Posted by PAW on 2/2/11 1:45pm
Msg #371029

NotaryNow putting military at risk for fraudulent notarizing

Read the linked press release.

http://www.pawnotary.com/documents/NotaryNow%20Notarizations%20for%20Military%20Families.pdf


Then file a complaint with the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/11 1:49pm
Msg #371032

WOW. They just keep getting deeper and deeper...

it doesn't surprise me, given that at least one of them boasts his military background, but all the same... good golly... I hope somebody shuts them down soon.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/2/11 1:53pm
Msg #371035

Thanks for the info, PAW.

This is an example of when you lack "ethics".

Reply by James Dawson on 2/2/11 2:06pm
Msg #371040

I visited the face book page, didn't click like, but I did see the notary in question for a notarization she brought to light. Notaries her in Ca have the options to provide free notarization to military personnel so they're not really doing anything that we don't already do!

Reply by SueW/Tn on 2/2/11 2:13pm
Msg #371042

Huh? "so they're not really doing anything that we don't already do!"

I hope that's not the case James.

I have always done work for our military guys and gals without charging a fee but they MUST physically appear before me.

Reply by James Dawson on 2/2/11 2:16pm
Msg #371044

I was trying to say, after reading what they were waving in our faces that that it wasn't a something new for our service men and women.

Reply by PAW on 2/2/11 2:17pm
Msg #371045

Providing free **legal and proper** notarizations for the military is one thing, and is to be commended. However, NotaryNow is advocating web based notarizations wherein the service member is NOT in the same physical location as the notary. (Uses video collaborating technology.) Hopefully it's not the same thing that you already do.

Reply by James Dawson on 2/2/11 2:23pm
Msg #371050

I have never did a webcam/teleconf notarization n/m

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 4:03pm
Msg #371075

I have checked out this company. They are very legitimate. In fact I already knew about them weeks ago and was excited about it. Forget about the military issue for now. Just imagine getting the same fee for your closing without the huge overhead huge of ink, paper, printers and gas. I have yet to meet anybody that has made a profit being a closing agent. The cost of printing docs is too huge.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 4:12pm
Msg #371078

Am not a bit surprised to hear you're associated with them

but tell me - besides the fact that what they're doing is illegal in all 50 states, what else about this company is so intriguing to you...

Ugh

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 4:29pm
Msg #371086

Re: Am not a bit surprised to hear you're associated with them

It is not illegal in all 50 states. They are in compliance with the laws of the states that allow them to do what they do. It is not legal in all 50 states, YET. So it is limited to the states that allow it. But is is nice that the CEO of the company, Chris, is going to donate his entire 2011 disability pay to the Wounded Warriors Project if 1,000 people "like" his FB page. I am not associated with NotaryNow in anyway shape or form. I have never worked for them, or with them. I just think it is a hot idea. Do tell me, why are you "not a bit surprised"?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 4:33pm
Msg #371090

Not surprised because the tone of your posts tells me

you're associated with them - okay..we'll rephrase..you're a supporter..

The notarizations done this way are illegal in all 50 states....and NO states allow it.."YET" has no bearing on it..

Is it interesting that we may be moving that way? Yes - but I don't support this company because they are prophesing it's legal now..and it's not - and they CAN case a huge amount of damage if they continue to persuade people that all's well...

If you can't see that then there's a problem. My little bit of advice to you is be very very careful

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 4:36pm
Msg #371093

Oy..what a mess..

prophesing = professing
CAN case = CAN cause

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 4:37pm
Msg #371096

Re: Not surprised because the tone of your posts tells me

Please point me to where NotaryNow has stated it is legal in all 50 states.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/11 6:33pm
Msg #371165

Re: Not surprised because the tone of your posts tells me

That's not it. They state that their notarizations are legal, period, simply because one state's notarization is recognized in other states. They utilize a notary out of New Jersey right now (possibly two) -- and there are tons of posts here clearly stating that the notaries doing this are acting contrary to their state's notary law.

NO notary in the US should be working for this company. To do so would be violating their state laws.

From the FAQs:

"While our notary signatures are 100% legal, many states may refuse to complete the apostille on such a document for various reasons (including the fact that they may simply be unfamiliar with electronic signatures). Electronic signatures and notarization are new, and the individuals who work at governments may need some time to catch up with all the changes."

There are no changes.... because it's ILLEGAL. Electronic signatures and seals themselves are legal in some states (including California), but that's not it. The illegality occure in that they are using a webcam for personal presence. That's what is illegal. Personal presence means face-to-face, in person... not over a webcam.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/2/11 5:41pm
Msg #371131

Stacie, perhaps you could tell us

what state it's legal in?

