Posted by Nancy Harlan on 7/11/06 12:38pm
Msg #132370
Update on SignaturesPlus
I posted a message a few weeks ago about getting burned by SignaturesPlus for 9 closings I performes for them earlier this year. After finally reaching their employee who is supposed to pay the notaries, I received separate checks for 7 closings. All 7 checks, ranging in denominations of $25 to $70, all BOUNCED. To date, they have done nothing to reimburse me for the bounced checks, along with the $136 in bank fees I was charged.
I am going to take this company down if it's the last thing I do! They are operating on a nationwide basis, and leaving a trail of unpaid notaires in their wake. This is fraud, plain and simple. Its also a clear violation of RESPA, and the lender's they work for could ultimately be held responsible. Today, I filed formal complaints against SP with the IRS, tax fraud division, the FBI, white collar crimes division, and HUD for RESPA violations. SP's bank, Bank of America, told me the fact that one of their accounts was using them to knowingly pass bad checks "was not their problem", so I reported Bank of A, too, to the IRS and FBI.
There is recourse to getting stiffed by signing services, people! It takes lots of research and tenacity to do it, but it can be done. If anyone out there wishes help, has something to add, etc., please feel free to contact me at:[e-mail address] I am keeping track of all the different states notaries that have been stiffed by SP are located in to add to my claim of this being a nationwide issue.
| Reply by Nicole_NCali on 7/11/06 12:44pm
Msg #132372
Bad check, a slam dunk..
Where are they located?
Did you send a demand letter with the amount, your fees and a due by date? If not, do so now?
Contact the local DA (district attorney) of this company. Find their bad check unit, and turn these over to them.
Sit back and wait for the fire works.
Just a reminder, you will not get the big bucks, but the satisfaction of turning these scum bags to an authority should keep you warm at nights.
Expedite your demand letter process if you have not sent one already, give 5 days for Certifed funds only (cashier check, money order, western union only) Fax this if possible.
| Reply by DogmongerCA on 7/11/06 1:02pm
Msg #132376
Nicole is right, Let the DA be your leg breaker
Have used it before on a bounced check. Placed a cordial phone call reminding them of the DA's very strict zero tolerance policy regarding bounced checks. Even provided them with the DA's name and phone number. Funny thing, next day I recieved a FedEx envelope with a certified check.
Don't think you will have much with the HUD RESPA angle. To my understanding of the law, if they have paid the SS, than they have complied with the statue. You as a subcontractor have a claim against the SS not Title. If your contention was correct, PGE or the or their landlord might have a potential claim against Title if SP did not pay their bills...JMHO, I am not an attorney nor do I pretend to be on on the internet:-)
| Reply by Nancy Harlan on 7/11/06 3:38pm
Msg #132417
Re: Nicole is right, Let the DA be your leg breaker
Contacting the DA is a good idea - I did not think of that, though I have talked with the IRS, and they feel there is a good case of potential tax fraud going on, too, so I started an investigation with them against SP.
As far as RESPA violations, I'm not a lawyer either, but I did speak with our company attorney, who is a real estate attorney. (I work for a title company). The RESPA angle is subject to HUD agreeing, but it could cause them to start investigating the title companies and lenders for collusion aspects. One of the notaries that contacted me from the American Notary Network site said she called RESPA and told them what was going on (she, too, has been stiffed by SP). They told her to file a complaint and they would contact her for more information. Number is: 202-708-0502.
I'll keep this site posted.
| Reply by Nicole_NCali on 7/11/06 3:43pm
Msg #132422
Orange County DA tel# and address
Here is the telephone number and address for Orange County DA. I believe this company is located under their auspices
Orange County District Atty
(714) 834-3600
401 Civic Center Dr W
Santa Ana, CA 92701
http://www.checkprogram.com/OrangeCounty/filing.htm
Go get em...this website gives you step by step methodology of filing a complaint.
| Reply by Christine Eyres on 7/11/06 3:42pm
Msg #132421
Sorry to hear about getting several bad checks from this company! What I did with them was sent them a registered letter giving them 7 days to pay me with a cashiers check. I told Alyson @ Signature Plus that I would be taking their company to small claims court. Unfortunately I don't think you are as located as close to their office as I am. Also what I did is a did a search for all postings for Signature Plus and cut and pasted them to Alyson @ Signature Plus so she would see how much everyone was on too them. I smothered her with about 25 emails showing on the subject line (look another burn about your employer). Plus she knew that I would'nt think twice about stopping by and going to her office. Since she knows that I did show up one day and waited for her for over an hour. Be consistent with Alyson and you will break her.
Christine Eyres
| Reply by Life Saving Services - Doug on 7/11/06 3:54pm
Msg #132425
So she paid you ?
| Reply by Christine Eyres on 7/11/06 4:07pm
Msg #132429
yes, I got paid within 2 days
| Reply by Nicole_NCali on 7/11/06 3:57pm
Msg #132426
Coming from a professional collector..
There is a fine line between collecting on a debt and breaking the Fair Debt Credit Protection Act. In the course of collecting, you are required by law to inform the debtor of the liability, when it occurred, and how they can remedy this. This is called a demand letter or a debt collection letter. A telephone call to the known location of the debtor is lawful if it is conducted between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm. If remedy or payment has not been received you have several options:
1. For bad checks, contact the District Attorney and they will collect for you.
2. Take this to small claims court, for the amount owed and reasonable costs.
3. Assign or sell the debt to a collection agency. (this is for the big bucks)
4. Eat the loss and never work for this operation again.
But harrassment is not a good tactic. It can come back and bite you in the arse. Some people are very savvy with the FDCPA and FCRA. They are able to manipulate it to make you look like the bad guy. Check your state and federal statute. That is why some Collection Agencies actually get sued for collecting on a legit liabiltiy, but in the course of collecting, they broke the law and ended up paying the debtor more than what they collected. The same can hold true for individuals who are collecting.
| Reply by donnafl on 7/12/06 9:22am
Msg #132657
I agree - I have done 3 closings for them and have yet to be paid.
Because I don't get many closings, I took them but I will not do anything for them any longer.
They seem very pleasant on the phone but never call back.
I am stiffed for $250.00
Donna
| Reply by Kayren L. Harris on 8/31/06 2:32am
Msg #142437
Add me to the list. I have been calling, emailing & faxing for months. They owe me in excess of $400. Debbie Hastings is their supposed accounts payable person, but last week on the phone she said she hadn't cut checks because she was helping with end of the month signings. I can't believe these deadbeat THIEVES have not been shut down. I don't suppose anyone else has noticed that their only customer seems to be Home Lending Center. Sign on the X also owes me back fees - for a signing with HLC as well. I am SICK of hearing excuses from Hastings & ready to do whatever to bring them down also. Count me in. I am sending you an email.
| Reply by Kathleen DeSando on 12/14/06 6:38pm
Msg #166000
Re: Update on SignaturesPlus - NO PAY COMPANY
Fortunately for me I'm not out much, just time and gas. I have been getting the run-around (5/17/06 signing) for the small payment they owe me! I hope other notaries search this board for comments before completing an assignment from this company. On the other hand, if you are a notary who enjoys working for free, go for it. This company's for you. :-)
Does anyone know if SignaturesPlus is part of Home Loan Center? The sad part of this who business is the borrower paid "good money" for the service we provided.
| Reply by Kimberly Watson on 12/18/06 1:28pm
Msg #166507
Did you ever get paid by these people?
|
|
