Posted by Linda Spanski on 3/2/10 8:08pm
Msg #324996

This just in from LSI

March 2, 2010
To All Signing Agents:
This notice is going out to all LSI approved notary signing agents. Please read this notice thoroughly and take the appropriate action outlined below within 30 days.

At LSI Title, we want to build partnerships with providers that lead to mutual success for everyone involved. As most of you are aware, we sent out a notice more than a year ago about our partnership with LexisNexis as an option for each notary to obtain a background check if you are not already a certified and/or background screened signing agent with the National Notary Association, “NNA”. The specific qualification criteria has been drawn from the NNA guidelines and was implemented through the LSI Title/LexisNexis Contractor Screening system. This method of performing the background check allows for LexisNexis to return a pass/fail result without LSI staff actually reviewing the details of your report unless there is an exception to be further researched.

This initiative supports our effort to comply with our lender client requirements to utilize the services of background screened signing agents. Since the previous communication, the number of lender clients who require use of strictly background screened signing agents has increased. Concurrently, LexisNexis enhanced their background screening website; the website is more robust and comprehensive.

As our clients focus on delivering superior loan quality during the origination process, LSI is moving to meet this challenge by use of background screened signing agents. In the next several months LSI will aggressively require all signing agents successfully pass a background check. Our goal is to have 100% of our signing agent network successfully pass a background check by the end of the year. Priority for future signing assignments will be given to those who have met the background screening requirement. The background report is valid for 2 years. Once you obtain your initial background screening from LexisNexis, you may utilize the LexisNexis system to apply for re-screening for up to 40% of the original application cost ($29.95 for re-screening) which will be valid for another 2 years. We are aware you may have already obtained your background check from another reporting agency. However, that background check may not meet NNA Guidelines. You will need to submit this to us for review and acceptance. Please see acceptable background report described in notary package under Step 5 below.

We strongly encourage you to comply now by either (1) sending us a copy of your NNA Certificate showing you passed your background screening along with the expiration date; you may email your certificate to [e-mail address] or (2) obtaining your background check through LexisNexis by following steps listed below.

The cost for the background check is $49.50 except if you live in New York where the cost is $100.50 (courts in New York charge an additional access fee in order to conduct background checks). LSI receives no compensation from LexisNexis for these background checks. We encourage you to obtain your background check through LexisNexis within the next 30 days. LexisNexis is offering a promotional discount of $5 off regular pricing if you submit your application by March 31, 2010. Please follow steps listed below to obtain your background check:

STEP 1: Go to the following website address: https://contractor.cpscreen.com/CS/lsinotary
STEP 2: Select the “Click here to submit a background order” link near the bottom of the screen.
STEP 3: Enter the required information on the initial registration page.
STEP 4: Your identity will be authenticated through a 4 question quiz. If you receive a message that your request could not be verified, you will receive further instructions on how to submit your order. Please follow those instructions.
STEP 5: Choose the appropriate background package.

Notary Package All Except New York ($49.50) – SSN Verification, Felony/Misdemeanor Criminal Record Check, National Criminal Record File, Global Watchlist, MVR (For a limited time, thru March 31st , cost is $44.50).

Notary Package for New York ($100.50) Select this package if you are based in New York. - SSN Verification, NY Felony/Misdemeanor Criminal Record Check, National Criminal Record File, Global Watchlist, MVR (For a limited time, thru March 31st cost is $95.50)

STEP 6: Pay securely by credit card.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an order confirmation e-mail from LexisNexis.

If you have any questions regarding this background check process as you work through the application or view results, please call LexisNexis Technical Support, 1-866-237-2135.

Thank you in advance for your support to meet our clients requirements. For questions about this notification, please contact LSI Title National Vendor Management at [e-mail address]


National Vendor Management
LSI Title

Reply by twil4_WI on 3/2/10 8:14pm
Msg #324999

This is the pretty much the same letter we got in 2005, only then they paid for it. Here in Wisconsin, we get an extensive background check to get a 4 year notary commission, and then again upon each renewal, and are bonded, and carry E&O, that should be enough for any company. I work for them alot and never had to get one. Id like a background check on some of the shady companies Ive worked for

Reply by Jeff Ortler on 3/2/10 8:19pm
Msg #325000

**Ripoff**

$49 for a BGC, are you kidding me. I can get one for $25 in less than a day and with half the hassle AND it is acceptable by all lenders... No thanks!

Reply by desktopfull on 3/2/10 9:23pm
Msg #325015

I'd like a credit check too!

Reply by Stamper_WI on 3/2/10 8:23pm
Msg #325002

If I may point out

They are not making you got through the NNA for it. That would cost you much more since the NNA required you to join plus more in order to get the BGC through them.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/2/10 8:27pm
Msg #325007

If you have your NNA you are ok. They have a copy of my NNA since last year.

