Posted by RickinVA on 8/23/10 9:07am
Msg #350090

80 buck portable scanner

For those that want/need one for $80 plus $5 shipping. Only good today!!
http://www.woot.com/

Rick

Reply by RJE/MI on 8/23/10 10:07am
Msg #350092

Technology for Dummies

I have been reading a lot on this sight regarding these scanners because I service a very rural area and some people have selective hearing. They hear the part regarding showing me a valid unexpired drivers license but sometimes not the part about making a copy to send back with the loan documents.

My question is that after reading all the posts I still don't know why a scanner is any different than taking a photo with a camera phone? If they are both being saved to whatever memory the device it uses to save the photo, why would a scanner be safer for the borrowers privacy then taking a picture with a camera phone? Or is it just preference?

Thanks for any help in this.

Reply by parkerc/ME on 8/23/10 10:44am
Msg #350096

My PS to above: And camera fits in my purse! n/m

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 8/23/10 2:03pm
Msg #350130

I, too, would love to know the answer to this question n/m

Reply by MikeC/NY on 8/23/10 4:08pm
Msg #350154

Re: Technology for Dummies

There's a difference between a personal scanner and a personal copier.

A scanner will make a digital image of the document and store it someplace (usually your hard drive or a memory chip that you can download later. In that sense, there's not much difference between a scanner and a camera other than that you will probably get a clearer image with a scanner since you don't have to worry about focusing.

A personal copier (like the Canon PC-170) is usually an analog device - it has no memory, so although you make a paper copy of the document, the image isn't retained anywhere (unlike most office copiers, which are digital devices and do retain an image on a hard drive).

I personally would not use a camera or a scanner to make copies of ID - I don't want the responsibility of having a copy in my possession (and before you say "but I erase the image right away", files that are deleted can almost always be recovered unless the drive is reformatted or you use a legitimate "file shredding" program). I traveled with a PC-170 copier in the trunk in case I needed to make a copy, and I used it quite frequently.

Hope this helps...

Reply by MonicaFL on 8/23/10 4:32pm
Msg #350160

Re: Technology for Dummies

I also travel with a color printer in my trunk. It has really come in handy and with the "new" or not so new Florida Driver's licenses, color is the only way to get a good picture. I paid $50.00 for mine and carry it in a "rolling" type of suitcase. Really handy when you have a late appointment and the borrowers don't have access to a copier, or were even aware that they needed a copy. (I also have a car adapter for mine. This has saved a lot of hassle too - three times while closing, the power went out - yep, no copies of ids, yep I went out to my car and made them. Works great.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/23/10 4:54pm
Msg #350164

Re: Technology for Dummies

I carry a small HP scanner/copier/printer in the car. I prefer that people see me making the copy of their ID's in front of them. It was also cheap--about $45, and has been in my car for a couple of years now. I had a RESPA last week & the guy was supposed to have copies of W-2's, etc.
He hadn't made the copies. Yes, he could have faxed them to the lender, but it was easy to make the copies right then.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/23/10 4:55pm
Msg #350166

Re: Technology for Dummies

BTW, people are impressed with the level of professionalism when I tell them I carry a portable copier with me.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 8/23/10 9:08pm
Msg #350198

Re: Technology for Dummies

How about naming the printer you are using..Im always looking for something smaller! Thanks

Reply by MW/VA on 8/23/10 9:46pm
Msg #350204

Re: Technology for Dummies

I think it's the same model your friend uses. LOL

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 8/24/10 10:51am
Msg #350241

I just won't do it, and here's why ...

First let me say I am ALL ABOUT customer service, going the extra mile, all of it - but I will not take on the potential liability or even the potential headache of anyone's ID copies.

My reason is simple (to me, anyway) - regardless of how secure any copying device might be, in the event that a borrower has any kind of ID fraud after meeting me, I am not handing them bullets. The first thing they're going to think about is "hey, REMEMBER that woman that came to our house for our signing, and made a copy of our D/L's on her little copy thingie?!"

So, for me it's regardless how secure OR insecure the coping device is - I am not putting myself in the position of having to prove it, debate it, defend myself or even have to discuss it with them. It's a simple thing - they can get their own copies.