Posted by WDMD on 8/11/08 12:03pm
Msg #259657

Maryland Finally Catches Someone Operating W/O TPL

Maryland finally caught someone conducting settlements without a Title Producer License. Nice $25,000 fine. Take heed, those operating illegally.

http://www.mdinsurance.state.md.us/sa/documents/MIA-2008-07-037-Nace.pdf

Reply by jba/fl on 8/11/08 12:08pm
Msg #259659

Can't apply for 3 years, fine in 6 mos. or sent to collections, not absolved of any further proceedings, whether civil, administrative or both.

Someone is in deep doo doo...

Finally, some teeth to your laws. About time.

Reply by Alice/MD on 8/11/08 12:29pm
Msg #259662

I wonder how we can get more of these free loaders w/o TPL off the street. I am happy to see this happen and I hope the fine is raised soon so to put more teeth into the law.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 8/11/08 12:41pm
Msg #259666

I can't blame you for celebrating

If I were in MD and had the extra time, I'd make sure this ruling received as much attention as it good get: 1) send a copy to the local tv/radio newstations; 2) write about it in my blog. If I really was worked up over this, I'd partner up with another notary and conduct a sting operation. I'd hire someone that I knew wasn't licensed to do a closing and film it and then post it on YouTube. Good thing I'm not in MD.

Reply by WDMD on 8/11/08 12:45pm
Msg #259669

Re: I can't blame you for celebrating

"I'd partner up with another notary and conduct a sting operation. I'd hire someone that I knew wasn't licensed to do a closing and film it and then post it on YouTube. Good thing I'm not in MD."

There is no way I would ever do that. I don't think committing a illegal act to prove it can be done would be the way to go. The best way to prove it is if your own closing was conducted by a unlicensed notary. Then you would have proof that a licensed individual was not at the closing.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/11/08 1:52pm
Msg #259690

Can't apply for 3 years...and IMO when they do decide

to reapply, if it's granted it ought to be probationary for one year with close oversight or they give it up for good...and if that $25,000 hasn't been paid off then the answer is NO...

I know - a pipedream...but that MHO...

Reply by Lee/AR on 8/11/08 12:32pm
Msg #259663

There seems to be quite a number of notaries in MD who do

NOT state that they have a TPL. A ready-made list for MD to go after! It's about time, too.
Shame on them. And more shame on the companies that bypass the legal notaries to hire one of the 'illegals'. Is MD doing anything about that?

Reply by Philip Johnson on 8/11/08 12:34pm
Msg #259664

I see her listed on the mdlta site. What is this site?

http://www.mdlta.com/directory/MembersByCounty.asp

Reply by WDMD on 8/11/08 12:41pm
Msg #259667

Re: I see her listed on the mdlta site. What is this site?

"I see her listed on the mdlta site. What is this site?"

MLTA is Maryland Land Title Association. They do not check to see if you are licensed to be a member. They just take your money, and poof, you are a member.

Reply by WDMD on 8/11/08 12:39pm
Msg #259665

Re: There seems to be quite a number of notaries in MD who do

"And more shame on the companies that bypass the legal notaries to hire one of the 'illegals'. Is MD doing anything about that?"

Hard to say about the lenders or anyone (SS) who hires the illegals who are not licensed under the insurance laws Lee, as the site I got this info from is the Maryland Insurance Administration which is the agency that administers the law as it applies to the insurance industry. I don't think they would handle the that side of things. I would think they would refer that to the AG of Maryland. Think I'll keep an eye on that site to see if anything comes up there.

Reply by Yowheelz on 8/11/08 12:42pm
Msg #259668

did you find this violation on the MD Ins. site

I keep an eye on this site but haven't seen anything. Where did you get info?

Reply by Yowheelz on 8/11/08 12:46pm
Msg #259670

Never mind, I just had never read far enough into the

violation. However, she got caught by not filing with MAHIT, the lack of a TPL was an after thought.

Reply by WDMD on 8/11/08 12:49pm
Msg #259673

Re: Never mind, I just had never read far enough into the

"However, she got caught by not filing with MAHIT, the lack of a TPL was an after thought"

I'm curious. What does it matter how she was caught? Her main violation clearly has to do with being un-licensed and conducting settlements. Not filing with MAHIT is a small fine, there are others listed who failed to file and got a slap on the wrist.

Reply by Yowheelz on 8/11/08 12:54pm
Msg #259678

It really doesn't matter how she got caught but it would be

nice if they were actually checking up on unlicensed notaries as opposed to catching one by accident.

Reply by WDMD on 8/11/08 1:03pm
Msg #259680

Re: It really doesn't matter how she got caught but it would be

"It really doesn't matter how she got caught but it would be nice if they were actually checking up on unlicensed notaries as opposed to catching one by accident."

I agree. But who's to say they are not finally doing some investigating? At the very least, it gives those who are operating illegally (notaries, TC's, SS's) something to think about. I know I would be worried if I was not licensed and doing closings.

Reply by Negrete on 8/11/08 1:03pm
Msg #259681

I know I am gonna get bashed for this, but

"It really doesn't matter how she got caught but it would be nice if they were actually checking up on unlicensed notaries as opposed to catching one by accident. "

I don't think that most states have the resources to go after notaries that don't have a TPL. I think the only reason this person got caught is because of her other blunder.

Do I wish they did ? Of course I do, then I would not have to worry about hiring someone that does not have the TPL. ( Yes I ask when I hire a notary in both ststes )

Anthony J Negrete
Negrete's Notary Service Inc.
www.firstamnotary.com

Reply by WDMD on 8/11/08 1:13pm
Msg #259682

Re: I know I am gonna get bashed for this, but

"I don't think that most states have the resources to go after notaries that don't have a TPL. I think the only reason this person got caught is because of her other blunder.

Do I wish they did ? Of course I do, then I would not have to worry about hiring someone that does not have the TPL. ( Yes I ask when I hire a notary in both ststes )"


I'm going to go out on a limb here and state: don't most criminals get caught because of some mistake they made? Who cares how it was un- covered it was. It's certainly going to give some something to think about.

Hopefully some more screw up and get caught to, or maybe the state will get lucky and find some by accident. Something to ponder if your illegal. Want a $25000 fine?

Reply by Dennis_IN on 8/11/08 12:52pm
Msg #259676

Re: There seems to be quite a number of notaries in MD who do

I am in Indiana, also a TPL state, and am glad to see the laws being enforced in MD. $25,000 fine and 3 years before they can apply for TPL is a huge price to pay for non-compliance. I hope we will start to enforce the laws here in IN. I feel that the companies that hire these illegal Notaries will feel the wrath of the law. Maybe if everyone had to incur the licensing expenses they wouldn't accept those low ball fees.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/11/08 2:41pm
Msg #259695

Unless I missed something, this is for the manager of a title company. I have picked up on the fact that a TPL is required for notary signing agents, as well, correct?

Reply by jba/fl on 8/11/08 2:42pm
Msg #259696

That is correct---much discussion on this topic over years. n/m

Reply by WDMD on 8/11/08 3:05pm
Msg #259701

'Unless I missed something, this is for the manager of a title company."

The law in Maryland is you must be licensed to conduct loan closings. Does not matter if you are an employee or independent contractor. Her working for a title company has nothing to do with it. Most of the classes I have taken were with employees of title companies doing their continuing ed to keep their licenses.