Posted by Leon_CO on 9/28/08 5:08am
Msg #265614

Giving credit card information over the phone

I received a phone call from a well known notary organization. Their name and number came up on my caller ID. The call was in response to an online inquiry I made about my certification expiring. The caller told me that my background check is up for renewal, and that I can renew it over the phone.

But first they will need my credit card information. Once they receive it, they will email a link to the background check application.

No thank you.

One of the cardinal rules of giving credit card information over the phone is to NEVER give it unless YOU initiate the phone call. It doesn't matter that this is the largest notary organization in the country. With ID theft and fraudulent use of credit cards rampant in this country, and around the world, don't take the chance.

Besides, I don't think I'll renew my background check through them. Nor my certification when it expires.

Good luck.

Reply by Les_CO on 9/28/08 10:09am
Msg #265624

Smart move.

Reply by Becca_FL on 9/28/08 12:47pm
Msg #265631

Here we go again....Gee thanks Captain Obvious. n/m

Reply by MichiganAl on 9/28/08 1:49pm
Msg #265639

Re: Here we go again....Gee thanks Captain Obvious.

Also, always remember to wear clothes to your signings...unless you're this guy:

http://www.nakedan.com/index.html

Reply by CaliNotary on 9/29/08 1:10am
Msg #265663

Also, and this is very important

When you're notarizing something, make sure it's YOUR name that you sign and not somebody else's. It must match the signature on file with the Secretary of State's office, or it's not a valid notarization.

As a general rule, it's a good habit to make sure it's always your own name you're signing, whether it's on a notarization or anything else - credit card receipts, contracts, your will, postcards to your Aunt Mildred, etc.

It can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Good Luck.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 9/29/08 10:51am
Msg #265683

Re: Also, and this is very important

ROFLMAO

Good points, Cali. Thanks for sharing. This should be added to #33325

Reply by LKT/CA on 9/28/08 2:53pm
Msg #265644

Becca, you are not the only person reading these posts....

....and while something is obvious to you, may not be obvious to someone else. Allow others to share what they believe to be helpful info. If the info is of no use to you, just ignore it. Why make a big deal out of it?

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 9/28/08 4:42pm
Msg #265650

Re: Here we go again....Gee thanks Captain Obvious.

I try to hold my tongue when I see comments like this, but it really bothers me when people who proudly boast about about their professionalism feel the need to deride others like this. This is a professional forum and I would be inclined to neither hire nor refer to people who make comments like this. It speaks volumes about your "true" professionalism and your attitude. Remember, especially as notaries, anything you post in public forums is easily found by a simple web search and could have a serious impact on your income. Why risk it for a fleeting moment of self-appointed superiority?

I think some of the posters here need to remember that they have a bit of a reputation for being overly disdainful, and it has (and continues) to turn people off. It seems to be cliche advice, but really, it's best. If you don't have anything nice or constructive to say, then it's often best to simply not respond at all. Or even better, take the expertise you *DO* have and write something helpful that will benefit others without the snide and degradation. That is the kind of online presence you should have -- the kind that actually backs up our claims of professionalism.

Reply by KODI/CA on 9/28/08 5:27pm
Msg #265651

Re: Here we go again....Gee thanks Captain Obvious.

Ahmen Marian. Are you listing Becca?

Reply by Becca_FL on 9/29/08 12:37pm
Msg #265698

I just call ‘em like I see ‘em.

When Leon first started posting here he was encouraging people to visit his blog. This became so annoying that he was told to stop. Now, instead of directing members to his blog he simply posts his blog on this discussion board. Again, annoying. Leon clearly likes to hear himself talk.


This forum has been fortunate enough to read many of Leon’s thought provoking, cutting edge theories such as:

“Working with Escrow Officers requires understanding”
“Trust is a must”
“Stereotyping is unfair”
“Turn your phone on early”
And my personal favorite, “Don’t be a pain in the @ss”

Where would we be without all of Leon's pearls of wisdom? Thanks Captain Obvious! I'll be sure to remember to bring pens to my next closing...gee thanks!


