NNA's Trusted Enrollment Agent program cannot be trusted.
NNA's membership has decreased so dramatically that they created the TEA program in order to recruit new suckers (I mean "members" and to boost renewals. Their CSR told me that I would only qualify for the TEA program if I'm a current member. Thus, I renewed. However, when I called them about the TEA program this last Friday, they informed me that the program has been discontinued for lack of interest & funding. You'll notice that all references to said program have since been removed from their website. In fact, they won't even discuss it with you, anymore. Obviously, they now realize that they have exposed themselves to tremendous legal liability. When I told their CSR that I wanted a refund of my membership dues since I only renewed due to their statement that I'd earn more income as a TEA, I was referred to their Terms of Service. Apparently, they can say anything they want, even if untrue, in order to boost their membership income. Once I pay for same, no refunds are issued, ever. On top of that, she felt the need to also point out that members who complain can be cancelled without getting any money back. I therefore suggest that we all file a class-action lawsuit. The NNA lied to us. They should pay. At the very least, I am in the process of filing complaints against them with the Better Business Bureau and www.ripoffreport.com. Who's with me?
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/22/08 4:10pm Msg #252504
ROFL..that's just too funny!! And no, not you Rolomia...the whole TEA thing - I enrolled and took the two tests provided because I was already a member with a BGC so everything for me was free - boy what egg on their face!!! Amazing I didn't get an e-mail that the program I passed and the database I'd been entered into was discontinued - before I took the tests I was getting daily e-mails touting this program!!
Ah well..maybe a good thing - maybe now I can market myself independently for this type of service...thanks for the info!!
Reply by rolomia on 6/22/08 4:34pm Msg #252505
btw...do a keyword search on their site for "TEA" or "Trusted Enrollment Agent". The search engine will return an "item not found" result. The only evidence that the program ever existed is the promo page at http://www.nationalnotary.org/trustedagent/. Of course, I did mention this to the CSR when I questioned her as to why the page was still available on their website if said program has actually been discontinued as she claims, and was told that they are keeping it up to measure interest in the program, just in case they are able to promote this program again, at some time in the future. I'm guessing that their legal dept. probably figured out the SCAM and doesn't want to go to jail. Thus, they recommended said program suspension. You can still take the tests. Just don't expect anything to become of it. I also suspect that the NNA will deny any conspiratorial relationship with the two companies they supposedly represent for this program. 10% royalties paid to them by the NNA based upon number of new & renewing memberships generated by interest in TEA program is probably close to $1,000,000 or more.
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/22/08 6:20pm Msg #252518
rolomia - thanks for the update...but
"I'm guessing that their legal dept. probably figured out the SCAM and doesn't want to go to jail. "
How are they in trouble? Someone spell it out for me.
I'm no fan of the NNA (not a member/won't be) but don't quite understand how they've gotten in trouble by this.
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/22/08 6:44pm Msg #252521
Re: rolomia - thanks for the update...but
I'm just guessing here but I think what she's taking exception to is (a) come train to be a TEA and earn $xx....many companies on board - new avenue for notaries, then (b) oh..you're not a member? You must be a member to take the courses to be a TEA; then (c) woops...not enough interest so we're discontinuing the program for now; and finally (d) what? You became a member in order to be allowed to train for this exciting opportunity that is no longer available? Oh, sorry, that's too bad but no - we're not going to refund your membership fee - you stuck being a member for the next year.....sorry bout that..and in the meantime in their agreement you agree not to privately market yourself for this service....
I understand the frustration - what I don't understand is the constant calls for class action suits....they are far more involved than most realize and far more expensive...but I'm seeing it a lot - MHO
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/22/08 6:49pm Msg #252525
Re: rolomia - thanks for the update...but
I totally agree that they are not playing fairly...
But as to "Oh, sorry, that's too bad but no - we're not going to refund your membership fee "...I thought they had a "King's X" spelled out in their Terms of Service...kind of like we can do whatever we choose and you agree to it...and we won't refund your membership money once you sign up...for ANY reason...and you AGREE to it and can't sue us because you are already forewarned right here in the Terms of Service which you have to AGREE to before you can become a member.
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/22/08 6:54pm Msg #252526
Probably right, Brenda..
but the fact that they extract a membership fee with a promise of work in a new program then fold that program - the enrollee paid the membership fee so they could avail themselves of work in this new program (available only through the NNA)...now no program but they're keeping the membership money.
