Posted by kikeroo on 3/4/07 2:06pm
Msg #178238

Personal Info requested by Signing Companies

I've seen bits and pieces of info regarding this on this forum but wanted to ask specifically: What is/are your opinions on giving out your D/L, SSN, Copy of Stamp when signing up with a new company? I assume the Signing Co is just assuring itself that I am truly a notary, am a licensed driver to get to the borrowers and the SSN is for paying purposes, verifying my identity etc. Any thoughts on whether this is TOO much info to supply or if they do not have a right to it? Thanks.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/4/07 2:32pm
Msg #178240

In OR, it is illegal to use one's stamp for anything other

than a notorial act. Still, some I know have sent in a "sample" with 'VOID' written across, or lines through the imprint. I send a copy of my commission, but not an imprint of my seal.

Some NSAs use an EIN rather than their SS #. Very easy to get.

As for copies of DLs, some send a copy, but with most of the the info blacked out.

I've had SSs request a copy of my auto insurance, which I have also declined. One even had a very high 'approved' liability limit. Sheesh.

Bottom line - how much of your personal information are you willing to reveal to strangers?

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/4/07 2:46pm
Msg #178242

They do need some info to pay you such as a W-9. You should get an EIN instead of using your SSAN. You can get it right from the IRS website. You don't want to give out your SS# in this situation. It is against CA law to provide them with a sample of your notary stamp. I have also sent copies of my commission bond, E & O insurance and business licence when requested. I have only been asked for a copy of my driver's license a couple of times. Some may disagree, but I did not have a problem with supplying it. They have a right to know that we are who we say we are. After all, they are trusting us with someone else's personal information and they. That being said, I have only supplied the information after I have been called to perform a signing from this or another site that I have a listing on by a company for the first time. I don't sent it out wholesale to companies I hope to get hired by.

Some companies have wanted more like, car insurance and other personal info which I don't think they need.

Instead of signing up with a lot of signing services at once, try Googling "notary" and see what sites show up on the first page or or so. It is worth paying for a couple of listings on these sites. Take all the free listings you can get.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 3/4/07 3:16pm
Msg #178244

I have been asked to send personal info by a company 3 x's in the last couple of months. I think I will decline. They claim they never received it but I see from posts here that they are requesting it from all their notaries. I also have a fax recepit from the last time I sent it. What has happened to my previos submissions? If they truly do not have it, who does?
EIN, Copy of commission and E&O and MAYBE DL with the number crossed out. They can also check my background through my NOT ROT profile.

Reply by aatatusko on 3/5/07 6:50am
Msg #178277

Thanks Glen, I just went on the IRS website and got an EIN in about
5 minutes. I have declined when SS ask for my Social Sec. number on
line without them having a secure site, this will make everything so
much easier.

Reply by TRG_wy on 3/5/07 10:13am
Msg #178287

Having been the victim of Identity Theft three times I can tell you that I guard my individual identity like crazy. Nothing that can be used to comprimise my identity is given to anyone.
No date of birth, no SSAN, no driver license, no passport; unless that specific information is blacked out.

They get Notary Certificate, Bond, E&O, and EIN. They don't need anything else. Not even a "voided" seal impression (illegal here anyway). As far as they are concerned I ride my bike, walk, take the taxi or bus.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/5/07 11:31am
Msg #178303

Yes, black out critical info .. but

in a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, nearly 80% of all identity theft is the result of clicking on a link on a phishing email and giving info. You can put locks on your credit reports with the big 3 so one can check it (it is a pain in the neck when you try to buy a house or car, but it's almost 100% effective) or subscribe to a monitoring service through one of the big 3, or a service like life lock. All effective in preventing identy theft. Also, shread all those credit card applications you get and have critical mail sent to a PO box.