rarely visit this forum since most of the posts are digs on the NNA. ... "Seen the latest newsletter?" and all the responses to boot. PLEASE stop griping about how you don't like them! It has gotten old and tiresome. **

How about you express your version of your reality and let others have theirs? Just a thought. Otherwise, someone might have to ask YOU to stop griping about your favorite peeve just to suit THEIR purpose.

See how that works? Keep it up (telling people what to post) and someone might wind up asking you something like, "Would you like a little Mild Cheddar or Longhorn Cheese with that whine?"

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/3/07 6:48pm
Msg #173948

You're Incorrect in the Statement...

..."most of the posts are digs on the NNA". Days, even weeks at a time go by on this board without that acronym rearing its ugly head. It's very true when they ARE the topic of discussion it's usually in a negative light & deservedly so. BTW, did I mention I don't like the NNA?

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/3/07 8:32pm
Msg #173960

tricia....

barf...old and tiresome....seen the latest newsletter? Did I mention that I was a member?