Sort of like okay, pay us for our ENS - okay, we're not doing that any more but we're keeping your money.
Still not class action material IMHO. Sort of on the "doo doo occurs" side of life...
Reply by desktopfull on 6/22/08 7:11pm Msg #252528
Forgot the part that if you cause a problem we'll cancel
your membership and still keep your money. Gotta love the way they are looking out for the notaries, HUH?
Reply by NCLisa on 6/22/08 4:49pm Msg #252506
I am not surprised. They were enrolling members from states that still don't allow electronic notarizations in anyway. I wonder what their next money making scheme will be?!
Reply by Gerry_VT on 6/22/08 5:13pm Msg #252508
IRS
Does anyone know if there is a mechanism to petition the Internal Revenue Service to revoke an organization's tax-exempt status?
Reply by Lee/AR on 6/22/08 5:24pm Msg #252510
Re: IRS - Sylvia, you're good at this...
There are 2 entities to the NNA. Only 1 is a not-for-profit. The other 'side' is definitely a for PROFIT...$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/22/08 5:53pm Msg #252514
Re: IRS - Sylvia, you're good at this...
Yes, I know that they have two entities. I had an e-mail on this from "someone in the know" a few years ago, and if I remember correctly they "transfer" money from one to the other.
Also, and I haven't checked in a couple of years there is (or was)
National Notary Services Assoc Owner/Milton Valera Sole Proprietorship 9350 De Soto Avenue Chatsworth, California 91313
which I think is the "mother" corp. And according to the Federal Election Commission, the National Notary Services Assn. donated $500 to Bill Jones Senate campaign. That was the last time I checked in 2005. I wonder if members knew their money was going to a political campaign.
Reply by MikeC/NY on 6/22/08 5:25pm Msg #252511
Are they exempt under 501(c)(3)? n/m
Reply by Marlene/USNA on 6/23/08 8:31am Msg #252565
Re: Are they exempt under 501(c)(3)?
Probably not. Like us, they may be chartered under 501(c)(6), but I don't know that as a fact.
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557/ch04.html
Marlene Pennsylvania Association of Notaries www.notary.org
Reply by JanetK_CA on 6/23/08 11:47pm Msg #252691
Re: Are they exempt under 501(c)(3)?
I recall looking into this a few years back. Wish I could remember the website, but I recall that only their foundation was registered as a 501(c)(3). I believe, the other side of the business was incorporated as a for-profit enterprise.
Reply by desktopfull on 6/22/08 7:12pm Msg #252529
Re: IRS
When did the NNA become a tax-exempt organization?
Reply by MikeC/NY on 6/22/08 5:16pm Msg #252509
Re: NNA's Trusted Enrollment Agent program cannot be trusted
This is odd. I just received an email from them on Thursday, which said:
***** Exciting news! NNA Trusted Enrollment Agents™ (TEA) have carried out their first paid identity-proofing assignments. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a huge business opportunity for Notaries nationwide!
A Trusted Enrollment Agent™ is a Notary whose services are in demand by leading industries to identify persons seeking electronic identity credentials. Such credentials are now needed by professionals to send, receive and handle sensitive electronic documents. Without question, this offers Notaries like you the most lucrative opportunity for business growth since the Notary Signing Agent field opened up. Major industries from aerospace to banking to the medical and pharmacological fields will be demanding your services.
As more and more major corporations require the services of Trusted Enrollment Agents™, the demand for qualified Notaries will grow. Sustained long-term business growth is forecasted.
As a Notary you already have many of the skills required to get started, and can qualify to become a TEA with a small amount of additional training. Because you are a background-screened Notary and an NNA member, your registration and training are free. All you need to do is to enroll in the TEA program at www.NationalNotary.org/TrustedAgent. Be sure to bookmark this private link.
By enrolling today, Notaries like you will be ready to go when assignments reach your region. It will also give you the advantage of being able to establish, and build, invaluable long-term business relationships as the demand for the services of TEAs multiplies.
I urge you to get in on the groundfloor of this exciting new business opportunity that offers remarkable potential for financial growth.
Sincerely,
Carol Pacheco TEA Enrollment Manager
P.S. Trusted Enrollment Agents™ are in demand from leading industries. Register for the TEA Program and be prepared for assignments as the TEA Program rolls out across the nation.