Reply by roxierox/TX on 2/2/11 6:17pm
Msg #371153

Re: Stacie, perhaps you could tell us

Are we talking about esignings or webcam signings? Webcam signings couldn't be legal. The signer must be physically present. And how do we take a finger print in our journal if the signer is miles away. I know that it is not mandatory in all states to take the finger print, but it is a notary signing agent best practice to do so.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 6:25pm
Msg #371162

Notarynow is all about webcam notarizations roxie n/m

Reply by MichiganAl on 2/2/11 4:43pm
Msg #371102

Stacie, you sound like you know what you're talking about

You confidently say it's not illegal in all 50 states. You sound so very certain of this. So could you enlighten us as to EXACTLY which states it is legal. And please provide your source.

Also, you said that you've yet to meet anybody that has made a profit being a closing agent. If I send you a video of myself through Notary Now, then I guess you can say you have.

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 4:51pm
Msg #371109

Re: Stacie, you sound like you know what you're talking about

I am not associated with NotaryNow. Since nobody here has bothered to research the issue, I will get the info and post it for you. More to come . . .

Reply by SueW/Tn on 2/2/11 5:07pm
Msg #371116

Re: Stacie, you sound like you know what you're talking about

Stacie, if you search you'll see there's been pages and pages of research done on this "new and wildly successful" company. Most professionals here see it for what it is and the damage it can do.

Things aren't the same in the NSA business as they were say...two or three years ago. IMHO everyone that has replied to you in this thread are extremely successful but that's because they've adjusted and changed as the current times now require. Printing is vital to our business and must be incorporated in your fees, if that's the reason you're not making a profit I suggest you re-examine your business plan.

Do I think this business is self-sustaining? For myself that's a huge NO, not anymore but it was my sole source of income for many years. There are others here like Renee, James, Al, Linda, Brenda who's reputation and client list is solid gold. They are successful because they've worked diligently for years to establish themselves and they're in high traffic areas.

As for this "new innovative company" just remember, if it sounds too good to be true....'nuff said.

Reply by roxierox/TX on 2/2/11 6:23pm
Msg #371160

Re: Stacie, you sound like you know what you're talking about

Well said, Su!!

Reply by Cari on 2/2/11 5:31pm
Msg #371128

Stacie, so when's the wedding? Or are you guys married??

You sound like a woman defintely defending her man! LOL

...please spare us your bull$hit.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/2/11 9:35pm
Msg #371234

Re: Am not a bit surprised to hear you're associated with them

"It is not illegal in all 50 states. "

Yes, it is. There is not a single state that does not currently require personal appearance before a notary, and NO state has yet to define "personal appearance" as being anything other than face to face in the same room. VA seems to be moving in that direction for certain specific situations, but even that is not law yet - and probably would not apply to what NotaryNow is trying to do, even if it became law.

"They are in compliance with the laws of the states that allow them to do what they do."

As of today, that would be 0 out of 50... The SOS of the state under which laws they currently claim to be operating - New Jersey - has said that what they're trying to do is illegal. There is currently NO jurisdiction where what they do is legal, period.

If you (or the puppet master who is controlling you) believe otherwise, please cite the appropriate legal references that support your statement. We are not idiots; we can actually do the research to follow up on that, and there are several people here - attorneys and paralegals - who are very good at it.

"But is is nice that the CEO of the company, Chris, is going to donate his entire 2011 disability pay to the Wounded Warriors Project if 1,000 people "like" his FB page."

If he was that serious about the Wounded Warriors Project, why would he require people to stroke his ego like that - why not just make the donation and be done with it? It's not "nice" - it's just a blatant attempt at self-promotion.

You really must be a shill - no one else could be that misinformed...

Reply by docs1954CA on 2/2/11 4:27pm
Msg #371084

I don't know what you've been smoking Stacie....

But your perception of this web cam Notarization being legal is all wrong.I suspect from your uninformed comments that you are either a troll,an idiot, or a shill posting on behalf of this company, or all of the above.
You stated "I have yet to meet anybody that has made a profit being a closing agent. The cost of printing docs is too huge".Right, we all do this as a "hobby", for the sheer fun of it....are you serious?

I suggest you start working for them right away, your competition will be thrilled when you're arrested and lose your commission.

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 4:36pm
Msg #371094

Re: I don't know what you've been smoking Stacie....

Your post is way out of line. Not professional at all. Like I said, it is not legal in California at this time.
Yes, I am serious -I do not personally know one person that has made a profit, yet. If you are one, please share your sucess story with us. And more importantly, how you keep your printing cost down and how you recoup those costs.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 4:38pm
Msg #371098

It's called a business plan Stacie

And many over the past few years have shared their successes in this forum -

I make a profit - sorry to hear you don't.