Reply by desktopfull on 3/2/10 9:21pm
Msg #325014

In Florida you have to go through a background check to get your notary commission. What I resent is the fact that they a basing their BG check on NNA requirements. Since when & who made the NNA the rule maker for all notaries in all states. The NNA is a for profit company in the state of California, period. This BG check thing was just a way of adding more profit to their bottom line, nothing more. Oh I forgot, it was also a way to coerce more money out of the notary, while they circulated their low-ball recommended fee schedule to as many TC's & SS's as possible. LSI can either accept my Florida Department of Law Enforcement BG check or shove it, period. Wouldn't it be nice if they couldn't get anyone in Florida to comply with this NNA/Lexus BG check, Do you think they would they stop accepting closings in Florida? I for one am tired of jumping through hoops for these companies as they continually lower fees, increase our expenses and then stiff you after you have provided the services they contracted with you to perform.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/2/10 9:33pm
Msg #325017

In PA you need a background check as well, NNA comes into play for signing agents.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/2/10 9:36pm
Msg #325019

and so far every company for whom I go in as a signing agent as requested me to fax them a copy of my NNA signing agent background check.

Reply by CaliNotary on 3/2/10 10:27pm
Msg #325029

I've never had a single company ask n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 3/2/10 10:37pm
Msg #325032

Me either! No one cares except the hand holders.

And that is because they hire notaries who don't know what they are doing as well as those who are experienced and they don't know who can do what.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/3/10 7:29am
Msg #325054

Re: Me either! No one cares except the hand holders.

I really do not believe it has to do with experience, when I see a chance to make a XXX on a closing I will not pass that chance just for refusing to fax them a paper.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 3/2/10 9:49pm
Msg #325023

cawest/PA You couldn't be more blindsided by

the following statement you made. Do a search for NNA here and see what you find. Can you also link your name to see who you are?

"If you have your NNA you are ok. They have a copy of my NNA since last year.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/2/10 10:07pm
Msg #325026

Re: cawest/PA You couldn't be more blindsided by

I just mention what I find to be a fact.
Each company using my services as always requested a copy of my NNA background check and I just make sure I keep it up to date.
Am I happy to have to pay a fee to the NNA? not really but than if it makes companies that use my services happy, why not?

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 3/2/10 10:42pm
Msg #325033

WHY NOT??

How about the pending class action law suit the NNA is dealing with right now specifically because of their background checks.... they were pulling credit reports without notifying people. Credit has nothing to do with these background checks, but they were pulling them all the same in order to check (so they say) address information and such.

They were violating Federal Law (even though they won't admit it)... that's why not.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 3/2/10 10:55pm
Msg #325036

Re: WHY NOT??

Oh yeah...

http://www.nationalnotary.org/settlement.htm


Scroll all the way to the bottom and have a read at the Stipulation file.

Maybe your name is in that document?

My BGC is apparently still active with them, but I no longer tell anyone and I'm not a member anymore -- even though I did get business from it. California did enough of a background check on me and I found that the NNA's check was LESS effective. The report from that check failed to note my maiden name and it missed some places that I'd lived... not to mention spelling my husband's name wrong. It was all based on errors I later discovered that were on my credit report.

I don't hate the NNA... and I think *some* of the things they do are good. But.... it's really not worth it anymore to me.

And, all of the companies that asked for the BGC results from the NNA were the worst companies to work for --- the babysitters who think we're their employees.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/2/10 11:03pm
Msg #325038

Re: cawest/PA Why not? ....

Uh, the low ball fees. Just a thought. If I spend money on certifications, classes, training, bgc, etc. I fully expect to be able to charge more for the services I offer. And $60/closing is not going to cut it for me.

I've had to have FBI background checks when I had my securities licenses. IMO, I would think that the FBI would have the ability to do a pretty through check. As I recall, the price ranged from about $18-29.

JMO

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/3/10 5:33am
Msg #325046

Re: cawest/PA Why not? ....

Not only the low ball ones, for some odd reason (and I do not believe to be the only one, but perhaps the only one admitting to it) several companies have requested a copy of the Bck NNA.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/5/10 11:03am
Msg #325474

Re: cawest/PA Why not? ....

So far, for me, only 2 low ball companies have requested bgc from me. Not the ones that accept my fees.

Reply by Sharon Taylor on 3/2/10 9:33pm
Msg #325018

The Delete key is a perfect fit for their emails

Got the same thing today, skimmed through it, saw that they are still hand-in-glove with the NNA, and promptly hit the Delete key.