******
Yet you called them Friday, and they said it was discontinued. Either the left hand there doesn't know what the right hand is doing, or I've stepped into a time warp...
Reply by rolomia on 6/22/08 9:31pm Msg #252545
Re: NNA's Trusted Enrollment Agent program cannot be trusted
Hi MikeC/NY,
Thanks for your comments. I will call again, tomorrow. The girl I spoke to, last week, told me, in no uncertain terms that the TEA program was suspended/discontinued, for now. Maybe she meant that it was in the process of being suspended/discontinued. I don't know. I did sort of call in with an attitude, I'll admit I was upset by what seems to be empty promises. It's been 3 months that they've been touting this program to their current & former members. Then, when I called to ask why I haven't heard anymore about it, to be told that it was discontinued. I will ask for an email or other written documentation confirming said program suspension when I call, tomorrow. I hope I haven't been blacklisted because I boldly (yet, still politely) inquired as to the TEA's program status. In any event, at least I now have your statement that said program is still supposed to be in operation. That brings up a whole new issue of contradictory stories by NNA reps. I have been a continuous member of the NNA (& the NSA section) since 2004, although my card only shows membership since 2005. When I called to get same corrected, I was merely told that I was wrong, and then their rep. hung up on me. They hate to admit when their wrong. In other words, expect more of the same. Lies and half-truths. I hope I never have to file a claim dependent upon the integrity of my association with the NNA. Their TOS protects them, not me, even though my insurance was bought through them. I won't be renewing next year. Good luck to you all. Great posts by the way. Thanks!
Reply by MikeC/NY on 6/22/08 9:50pm Msg #252546
Re: NNA's Trusted Enrollment Agent program cannot be trusted
When you call them, quote the email that I posted. Heck, tell them you received a copy - it's not like they can check....
I received that email on Thursday, 6/19 - unless I'm in that time warp I was wondering about, there must be others who received it as well.
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/22/08 10:07pm Msg #252547
Heh..time warp...is that what they're calling it now??.<G>..
hehe...
Reply by MikeC/NY on 6/23/08 5:53pm Msg #252658
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it... n/m
Reply by NCLisa on 6/23/08 9:23am Msg #252574
If you let your membership lapse for even 1 hour
they will not consider you a continous member. My membership with them started in 1992, and in 2003 they had website problems when I was renewing. They knew I was trying to renew, but it was their problems that made me have to mail in a check. My memberhip lapsed by 1 day so my new card said member since 2003 and they issued me a new member number and purged my old member number. I called and asked them to fix it, they said they had no record of the emails regarding their website problems, and my mailing in a check, and they had no record of me being a member prior to 2003.
Reply by MW/VA on 6/22/08 5:40pm Msg #252513
Very interesting that you brought their "Terms of Service" to our attention. Now I really get it--they lure members w/promises they don't have to keep. My membership is coming due & I was going to renew to stay up with legal changes, etc. I will rethink the whole thing. Thanks. NNA is run by attorneys--I'm not saying all attorney are bad, but this really stinks!
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/22/08 6:08pm Msg #252515
"NNA is run by attorneys" - - - Really?
I had no idea that the "owners" of the business were attorneys.
Reply by ZeeCA on 6/22/08 7:18pm Msg #252532
Re: "NNA is run by attorneys" - - - Really? I know cracked
me up being that I am also a paralega... any smart company has an attorney review and review and review every rewrite of any and all contracts before it hits the public
that said, still think they are not there for the notary...just to make a buck any way they can jmo
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/22/08 7:27pm Msg #252533
Re: "NNA is run by attorneys" - - - Really? I know cracked
None of the management team lists themselves as being an attorney. I just wondered where MW/VA got their information.
I'm sure they have counsel but I don't think they are "run by attorneys".
Kinda mean to associate the NNA with attorneys IMHO. My experience with attorneys has been good.
Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/22/08 7:40pm Msg #252535
Re: "NNA is run by attorneys" - - - Really? I know cracked
Incidentally I believe Deborah Thaw is Milt Valera's wife
Reply by NCLisa on 6/22/08 7:47pm Msg #252536
Only one of them is an attorney that I know of
Timothy S. Reiniger, Vice President and Executive Director.
Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/22/08 8:30pm Msg #252541
Re: Only one of them is an attorney that I know of
Yes, he is the only one. Admitted to the California state bar December 4th 2001
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/23/08 6:22am Msg #252555
Re: Only one of them is an attorney that I know of
Hmmm...you'd think as a member of the California Bar he'd list that on the NNA website. "Legal expert" can be something other than an attorney, yet that's how he is described. Thanks for the research, Sylvia.
Reply by PA_NOTARY on 6/22/08 6:41pm Msg #252519
If you put your membership on a credit card....
I would call them a dispute that charge and the reasons why. Also, isn't there such thing as that 3 day thing to change your mind in all states?
Reply by PAW on 6/23/08 8:17am Msg #252563
No ...
Obligors of consumer **loans secured by a principal dwelling** may have the right to rescind the loan transaction until midnight of the third business day following the last of three events: 1) the consummation of the transaction; 2) the delivery of rescission forms and 3) the delivery of all material disclosures required by TILA ( material disclosures are the annual percentage rate, the finance charge, the amount financed, the total payments, the payment schedule, and, if applicable, the predatory lending disclosures and limitations referred to in 12 CFR § 226.32 (c) and (d).)
A rescission period, return policy or money-back guarantee may be offered by the vendor, but the practice is up to them whether or not they will. Some companies sell goods and services "as is"with no recourse and thus once you pay for it, you're stuck.
Reply by sue_pa on 6/23/08 8:42am Msg #252566
Re: No ...
I THINK (don't know and not looking it up) that PA has some type law that if someone comes into your home and sells you something (Kirby sweepers, siding contractor, etc.) you receive 3 days to cancel - I believe the theory was that people might feel pressured and want to get the salesman out the door any way possible.
Reply by JanetK_CA on 6/23/08 4:03am Msg #252552
As someone else said, the class action thing is unlikely to go anywhere, but good idea to complain to the BBB. The more people who do that, the more likely that some day some entity somewhere will shine a big light on their questionable [imho] practices.
I severed ties with them a long time ago. My first inkling of the way they operate was 1.5 hours into one of the first NSA classes they ever held. I'll spare you all the story, but I did get my registration fee back. My feathers don't ruffle easy, but I was a *very* unhappy camper very soon into that class! And it's been the same kind of thing ever since. Sad thing is that I believe that if they didn't try so hard to squeeze notaries, but instead really focused on trying to add value to their membership, they would retain and ATTRACT members, instead of having to manipulate people into it. I'd guess the number of current notaries who are former members of the NNA to be very large -- judging by comments on this forum, anyway...
Reply by NCLisa on 6/23/08 9:10am Msg #252570
All the program info is up on their site. n/m
Reply by Marlene/USNA on 6/23/08 9:34am Msg #252575
Where, Lisa?
I'm having trouble finding it. . .
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/23/08 9:46am Msg #252576
Re: Where, Lisa? -Is this what you are looking for, Marlene?
http://www.nationalnotary.org/trustedagent/
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/23/08 9:56am Msg #252579
Wow...I checked the website yesterday after reading
this post and couldn't find a thing....
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/23/08 10:50am Msg #252588
The link was in rolomia's 2nd post. That's why I had it. n/m
Reply by Marlene/USNA on 6/23/08 11:06am Msg #252590
Missed it. Thanks, Brenda and rolomia. n/m
Reply by Marlene/USNA on 6/23/08 10:35am Msg #252584
Yes, but. . .but. . .but. . .
I couldn't find a direct link to it on the NNA site. So it's hard to know if it's still an active program or not.
Reply by NCLisa on 6/23/08 10:44am Msg #252586
Re: Yes, but. . .but. . .but. . .
I've always had problems navigating their website! I always found it easier to google what I wanted and it took me straight to the correct page on their site.
Reply by Marlene/USNA on 6/23/08 11:02am Msg #252589
Reply by Marlene/USNA on 6/23/08 1:23pm Msg #252605
Re: Looking for the link?
I went to the site, under News and Resources/Notary News, it's no longer listed. . .
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/23/08 1:25pm Msg #252607
No longer listed under their training programs either... n/m
Reply by PAW on 6/23/08 1:30pm Msg #252608
Re: Looking for the link?
Wow. It was there when I looked, but then I was probably looking at a copy in cache. After refreshing, the link and reference was gone. Just like magic. Now, if we only could ....
