Posted by SarahBeth_CA on 3/9/06 3:18pm
Msg #103656

How hard could it be

My hubby and I went to the UPS store to have a Grant Deed notarized. I went in first. I told the clerk what I needed and set the doc down on the counter to get out my ID. The clerk just starts filling out the cert and signs it. So as I pull out my ID I remind the clerk that I haven't signed the doc yet. So he says "it's ok" and turns around to go get his journal. Then before he fills it out he turns it to me to sign and put the thumbprint in. So after I did I went to the car and sent my hubby in. After a minute or two my hubby comes out and gives me the docs. I flip through to the deed and look at it and the clerk didn't even stamp it. So I had to go back in for the seal. I walk in and there's people at the counter I scooted in and said "I need the seal". Now at this point he is across the room at the entrance to the back room and he chuckles "oh yeah". I look on the counter and theres his journal and stamp sitting at the front counter completely vunerable to be stolen. It just amazes me how flipant one could be about thier things when you consider the state laws on the journal and stamp. I wonder how long it will be before something happens.

Reply by Peter Romeo on 3/9/06 3:21pm
Msg #103657

In my opinion, he should be reported to the Secretary of State for violation of state notary rules.

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 3/9/06 3:32pm
Msg #103658

I thought about talking with the UPS store manager about the lack of attention to state law. Then I thought it's the notary that is responsible for thier tools. Then I thought again, if something ever happens could UPS also be held responsible

Reply by DellaCa on 3/9/06 3:57pm
Msg #103666

What a nightmare!!Thats one commission that needs to be pulled.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/9/06 4:51pm
Msg #103682

Those "counter notaries" will notarize anything for the ten bucks. Sometimes they may even get it right. I think they're so busy with the other dozen or so services they provide, that notary requests are carelessly hurried through. It probably wouldn't do any good reporting him to the manager, chances are he was the manager or owner. I doubt that UPS could be held responsible as those stores are independently owned and operated. But hey, this is CA and as I see it, anyone can attempt to sue anybody for anything!

Reply by PAW on 3/9/06 7:20pm
Msg #103721

>>> I doubt that UPS could be held responsible as those stores are independently owned and operated. But hey, this is CA and as I see it, anyone can attempt to sue anybody for anything! <<<

In FL, the business may be held liable for notary acts performed by a notary employee acting for the employee. Therefore, if the store is owned by UPS, then UPS could be as liable as the notary. If the store is independently owned and operated, then the owner may be held liable. Of course, there isn't any "damages", so the complaint certainly would be against the notary, but maybe the owner could get a letter from the SOS.