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 4:43pm
Msg #371100

Re: It's called a business plan Stacie

Could you please point me to the post about your success story? I do not know what I have done to offend you, but your attitude is very unprofessional. As a matter of fact this entire subject matter is against the Rules & Guidelines.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 4:45pm
Msg #371105

You're kidding right? I'm done with you Stacie.. n/m

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/2/11 5:49pm
Msg #371134

Stacie, Just what area do you service?

If you are one of those $50 to $75 notaries that drives from south of the San Gabriel mountains to, say the Victorville or Palmdale area and take $75 for edocs, no, you aren't going to make any money. I run into SA's that complain about that very thing.

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/3/11 10:45am
Msg #371342

Re: Stacie, Just what area do you service?

Glenn- I won't leave my house for less that a buck twentyfive, and I am swammped. I cover San Diego County. Yeah, I don't even want to meet the peeps taking those offers you spoke aobut. The practice of taking those lowball rates hurts all of us.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 2/2/11 6:51pm
Msg #371178

Re: It's called a business plan Stacie

"As a matter of fact this entire subject matter is against the Rules & Guidelines. "

Really???? Has Harry made up some new rules that I am not aware of?

Reply by Mary Ellen Elmore on 2/2/11 7:27pm
Msg #371194

Re: It's called a business plan Stacie

What is the requirement we post out "success story"?

What would you like to see to prove our success? Tax records? Sorry none of your bees wax.

Please quote the section of the Rules & Guidelines that make anything discussed in this thread a violation of them.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/2/11 9:58pm
Msg #371239

Re: It's called a business plan Stacie

"As a matter of fact this entire subject matter is against the Rules & Guidelines."

Really? You're the one who started this thread, so if it's against the Rules & Guidelines, whose fault would that be?

You've got a really weak position that is not supported by facts - don't blame others for your inability to defend it.

Reply by Mary Ellen Elmore on 2/2/11 7:24pm
Msg #371192

Re: I don't know what you've been smoking Stacie....

Stacie, if you are not making a profit, and anyone else that is not, you really need to get in another line of work.

I make a profit.

How do I keep my printing costs down? I researched printers and bought one that fit my current and projected budgets. I take care of it. I do all my non NSA printing on another printer. I clean it. I refill my toner cartridges and buy re-conditioned ones when I need to. I shop sales for paper. My printing costs average .0264 for paper and toner.

I do not do a job for less than it is actually worth. I have also researched my mileage costs (taking into account gas, oil, wear and tear and regular maintenance of my vehicles that are used in the business).

I value my time accordingly.

I am able to provide home service to BO's in very remote places with no electricity and having to ford creeks--I charge accordingly for that above and beyond service.

I take care to present myself in a friendly yet professorial way to the BOs, TCs and LOs.

I advertise. I network.

I study what is going on in my industry and all its branches and apply that knowledge.

I make enough profit that I was able to fund the start of a new business-Cha'kwaina's Creations.

I have several NOTROT friends that are making a profit as NSAs and I personally know a lady close to a military base that has managed to clear a profit and buy a house, she goes to visit out of state family for 2 weeks at the time and lives a comfortable life on her NSA business.

Another question, why are you not linking to your profile?

Reply by Doris_CO on 2/2/11 5:21pm
Msg #371125

Stacie, this company is preforming an illegal Notary Public act. By law, in all 50 states (so far), the Notary Public is required to ID the signer and the signer is to appear in person before the Notary. The signer either must acknowledge that they are the person who signed or will sign the document or they must take an oath and sign the document in the presence of the Notary Public. A web-cam does not fulfill that obligation. This type of transaction using a web-cam is a perfect set-up for fraud. All you need is some unhappy spouse here in the states to get a friend to pretend to be their soldier spouse who is stationed overseas and have a POA signed over to the unhappy spouse. A house could be sold out from under the soldier, a bank account emptied, children lost, any number of horrible circumstances can happen because of the fraud. And, that Notary Public who knowingly notarized that transaction could end up loosing their commission and who knows what other criminal charges might come about. Before claiming this company is legitimate, you need to spend some time reviewing the Notary Public laws of your state. And, if you're not making a profit on your loan closing business, you probably need to go back to your business plan and determine a new fee that will cover all your expenses. By the way, you've come to the right place to meet people who make a profit as a closing agent.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 5:52pm
Msg #371136

Very nice, polite, concise response Doris...I admire you for

that

"Before claiming this company is legitimate, you need to spend some time reviewing the Notary Public laws of your state. And, if you're not making a profit on your loan closing business, you probably need to go back to your business plan and determine a new fee that will cover all your expenses"

This to someone who's been a notary since 1996 and a signing agent since 2006 -

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/11 6:10pm
Msg #371149

Stacie, this is NOT legal for a CA notary...