Reply by jba/fl on 3/2/10 10:23pm
Msg #325027

LSI is also asking for NNA Certified Signing Agent

Certificate (preferred but not required) as one of its requirements to be in their database.

"In order to be considered for approval, each applicant must meet the requirements and submit documentation listed below:
2 yr. of notary loan closing experience with all types of loans
Successful background check
(etc)
NNA Certified Signing Agent Certificate (preferred but not required)"

They go on to say that "lenders are requiring LSI to utilize signing agents who have passed a background check. ..... LSI prefers signing agents to be NNA certified and pass the NNA background screening."

Most states do a background check of some sort, with some being way over the top (CA) Two years experience should count for something to eliminate NNA affiliation if desired.

BTW: I don't work for LSI, but did apply last night for the benefits mentioned in another thread. This information came from their "Notary New Hire Packet" which is 29 pages - 29 pages I will be ignoring. 29 pages of restrictions up to and probably including which type of toothpaste I must use along with belonging to the NNA, whcih we all know is Over My Dead Body!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/2/10 10:34pm
Msg #325031

Re: LSI is also asking for NNA Certified Signing Agent

Don't know if they are still doing them, but a few years ago they were doing lots of loans in military base housing, and the lender (my mind is a blank on who it was right now - it's late) was requiring background checks. However back then LSI paid for the background checks.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/2/10 10:51pm
Msg #325035

From LSI's Notary Signup pkg..

On page 5 of 11 of their package LSI asks that the notary provide them with their base fees for signing assignments. They even give a guide as a reference that should be used;

"Guideline: Base fee is $60 for 25 mile radius, 50 mile roundtrip."

They want you to follow all these steps and pay $49.50 for a bgc all to receive the great sum of $60/closing?

I think I want to see their financial records first to ensure that they can pay that much per closing. I'm surprised they are able to keep the lights on paying that much. mmm...Maybe that's the upper price they will pay IF you are a XXA Certified Signing Agent. -- Maybe I should sign up for that class today. I'm sure it will be filling up soon with great offers like these!

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/3/10 5:46am
Msg #325047

I did not receive the email in question, but LSI asked me for a BGC a couple of months ago. I got one for free through Lexis Nexis, which I found out about from message 299894 here on NotRot. I scanned and emailed the BGC to LSI and they accepted it.

I like working for LSI as they keep me close to home, and I do receive more than the $60 that someone else quoted from the LSI sign-up packet. They are not an extremely high payer, but I do receive $XXX from them.

Reply by CF on 3/3/10 6:49am
Msg #325051

This is just the cost of doing business. I was in sales before I started my business. If you wanted to sell your wares to certain companies you had to play by their rules. Additionally, I worked with large companies in Detroit and Metro- Detroit. I am not talking b2c...b2b. This is nothing different. We are selling a service....not the other way around!

Just as you can not tell LSI what their requirements should be....you do not need to follow them thus, resulting in not having a relationship with them. They can require anything they want to. Unfortunately, we are not the ones with job orders....they are! To a point, we can determine what works for us in our own business....but the bottom line is we are not the ones with the closings. It is a 2 way street- everyone has options. I think it is a small price to pay to receive work from many companies that have this requirement not just LSI.

Reply by desktopfull on 3/3/10 7:43am
Msg #325055

Since they are promoting & pushing NNA products, makes one wonder about their connection to the NNA.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/3/10 8:03am
Msg #325058

connection or not what you need to look at is what a previous poster wrote : we either go by their rules or they do not give us any work.
Never had a problem with LSI, plenty of work and pay on time and as far as to have to pay fees well when you run your own business some cost is attached and some cost becomes a deduction as well.

Reply by janCA on 3/3/10 8:44am
Msg #325060

What used to be such a good company to work for...

Again, has gone by the wayside with low fees. Used to be $175+ for their overnighted docs. No hoops, no contracts, no bgc's, no connection to NNA. Just a simple phone call from them, docs overnighted, docs signed, docs returned, payment in two weeks. Their staff was great, and then BAM! Low-ball, low-ball and more low-balls. Not worth it to me, but it must be to someone.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/3/10 8:52am
Msg #325061

Re: What used to be such a good company to work for...

AS LONG AS i GET xxx I still will do it especially that it is always close to home. Talking about low-balls I would suggest ND!

Reply by jfs/IL on 3/3/10 9:31am
Msg #325065

Tell the NNA and LSI good luck... you need us we don't need

you...There are plenty of other companies I have established my relations and credibility with!!

Reply by jfs/IL on 3/3/10 9:34am
Msg #325066

Re: Tell the NNA and LSI good luck... you need us we don't need

That includes their bottom line increase with the BG checks LN.
The SOS in the state of Illinois does a pretty thorough job on BG checks also!!

