Posted by EagleEye/NJ on 5/21/07 11:02pm
Msg #191233

Digital Camera for Copy of Photo ID???

I saw somewhere on here the other day that someone used their digital camera to take a picture of the customer's photo ID because the customer forgot to make copies themselves. I'm not really sure this is a good thing to do or not. I initially thought it was a great idea but if I were the customer, I am not sure I would want someone taking a picture of my photo id to bring home to make the copy from their computer. Just wondered what others thought about this. Thanks for your input!

Reply by Lee/AR on 5/21/07 11:10pm
Msg #191235

2 opposing viewpoints on this topic. One says it's an added service you can provide (for no extra pay). The other side feels that it's the B's problem to produce the copy. I agree with that--not a babysitter & they are adults. I can't buy the 'privacy' issues problem because, let's face it, you can make a copy of a copy and docs are e-mailed...and, well, it's just a sorta dumb argument.

Reply by Karen Burch on 5/22/07 7:43am
Msg #191260

Lee, glad you are back in action....

Reply by ME/NJ on 5/21/07 11:11pm
Msg #191236

What would stop someone from scanning the photo copy of the ID either. If someone wants to steal your ID they will always find a way.

Reply by ewing2surf on 5/22/07 2:47am
Msg #191248

I carry a 10 megapixal digital camera in my glove compartment and am always ready to snap a photo. Borrowers never decline my request. I usually get a shot of them at the kitchen table too.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 5/22/07 4:37am
Msg #191250

2 points on this ...

1) I'm one of those that make the dumb arguement about identity fraud, Lee =O Here's my point on that - I simply want my name totally out of the borrower's thoughts, should they ever have ID theft. You make a valid point (can steal ID with a copy just as easily), however - I always do my pkg check at the table, and seal in the envelope at the table. Now grant you, if I WANTED to steal their ID, there's nothing to stop me - but I do think, in the minds of most John Q's, that I really wouldn't be the first person to pop up in their heads. Of course, I could be totally naive about that. (Ok, fine, it does sound naive, I'll give it to you.)

2) If you shoot a digital - you now have to go HOME, d/l it, print it, and go back OUT to drop the pkg. If ever I land a great deal on some little mini/portable copier - cool beans, I'm all over it. But not the picture-taking.

3) I already raised my children =) I do find that when you mention these two words in the same sentence: "money" and "delay", borrowers manage to fax you their ID's but pronto. I then forward the fax (unless I've already missed pkg pick-up, then I'll add it in to the pkg.)

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 5/22/07 4:37am
Msg #191251

oops - naive, and can't count to 3 ... n/m

Reply by EagleEye/NJ on 5/22/07 7:14am
Msg #191255

Well I can see we seem split on this idea. Thank you all for your thoughts on the subject. It is true we are NOT babysitters and I always ask the customer to MAKE SURE they have a copy of their photo id - not that THAT ever means anything!! I personally have never used the camera, but maybe I'll consider carrying one. For now I am going to leave the onus on THEM to provide the copy of their ID - even if they have to fax it the next day before I drop my package off!

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/22/07 7:24am
Msg #191256

My experience

I have had certain TC's require I make the copy or take a digital photo.
If you decide to fax, ask them to enlarge the copy, as many TC's complain the faxed copy is unreadable.
This has been stated by more than one TC for me, and JME.

Reply by Sharon Taylor on 5/22/07 7:41am
Msg #191259

Suggestion - Buy a $99 all-in-one printer instead

I found a great deal on an HP all-in-one printer at Office Max for $99. The scan/copy tray does 8-1/2x11, so it's not too big or heavy. Just carry it into the borrower's house, plug it in and let it warm up a minute, copy the IDs in black&white, and you're good to go. I keep it either in the trunk or on the back seat, wrapped in a large blanket for protection. It's small enough to get your arms around and carry it into the house without difficulty.
I have a Canon A70 digital camera, but it just never did a good job on taking pictures of the customer's ID, and this is a much better solution for me.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/22/07 10:25am
Msg #191302

Re: I have a small color HP printer/scanner/copier

$80 - takes a great picture - light to carry and comes in handy for my RESPA signings. Only drawback is it doesn't do legal-size copies. Saves me any issues with no copy of photo ID, saving info in my databases and don't have to come back home to download and e-mail or print.

Reply by Mary_CT on 5/22/07 7:52am
Msg #191262

I always take a photo of ids- with MACRO manual adjustment

I am not going to stress out about copies of IDS. I always take a photo of the IDS using the manual MACRO function so the letters come out crisply and are readable. (10 MP camera from Canon). I print out the image in color and I also email it along with the scanned signed package- so my title/ loan officer clients can immediately start processing without having to wait to receive the shipped package.

When I did a credible witness signing, I also took photos of the credible witnesses with the signer.

I like the idea of taking a photo of the signer(s).

I do a lot of "last minute" signings, so in my experience, no one objects to a photo of their id (and virtually NO ONE has a copy already made so it is imperative).

No one objects to doing a thumbprint either. I explain it is important for identity theft purposes - an additional protection.

My goal is to protect my signers, provide the information in a format that my customers (lenders/title companies) need as quickly as possible.

IMO, the camera and the scanner are necessary tools, and as important as the two tray dual laser printer to getting the job done cost effectively and correctly.

Reply by PAW on 5/22/07 8:31am
Msg #191266

Re: I always take a photo of ids- with MACRO manual adjustme

>>> I print out the image in color and I also email it along with the scanned signed package- so my title/ loan officer clients can immediately start processing without having to wait to receive the shipped package. <<<

Two compliance officers (attorneys) at two different local title companies have issued directives about copying driver's licenses. The directives contain a lot of information for the respective title company about maintaining the copies but also made two points that directly effects the NSA. First, the copy should NOT be in color. B&W copies are sufficient and make it much more difficult to forge since there would be no color information. Second, the copy should be enlarged at least by 125%.

Reply by OR on 5/22/07 11:03am
Msg #191311

Re: I have a small small color copy machine I take with me n/m

Reply by Mary_CT on 5/22/07 11:06am
Msg #191313

Id photos: color vs. B&W , enlargement request

I always print it out in color and send them the digital image. If my customers prefer B&W they can either tell me that , or they can take my color print and copy it in B&W. (so far they all have liked the color copy.)

If they want to enlarge it (change the size), they can do that - either on a copier that enlarges or via the digital image. Since it is a MACRO image- it is clear and readable- not blurry.

No complaints from any of the title companies. Everyone has been smiling and happy campers with the method I utilize and become repeat customers.

Question: Who are they anticipating will forge an identity from this copy which is required? Someone at the title company?

Reply by MelissaCT on 5/22/07 9:03am
Msg #191271

Re: taking photos of IDs

I have a portable printer that prints from memory card. I've brought it along a few times & can photograph on macro, then print directly. I also show the borrowers when I delete the photo from the card in my camera. Presto-chango! Their information has now electronically disappeared!

Reply by LJ on 5/22/07 9:35am
Msg #191289

Re: taking photos of IDs

When confirming with the borrower(s), I remind them that I need a copy of a valid photo ID. 90% of the time they have it when I get there. If they forget, and sometimes they do, I have my digital camera with me at all times. I have also found that the LO has told them about the ID, but they think they just need to "show" it to me, not have a copy for me to take along. Just makes life a little easier by taking charge of this myself. I learned the hard way one time on waiting for them to fax me copies from their work the next morning. I waited a long time and didn't get to drop the pkg as soon as I wanted to. My digital camera has saved a lot of hassles and I have it with me all the time. I delete it off my computer as soon as I print it.