Posted by Stamper_WI on 1/13/07 1:34pm
Msg #170700

FTC and antitrust issues

I have been corresponding with one of my Senators about antitrust issues of one org creating a panic and representing themselves as the only solution. I think it is refered to xyz here. The response that the Senator and I got from the FTC is that they don't get involved in individual disputes even thought I sent documentation from many notary's in many states.
I think it is time you all made yourself heard to the FTC is you have an issue with BGC's from one source or do not want to join this org just for a BGC.
My other issue is that I have had a BGC for my commission that seems to be the same this org. is offering and IS the same as the BGC done independent of the org. by the same companies xyz is professing to be doing BGC for.. These companies are listed by the org. as requiring their BGC and course work for compliance. My State is satisfied that I can notarize documents generated in other states and the other states oblivously accept my notarization and commission from Wisconsin.
The FTC is getting a big package of transcripts from forums. Hopefully you will all write as well.

Reply by Lee/AR on 1/13/07 1:54pm
Msg #170701

Excellent suggestion, Stamper--Post an address &

even the exact person's name that you've been in touch with, if that's the situation. If everyone would write ONE brief letter to the FTC, well, at the very least, they would realize this IS a problem in every state--in other words, it's a National problem. C'mon. One letter won't kill ya'. If they get away with what they are attempting, please do ask yourself--what next? Stop 'em now. One letter.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/13/07 8:07pm
Msg #170717

Dear SOS; Dear Both Senators; Dear Representatives; Dear

FTC. One letter suits all.

Some thoughts:

^--Coersive tactics to funnel funds for 'compliance' to NNA, a for-profit org.
^--Lies about exclusivity in BGC methodology.
^--Attempts to dismisses comity of States Laws' compliance under a federal regulatory Act.

Question:

Can a group of Notaries Public file a Writ of Mandamus [or ?] in their State to obtain a Cease and Desisit Order against the NNA until each State determines its statutory requirements for compliance of the Gramm-Leach-Billey Act and the FTC Safeguards Rule promulgated by the GLB Act? Or, perhpas could The Sec of each State?

In the email ad I received today, the NNA states that their Cert/BGC /screening program is a "single source' *option* which means you participate [read pay] in just one industry-accepted background screening, instead of undergoing individual background screening." Deadline extended, "enroll now and save!"

And isn't the word "screening" interesting? States *screen* their Notaries Public, and the NNA super screens them for imagined 'compliance' or *else* exclusion from 'authorization' to work should the Notary refuse to pay - again.

This is a genuine issue. Please join the battle. If a Notary Public chooses to "opt out" of the "single source option," of the NNA's, there must be alternatives to compliance with State and Federal law.

I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore. Hope you are too!

Cheers!
Susie

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/13/07 2:17pm
Msg #170702

Well done. The XXX, imho, is operating a 'protection racket'

not unlike those of the Mob. Buy *our* insurance, because no one else's will do you any good, see? Yeah, and we will cut off your access to work if you don't, see? So shut up and pay, or we'll put you out of business, see? Goons' fingers poised on Delete keys.

Reply by Mia on 1/13/07 2:20pm
Msg #170703

How so many Notaries can roll over and play dead regarding this issue is beyond me.
I wonder if I said that my Cow Elsie was going to do a background check on these Notaries
too..... and that they would have to send $39.00 to Elsie (how many do you think would be
sending there money? Probably quite a few).

How the XYZ or XXX (or whatever the initials are for today) gets away with blatant disregard
for State Laws is troubling.

I wonder what will happen when some of the information supplied to these companies is
used inappropriately, and does damage to some of the Notaries?

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/13/07 8:17pm
Msg #170719

Mia: If it troubles you, get involved. n/m

Reply by Stamper_WI on 1/13/07 2:48pm
Msg #170705

Write to

Consumer Response Center
Room 240-H
Federal Trade Commission
Washington D.C. 20580

Ph: 202-326-2222
The letter was "signed" by Donald S Clark.

Put "Re: Ref. No. 9526155" at the beginning of your letter.

Please point out that it is an anti trust issue and states commission issue. BGC is a given for a notary everywhere.
Also keep in mind that Lisa Prestegard is working with the FTC attorneys and forwarding written communications to them as she gets them from you. I do not know her ref No.
I am also sending this on to my SOS and Attorney General.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/13/07 6:59pm
Msg #170713

Roger that, Stamper. Got NNA email today to fwd. n/m