Reply by Linda Juenger on 3/3/10 10:05am
Msg #325074

jfs/IL

"The SOS in the state of Illinois does a pretty thorough job on BG checks also!!"

Since when does the State of IL do BG checks? To my knowledge, the State does not do these on us when we are commissioned. Can you elaborate on this?

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 3/3/10 1:49pm
Msg #325114

You are correct, Linda. The sum total of CBC for an IL NP

consists on a queston on the NP application, as follows:
"4. I have never been convicted of a felony. " (trust me)
I think that it is unrealistic for each consumer of NSA services,( TC/SS/Lender) to be
expected to keep track of each state's current practice in investigating NP applicants.
If it far more efficient for them to say "If you want to do loan signings for us, provide us with
acceptable, current evidnce that we can trust you with borrowr's confidential info. Our consel has advised us that this is necessry for us to be in compliane with the GBL law.
Our requirements for "acceptable, current are .....)You may have to incur a small cost to do so, but if you don't then , we are sorry, but we will not able to use you for loan signings"
I a NSA thinks that they will get sufficient work without a company that requres this , then
that is their choice. I, personally, want to get a much profitable NSA work as I can handle.

Reply by desktopfull on 3/3/10 2:29pm
Msg #325126

I have a problem when they insist that we obtain it from a

specific entity. For LSI only NNA/Nexus will do, I guarantee that my FDLE report is far more thorough as is the DOJ or FBI. For that matter, what's wrong with the one available here on NOTROT?

Also, they have to keep track of all of the laws for each particular state in order to provide the correct docs required why can't they mark down the states that require background checks for their notaries too. They only have to do that once.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 3/3/10 3:12pm
Msg #325137

Re: I have a problem when they insist that we obtain it from a

Respect your opionion, but remember the Golden Rule:
"He who has the gold, makes the rules."
If one has enough of a problem with obtaining a CBC in accordance with a
company's requirements , then they are , of course, free to not obtain one as required,
knowing that their NSA work for that company will be reduced or nonexstant.

Reply by desktopfull on 3/3/10 3:20pm
Msg #325142

Re: I have a problem when they insist that we obtain it from a

Honestly, Bob I'm just tired of jumping through hoops for these companies, increasing my costs and then having them stiff me on payment or withhold payment for months thereby giving themselves an interest free loan.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 3/3/10 10:02am
Msg #325072

This may just be a generic letter to all NSA's in their

database.

I submitted my application to LSI on 2/11/10. Where it asks for BGC, I stated I'm a California notary with BGC from FBI and DOJ and further informed them I am not a member of NNA. I quoted them my fees.

Their response: "The fees are up to you. I am more than happy to set you up at $XXX however I am not sure if you will receive calls. We have a lot of agents in your area and I usually suggest agents to come in at $90-$100. Our schedulers do call agents based on distance and price. I will go ahead and set you up in our system this week or next. You can adjust fees up or down anytime. You may still get calls at $XXX so you can see how it goes and evaluate it later down the road. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know."

On 2/23/10, they called me for a signing and they agreed to my fee and they were very easy to work with. Received their "Fee Verification" form 3/1/10 with the correct fee. Payment is currently in the works.

BGC was never mentioned again.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 3/3/10 10:04am
Msg #325073

One more thought.

I've never had anyone ask me for a BGC.

Reply by Luckydog on 3/3/10 5:46pm
Msg #325178

Re: One more thought.

I never had to supply one. I think they are in business with the NNA and getting a cutback to go through them. If you go through your state, they are 1/2 the price, and even are finger printed, as I had to do as an appraiser. The NNA background is a joke. I did one 4 years back with them when they scared everyone to believeing it was a requirement. No one asks for it.

Reply by Colleen Martin on 4/28/10 11:31am
Msg #333954

Re: One more thought.

you are totally right on luckydog. the way i see it, if the company wants you to get a background check, which is above and beyond what you've already done to become a notary (which in texas, means you've already HAD a background check) then they can pay for it!!

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/28/10 11:53am
Msg #333960

Texas Notaries Don't Always Have a Background Check

**(which in texas, means you've already HAD a background check) **

According to the SoS website, in Texas, background investigations are "random". I'd hazard to guess they are VERY random.

From http://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/statforms.shtml#NPUF
"The Office of the Secretary of State performs random background investigations on individuals submitting new or renewal notary public applications. If an investigation reveals that an applicant or a notary has made a false statement regarding a criminal conviction in an application, the Office may refer the matter to the Texas Department of Public Safety for appropriate action."

I wish the SoS always DID perform a bgc but they don't.