Leon, take your own advice and don't be a pain in the @ss. Please keep your blog entries on your blog and off the forums.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 9/29/08 2:05pm
Msg #265719

No matter that, I stand by my assertions that what you

post and the attitude you present to others, even in writing on a public, professional forum can and does reflect on you professionally.

The fact is that basic notary skills are taught here. A 101 course is taught here and it stands to reason that new notaries who are taking that course may come here and ask questions or look for advice. Yes, we all know and encourage the use of the search feature, but these small reminders may actually be helpful to someone else reading here looking to improve themselves professionally.

All that happens when you spew forth like that is that you make yourself look bad. Like I said, this is a public, professional forum, and there are untold numbers of potential clients, services and companies reading what you post. Trust me, people can and do talk about this place both online and in networking meetings and in other environments. I have been in a meeting with several attorneys and other real estate professionals where it was specifically stated about this and other websites, "Before hiring a signing agent, do a search on the forums if you can and read their contributions. That will tell you a lot about their knowledge and professionalism."

That's all I'm saying, Becca. People see what you post and they connect it to your profile and name...and it becomes part of your professional reputation.

And before you harp on me about my profile not being linked --- I have it that way for a reason. It's not to be anonymous. I'm not working at the moment and do not want to receive phone call inquiries. That doesn't give me license to rant, rave and belittle other professionals here, though, and I won't do it. All I wanted to do is remind you, and everyone else, that you don't know who may be reading this so you really should think before you make posts like that because it can have a distinct impact on how people perceive you and if they think you're nasty tempered person who enjoys belittling others, then why would they want to hire you?

Reply by Becca_FL on 9/29/08 2:56pm
Msg #265733

Funny thing is...

I just got a call from one of my clients that reads this forum and was complemented on the posts I make on this forum. Some people prefer straight talk over sweet talk.

"Trust me, people can and do talk about this place both online and in networking meetings and in other environments."

Really? Imagine that. As if I didn't know.

"All I wanted to do is remind you, and everyone else, that you don't know who may be reading this so you really should think before you make posts like that because it can have a distinct impact on how people perceive you and if they think you're nasty tempered person who enjoys belittling others, then why would they want to hire you? "

Marian, I think before I post on this and other forums and stand behind what I post. What you call 'nasty tempered' I call being real.

Reply by BrendaTx on 9/29/08 3:01pm
Msg #265735

Here's a thought...if you don't like Becca's posts

ignore them.

She's constantly getting advised to keep her comments to herself. I say if you don't like Becca, skip her posts.

Reply by BrendaTx on 9/29/08 3:03pm
Msg #265737

*Some people prefer straight talk over sweet talk.*

Posting on an internet forum is a free-for-all.

If you aren't thick-skinned enough to handle whatever replies you get to whatever you post you should probably find a private forum.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 9/29/08 4:09pm
Msg #265745

Actually, I was being nice when I said

"nasty-tempered". I find it down right rude. If you'll note, I'm not defending or attacking Leon's posts. I have no opinion on them. They are what they are.

You, Becca, and others are directing attacking Leon. Last time I checked that was a direct no-no according the the Guidelines here that state, "Do not personally attack, insult or degrade other users or companies." That's all you did here was insult and attack.

Yes, there is constructive debate, and I'm attempting to do it. I say there is no place for insults like this (no matter the topic) and I'm using the Guidelines Harry posted to back me up. I am not insulting anyone directly here, I'm simply saying that the type of reaction several of you have is unwarranted, unprofessional and downright rude. It reflects not only on yourselves personally, but on the site as a whole. You have to know that this forum and some of the "elite" have a really bad reputation for being unwelcoming. I think that needs to change.

Please show me where, in any professional code of conduct or the guidelines on this site does it say that insults and attacks are acceptable forms of communication? When you can do that, I'm more than happy to concede my point.

Reply by BrendaTx on 9/29/08 4:49pm
Msg #265766

Marian - please be clear on who you are accusing

of attacking Leon and how the "attack" has occurred.

**You, Becca, and others are directing attacking Leon.**

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 9/29/08 6:02pm
Msg #265778

I'm referring to anyone who directly attacked him or

insulted him...and anyone else they might want to attack. Becca is obvious because she called him a name. The others chiming in sarcastically aren't entirely innocent either. I only mentioned Becca because it was so obvious but my comments are not meant for any one person, but as a whole. I used Becca's insult as an example of the type of comments I feel should be avoided in a professional forum. This is especially true of a forum on a website that trains new notaries.

