Posted by mwm143 on 10/15/09 11:02am
Msg #307451

Privacy issues

I continue to get emails from signing services, some of which I registered with and some I did not, soliciting closing services. We all get these.

As a consumer, I would very concerned if I knew that my private information was being offered up to the lowest priced person who has registered with one of the top 2 sites. How many times have you closed loans for companies who you've never worked with and who didn't even verify that you're even a notary public? Lenders and TCs are required to have privacy policies and document handling procedures in place but that goes out the window as soon as they hire a signing service that will hire anybody for the lowest price. And further, how many signing companies even include instructions on destroying paperwork that's not signed or is being stored on your computer?? Just thinking out loud....

Reply by PAW on 10/15/09 1:16pm
Msg #307495

>>> I continue to get emails from signing services, some of which I registered with and some I did not, soliciting closing services. We all get these. <<<

What privacy issues? Typically, signing services do not get the documents. Signing agents usually receive the documents from the title company and/or lender. (I know, there are a few signing services that do provide the documents, and I'd bet that privacy issues have been addressed between the signing service and title company.)

Also, please note that some companies want the documents returned whether signed or not. Most often they don't. But as a signing agent, you should know that unused documents should be destroyed if not returned. Do you really need to be told that by a signing service?

Reply by mwm143 on 10/15/09 1:36pm
Msg #307499

You missed the point entirely!

First of all, I get closing documents sent to from signing services as well as TCs and Lenders. And of course I know what to do with unsigned documents. Do you think that new signing agents know what to do???? I know darn well I wouldn't want my information in some rookies hands.

My point was that many of the siging services are taking a huge risk by soliciting closing services to anyone who ar listed on here or another notary site. Without any regard to who they may be sending documents to. Easy opportunity for identity theft.

Reply by jba/fl on 10/15/09 2:35pm
Msg #307507

Re: You missed the point entirely!

Even if the SA has done thousands of signings doesn't mean that that individual is "aware" of any safeguards to be taken nor of any likelihood of doing so. It is a crap shoot unfortunately. because we are background checked, and because we have bonds and other insurance, there is a sense of comfort in dealing with these individuals.

Extend your thoughts - you apply to be in databases of TC's, SS's, etc. They go out of business - what happens to that info? There have been cases of dumpster spilling their loose contents over the streets - doctors, mortgage companies, insurance companies, and the list goes on. Best you can do? Pay cash, don't ever get a loan or apply to one, find a bubble to live in, preferably a vacuum. Then you might be safe.

Reply by mwm143 on 10/15/09 5:14pm
Msg #307526

Heavy Sigh!

Let me try one more time.

Boy, I sure wish Signing Services would put a little more thought and consideration into their selection of signing agents to handle sensitive material for their clients. Broadcast emails looking for the cheapest notary seems risky to me. I wouldn't want my own personal data handled that way.

Reply by PAW on 10/15/09 6:49pm
Msg #307533

Ok, now I get your drift.

I agree. Many SSes go after the most reckless and untrained agents because they work cheap. Of course, those agents also don't realize the liability they incur when taking on signings which one day, just may come back and bite them in the south end of a northbound mule.