Reply by Becca_FL on 6/23/08 10:14am Msg #252581
Re: NNA's Trusted Enrollment Agent program cannot be trusted
All I can say is...I'm not at all surprised.
A search of "TEA" on this site reveals many posts since 3/31/08 and many members of this site warned that this was just another way for the XYZ to increase membership and part the unwitting NSA with their hard earned money. Once again, excellent advice given, but not heard or just plain ignored by those that truly believe that the XYZ actually supports the notary profession.
WAKE UP!
Quit crying and put on your listening ears. It's not that we "hate" the XYZ and just want to "bash" the organization because we're mean people and hopefully you can see that now. The truth was posted on this forum over and over. You were warned over and over, but you choose to ignore the warnings and believe the propaganda the XYZ was touting. Too bad, so sad, you were had. Next time do your homework and listen to what others are saying. I won't say we told you so.
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/23/08 10:23am Msg #252582
For those of us who didn't have to pay new money for this
it was worth the shot - no money spent so no harm, no foul IMO.. I feel bad for those who spent new money for membership and BGC to meet the requirements only to be told oh, sorry, not enough interest so no program - and oh, by the way, we're keeping your money. THAT's what I think is just plain wrong. JMHO
Reply by elk4us on 6/23/08 12:26pm Msg #252597
Re: NNA's Trusted Enrollment Agent program cannot be trusted
BTW, did anyone attend the nna conference this year?. I wonder how much the conference attendance this year dropped?? The TEA program was supposed to be a big thing at the nna conference this year.
Reply by NCLisa on 6/23/08 1:05pm Msg #252601
Video of NNA 2008 conference on youtube
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/23/08 1:58pm Msg #252610
Boy oh boy...aren't we all sorry we missed that. n/m
Reply by ME/NJ on 6/23/08 2:11pm Msg #252611
Where is the Super Notary from OH who loves the NNA?
Nothing to say about your loved NNA?
Reply by NCLisa on 6/23/08 2:17pm Msg #252612
Found the vid when I was searching for the
TEA stuff. I almost fell off my chair when I realized it was the 2008 conference and it was posted to youtube! I guess they figured someone would find it interesting. NOT!
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/23/08 2:21pm Msg #252613
It's the 2007 conference per the intro & background.... n/m
Reply by NCLisa on 6/23/08 2:54pm Msg #252616
Video is titled: NNA Conference '08 features Trusted
Enrollment Agent opportunity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95W_Q3blhgI
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/23/08 2:56pm Msg #252617
Looks like the YouTube poster messed up - it's clearly the
2007 conference....
Reply by JanetK_CA on 6/24/08 12:40am Msg #252694
Re: Looks like the YouTube poster messed up - it's clearly the
I cracked up with the person who said that they couldn't find that kind of information anywhere else. There are so many directions I could take that statement... and I'm sure most of you could, as well!!
Reply by WDMD on 6/24/08 5:23am Msg #252699
Re: Looks like the YouTube poster messed up - it's clearly the
"I cracked up with the person who said that they couldn't find that kind of information anywhere else"
Some of the information they put out shouldn't be found out by anyone.
Reply by BrendaTx on 6/24/08 6:11am Msg #252702
Lisa, Typical.
The video is obviously a professional attempt. Who would have possession of that besides the NNA? It appears to be their mistake to have the wrong subject line on the video.
and to boost renewals. Their CSR told me that I would only qualify for the TEA program if I'm a current member. Thus, I renewed. However, when I called them about the TEA program this last Friday, they informed me that the program has been discontinued for lack of interest & funding. You'll notice that all references to said program have since been removed from their website. In fact, they won't even discuss it with you, anymore. Obviously, they now realize that they have exposed themselves to tremendous legal liability. When I told their CSR that I wanted a refund of my membership dues since I only renewed due to their statement that I'd earn more income as a TEA, I was referred to their Terms of Service. Apparently, they can say anything they want, even if untrue, in order to boost their membership income. Once I pay for same, no refunds are issued, ever. On top of that, she felt the need to also point out that members who complain can be cancelled without getting any money back. I therefore suggest that we all file a class-action lawsuit. The NNA lied to us. They should pay. At the very least, I am in the process of filing complaints against them with the Better Business Bureau and www.ripoffreport.com. Who's with me?