I am not defending Leon. I am addressing the nasty attitude and the comments that are all too common around here and that have earned Notary Rotary a bad reputation.

Reply by CaliNotary on 9/29/08 6:11pm
Msg #265780

The wheels on the bus go round and round

This debate has been going on ever since i've been on the board.

Your posting style is yours, Becca's style is hers. If she's not worried about it affecting her business I don't know why you are. Just because you feel those types of comments should be avoided in a professional forum doesn't mean everyone else should feel the same way.

If Leon wants to post something so stupid and obvious that's his right. If Becca wants to point out how stupid and obvious and insulting to our intelligence it is, that's her right. If you want to point out how unprofessional Becca is being by posting it, that's your right. That's how internet message boards work, that's how they've always worked, that's how they always will work.

Reply by Becca_FL on 9/29/08 6:52pm
Msg #265781

I'll tell you what I find insulting...

Leon's post. IMO, his post, as with many of his posts, are insulting to the readers of this forum. What you find insulting I find humerus. Captain Obvious is funny. BTW, who are you to call me nasty? Put on your big girl britches and get over it.

Reply by CaliNotary on 9/29/08 7:34pm
Msg #265787

Re: I'll tell you what I find insulting...

"What you find insulting I find humerus"

I find it more tibia myself.

Reply by Becca_FL on 9/29/08 7:38pm
Msg #265788

Gotta love spell check........ROFLMAO! How Humorous! n/m

Reply by MichiganAl on 9/29/08 3:01pm
Msg #265736

Here's the thing

Just understand that we've seen this act over and over way too many times in the past. These daily or weekly tips and helpful posts are never about being helpful at all. It's always eventually about selling a class, or an upcoming book, or traffic for a blog or website, or an MLM, or an upcoming organization you'll be asked to join, or an affiliate program, or someone who's trying to position themselves as some sort of industry expert when in fact they're a relative newbie. Look, I do the same thing on my own website, I write a blog, I offer a lot of resources, etc.. And I admit that ONE of the reasons I do it is to draw traffic and get my name out there. But I do it on MY site. I don't try to use discussion forums to reach my own business goals. I don't try to manipulate my colleagues by using their forum as my personal prop. It's tacky and it's insulting. Does everyone have the right to post? Absolutely. You wanna buy the whole "I'm just trying to help" drivel , go right ahead. But those of us who have been around here long enough recognize it for what it really is.

Reply by BrendaTx on 9/29/08 3:04pm
Msg #265738

Precisely, Alex. n/m

Reply by Becca_FL on 9/29/08 3:15pm
Msg #265739

Alex - 5 Star post! n/m

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 9/29/08 3:59pm
Msg #265744

Re: IMO, when his webpage/blog falls off the 1st page

of search engines, he comes here in order to bump up his search placement/ranking(s).

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 9/29/08 4:39pm
Msg #265760

I'm well aware of what you're saying...

and as I mentioned above, I'm neither defending nor attacking Leon's posts. My problem is the reaction is gets from so-called professionals. I surely have my opinion on the sites and content of some of the others posters here, but I do not think it's the right place to attack or make fun of them, especially since people who want to hire us for jobs read this forum.

People will make their own judgments on the value of Leon's posts. They don't bother me, but they don't help me either. But, who knows? Maybe someone does find value in it? That's not for me to say.

Reply by LKT/CA on 9/28/08 10:35pm
Msg #265660

Marian - 5 Star Post!!! n/m

Reply by MichiganAl on 9/28/08 12:54pm
Msg #265632

You have your own blog, right? n/m

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 9/28/08 8:01pm
Msg #265654

Leon, if your post saved one person on this forum from having his/her identity stolen, it was well worth it. Ignore the naysayers. This forum belongs to you as much as it does to them.

Reply by rengel/CA on 9/29/08 12:43pm
Msg #265699

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz n/m

Reply by LKT/CA on 9/29/08 3:36pm
Msg #265740

Marian, check your PM n/m