Posted by Linda Frezza on 2/28/04 9:58pm
Msg #1064

incorrect confirmations from signing companies

I have been working for one signing company in particular that sends me an email confirmation for a job for say $125. and then pays me $50. for the job I do. I know this is not right and I am checking my 1099 received this year to make sure that I really received as much money as they 1099ed me for. Has anyone got a similar problem? Also, I have one company that I was doing business for that always deducts from my closing payments because they say I did not notarize a document, and I know that I notarized all the docs they sent me. I think this might be a scam.
So I quit doing business with them.
I have been a signing agent for about five years now and you can never trust any of these guys you work for too much but --- on the other hand there are some that I hold near and dear because they are straight up.
I just do not like to pay to get a job - what's that all about? They actually want to charge me so much per month to list me- I am doing the work -
I don't pay someone to let me work.

Reply by Renee Eastman on 2/29/04 8:46pm
Msg #1066

Linda,

I can certainly understand your frustration. I had one signing agency decide to pay 75.00 when we had agreed on 150.00. I plan to re-bill, but it is frustrating.

Reply by Mary Theall on 3/3/04 2:11pm
Msg #1077

Had this problem when I first began my business. Learned very quickly to make copies of the HUD and other documents to prove I did my job (especially with companies I've never worked for). The companies I work with are VERY aware that this is my policy and I no longer have any problems. I have also begun to clearly mark all my invoices "A $25.00 late fee will be added to all invoices over 30 days". I figure if they can deduct $ from my check I can certainly add to theirs.

Reply by dmitchsr on 3/3/04 9:30pm
Msg #1080

This is not a criticism as more it is a question. So, please regard this in the spirit that it is intended.

You've indicated that, " you keep copies of the HUD-1 to prove that you've done your job."

My question is this, "are you authorized to keep these documents? Do you meet the record-keeping criteria for storehousing/warehousing, i.e., cutoff and retention as well as the destruction of financial documents? Is there a license required for such in your state? And lastly, does your name appear on the HUD-1 as a vendor or service to be paid from the proceeds of the mortgage loan?"

If your answers are no...then be sure that you are on safe-ground regarding such before continuing to do so.

Maybe none of this is important...but then...maybe it is!!! As a Notary (first and foremost), it may be a good idea just to know...you think?

I just want you to be safe in your practices. Because truthfully, a SS, lender, or title/escrow company really wouldn't care. Because if there is a HUD/RESPA issue regarding such, you will bear the responsibility and not the them. This is sensitive information, which is protected by privacy act laws, equal credit opportunity acts & laws, consumer protection acts & laws, etc., etc.,...and is therefore not to be treated as a pay-stub.

Now, if you're not sure...perhaps it wouldn't be a good idea to make public that you're doing this.... It's worth considering any way, right? And if there's no merit...then chuck it in the round file. But if there is, make the necessary adjustments and continue to move forward. JMHO Lookin out for you....

Reply by Mary Theall on 3/4/04 11:45am
Msg #1083

Thanks for your concern. I may not have made myself clear in my message. I keep copies only to "prove I did my job". If there are no problems and I am paid in full all copies are shredded. There are no laws in my state that prevent me from this policy since I follow all privacy policies of the companies I work for and I'm am not sharing this information with anyone. These copies are only used for collection purposes along with the original confirmation should I have difficulty collecting for my services. It has helped me in the past.