Posted by Stoli on 10/10/10 1:17pm
Msg #356143

Payment Relief Center


I was contracted to sign documents for Payment Relief Center in Sacramento, California, and wanted to gain first-hand knowledge if the signers are required to collect funds from the client, which they are not. Having read previous comments and concerns, I wanted to move with all due caution prior to signing documents with the client. In a very light, conversational tone I explained that I am a notary public, an independent contractor, and as such, have no affiliation with Payment Relief Center, the transaction would be my first, and due to the lack of familiarity with the documents and procedures would necessarily carefully read the instruction as we proceeded through the signing.

The client produced an envelope with a return address to Bank of America, a spreadsheet with graphic representations for the principle reduction program, a dollar value for the total savings and a final balance of a savings account which will accrue over the term of the program.

Payment Relief Center requires the signer to FAX and retain the entire signed package. In light of the recent banking fiasco, I would think that any financial institution would require original signatures and notary certificates be returned for the bank’s records. I sincerely doubt that the contact letter from Bank of America is legitimate and that the notaries public will be paid. Time will tell.

Additionally, I did not sign as a representative of Payment Releif Center, but lined through the signature line and signed as notary public. The last page of the package has a square for a notary stamp, but according to the instructions, does not require notarization. Good thing, because we can't notarize our own signatures.

Probably won't get paid, but now I have first-hand knowledge.

Reply by Stoli on 10/10/10 1:52pm
Msg #356145

Payment Relief Center - Need assistance with Signing Central

I tried to add Payment Relief Center to Signing Central and received the message that the company is already listed--I can't find the listing.

I tried, "Who Called Me?" and entered their telephone number (877) 217-7750 and found a listing for GWatson and one comment, but can't find where they are listed.

If I use "Find a Notary" and enter the zip code, 75034, I don't find a notary named 'gwatson' listed for Frisco, TX.

Very en-ta-resting, my dear Watson. I can see one comment, but can't find the listing.

Any help? Thank you in advance.

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 10/10/10 2:08pm
Msg #356147

Re: Payment Relief Center - Need assistance with Signing Central

Greg Watson was formerly the chief scheduler for Richmond Title Services in Plano, TX.

I always found Greg to be an upright, forthright person to work with when he was with Richmond. I have declined to do the PRC signings because I have reservations on several levels, not necessarily pertaining to the integrity of the process. I think you can rely on Greg's personal integrity.

Reply by Stoli on 10/10/10 4:11pm
Msg #356173

I resolve part of the issue with Signing Central

Payment Relief Center is not visible to me when I'm logged in because the company is not listed as doing business in California.

Because the company is not visible when I'm logged in, I can't link to the post. Can someone from Texas link the post?

Thanks in advance.

Reply by Alz on 10/10/10 6:45pm
Msg #356208

Ditto, Your Hughness. n/m

Reply by Stoli on 10/10/10 4:37pm
Msg #356175

Payment Relief Center - F Rating with the BBB n/m

Reply by Alz on 10/10/10 6:48pm
Msg #356211

Problem solved. n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/10/10 5:14pm
Msg #356182

"I did not sign as a representative of Payment Releif Center, but lined through the signature line and signed as notary public. The last page of the package has a square for a notary stamp, but according to the instructions, does not require notarization. Good thing, because we can't notarize our own signatures."

Although I agree with you about not signing as representative of the company, if you're not notarizing anything, then IMHO you should not be signing as notary public either. Not sure how you'd want to sign but you might want to rethink this.

JMHO

Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/10/10 6:05pm
Msg #356186

Good point.

"if you're not notarizing anything, then IMHO you should not be signing as notary public either."

I completely agree on that point, Linda. If there's nothing to notarize, I wouldn't want to have the fact of a notary commission even be part of the conversation at all. One possibility might be to just call yourself an independent contractor for anyone who decides to do these. As I said in a previous post, in CA we are not allowed to use the title "Notary Public" for any purpose other than the notarization of documents. It may tend to lend an air of credibility, from the signer's perspective, that may not be otherwise in evidence. That's especially true if you're not even sure you're going to be paid.

Each of you will have to decide for yourselves if you're going to do these, but if you do, I strongly suggest you NOT use your Notary Public title, especially in states where it's specifically prohibited - like California!

Reply by LKT/CA on 10/10/10 6:44pm
Msg #356206

Re: Good point.

What about "Notary Signing Agent" ?

Reply by Stoli on 10/10/10 7:03pm
Msg #356216

No, Linda. There is one page to notarize the borrower's sig

I notarized the page and signed accordingly.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/10/10 8:04pm
Msg #356221

Re: No, Linda. There is one page to notarize the borrower's sig

I responded to what you said:

" I did not sign as a representative of Payment Releif Center, but lined through the signature line and signed as notary public"

Reply by Stoli on 10/10/10 8:58pm
Msg #356230

You're correct. I wasn't very clear. n/m