Posted by JanetK_CA on 10/6/10 3:43pm
Msg #355692

More on debt consolidation companies

I just read the thread a few pages back about these types of signings. This sounds to me like another example of unethical scam artists wanting to hire notaries to go to the signers to try to lend some credibility to the process.

There may not be anything to notarize in the packages they need signed, but I'd bet dollars to donuts that they are telling their potential victims that they're sending out "a notary". It's flat out illegal in my state to use the title of Notary Public for any purpose other than the notarization of documents. I would think that should extend to that use by a third party. It's clearly against the intent of the law - at least in California. If not specifically forbidden in your state, I'd think any notary would have a problem getting involved with these on purely ethical grounds.

Count me in with those who won't be going near any of these types of assignments. BTW, everything I've ever read or heard on this issue has recommended non-profit organizations like Consumer Credit Counselors, etc. for anyone with credit and debt problems.

To collect a $5,000 up-front fee from someone already in serious financial difficulty is unscrupulous and cruel beyond belief.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/6/10 3:59pm
Msg #355695

I'm with you Janet - I didn't like this part...

"Representatives to attend in-home sales appointments" and give a power-point presentation....

In other words we need you to convince them to sign. I have a problem with this and it reeks of 21st Century Legal Services....as I said earlier - just send the docs to the signers and let them sort it out - there's no need for a notary in the mix.

MHO

Reply by JulieD/KS on 10/6/10 4:20pm
Msg #355703

Re: I'm with you Janet - I didn't like this part...

Sadly, just by being at their house, they feel pressure. I've been told before, when faced with numbers on a HUD that they didn't expect, that they feel they should sign because I'm there. I've told borrowers, "Under no circumstances should you feel the need to sign something you are not comfortable with just because I am sitting here. It doesn't matter to me if you sign or not." Even though I know I may have to fight to get paid if they don't sign....I don't care.

These debt settlement things....they smell pretty bad to me, too. I don't recall if I got the email spoken of, but I got a phone call yesterday. 25 - 30 pages by email; then, I have to read a 2-page document out loud to them. Then they sign (if they choose to sign). Then I have to fax the whole package back. They offered $75. I said not for a dime under $100.

Now, mind you, they were offering me a job; they were calling to get me on their notary database, and even if I did want to do these, I still wouldn't do them for a penny under $100.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/6/10 5:11pm
Msg #355712

Re: I'm with you Janet - I didn't like this part...

If it was one of those "give a PowerPoint presentation" jobs, I wouldn't do it for any price.

Reply by MW/VA on 10/6/10 4:25pm
Msg #355706

It's a red flag for me too. From what I understand, it

isn't legal for them to charge upfront fees by phone or email. That's why they want a "live person" to handle these, so the upfront fees can be collected. While some may feel it's legal or legit, I won't tough those with a 10 foot pole. As Susan so aptly puts it "don't pet that dog".
These companies are popping up all over the place. Just like I've heard about the crooks that were in the mortgage business. They just move on to the next big money making racket.
Not that I'm saying that's the case with what Kris posted earlier, but I'm not desperate enough to take work like that. I want to be able to sleep at night.

Reply by 101livescan on 10/7/10 12:35am
Msg #355743

I completely agree with you on every point in your post.

Reply by Gerry Grummons on 10/7/10 8:45am
Msg #355770

One more thing to be aware of in this business. Don't touch this type of thing or you may become party to a scam.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 10/7/10 1:14pm
Msg #355824

Bad dogs! Bad bad bad dogs! No pets, no treats. Bad, bad. n/m