I have outright confirmed it with the Sec of State's office directly. No CA notary should be working with this company. To do so would be putting your commission at risk, and your freedom, since if you willingly violate state notary laws, they could put you in jail. No joke.

I believe that this company "thinks" that what they are doing is legal because of their odd interpretation of personal appearance. They also utilize identity verification tools that, while understandable... are NOT acceptable forms of ID in California. They cannot rely on credit file data for ID, which is part of what they do. Their intentions are actually quite good.... but intentions don't mean anything when what they're doing is illegal.

Neither one of their founders is a Notary, nor do they have any notarial experience. They are good salespeople, though. All the same... it still doesn't make it legal.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/11 6:21pm
Msg #371157

"I have yet to meet anybody that has made a profit..."

"I have yet to meet anybody that has made a profit being a closing agent."


Uhm, there are plenty of them right here at NotRot. I know of several who live and pay their bills completely on their signing agent income. They aren't paupers, either.

The ones that don't make a profit are the ones who work for low-ball companies and don't understand how to run an actual business.

The cost of printing docs isn't that "huge" if you invest in proper equipment and manage your expenses properly. That's why you should always charge a doc printing fee, too. If you're actual cost of printing (paper, toner, power) is more than about $15 a package, you're not doing it right. The rest of the doc printing fee covers time, collating, packaging, etc. Most notaries I now charge $25-$40 for doc printing on top of the base signing fee.

If you're taking jobs for $60-$90 total, then you're not making any money. In many cases (it depends on many factors, though) anything less than $125 total per job will keep you operating at a loss.

Reply by Mary Ellen Elmore on 2/2/11 6:44pm
Msg #371174

How do you verify identity?

How do you swear them in for jurats?

How do you watch them sign the document and then apply your seal and signature to it?

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/2/11 8:24pm
Msg #371218

They are only legitimate in their own minds...

It doesn't bother you that what they would be asking you to do is illegal in all 50 states? Do you even know what the law in YOUR State requires as far as physical presence is required? More importantly, do you even care - or do you just see this as another potential income stream?

You're either a shill for them, or someone who is woefully uninformed about the legal responsibilities of a notary. I'm not sure which is worse, but neither is very good. Just go away and find some other place to peddle your BS...

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/3/11 11:24am
Msg #371356

Oh goodness, Stacie Hoover...

You haven't thought this through very well. I've read through your posts and I don't think you have yet grasped that just because the site owners say something does not make it true.

We await remarks or actions from the authorities that this has been reported to.

NASS.org reports that NO STATE as of January 13, 2011 allows for non-personal, physical appearance. You can look up the authority of NASS at their website.

The owners of the NN site are not authorities.

You say that they are "legitimate". Please explain what that means in your words.

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 3:37pm
Msg #371067

Thanks James!!!! I have never charged active duty military personnel for a notarial act. When it comes to a refi, however, I have seen many lenders pay the costs associated with closing, including the notary fee. So you are so correct.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/2/11 2:18pm
Msg #371047

My e-mail to Department of Defense

A press release has recently been issued by NotaryNow.com offering to provide online notarization services to miliary personnel and their families. The press release can be viewed at http://www.pawnotary.com/documents/NotaryNow%20Notarizations%20for%20Military%20Families.pdf.

What the press release does not mention is that online notarization is completely illegal and fraudulent in every single state of the union, and military members are actually placing their families at risk by executing these documents fraudulently which will cause families significant hardship when trying to use the illegal documents. Notarization in every state requires the signer to physically appear before the notary public. This can not be accomplished by webcam, which is what NotaryNow promotes. There are several attorney generals and secretaries of state currently investigating this matter.

I would suggest your thorough investigation into this matter to save your military personnel from getting involved in this entirely illegal and criminal activity.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 2/2/11 2:51pm
Msg #371058

Re: My e-mail to Department of Defense

I sent an e-mail too and got this auto response:

This is an Auto generated response. Please do no reply to this e-mail.
Responses are not monitored.
The Department of Defense Hotline has received your correspondence. You
will be contacted if additional information is required. We appreciate
your bringing this matter to our attention.

Reply by Les_CO on 2/2/11 4:11pm
Msg #371077

Thank you for your effort! At least you tried!!!!

I think their hotline monitor used to be on, or near Pluto?…But since Pluto is no longer a planet, or maybe even Pluto? (Plutoette?) They may have moved? Never mind! I’m sure someone in our great Government that is as concerned about this as we are! Maybe even someone in the VA State Legislature? I’ve heard that some there sometimes frequent that area?

Reply by Roger_OH on 2/2/11 2:59pm
Msg #371063

Hey Robert, not to nitpick, but...

Last week you corrected a poster that the plural of notary public is notaries public.

I would only point out in reference to your DoD email, that the plural of attorney general is attorneys general, not attorney generals.

We all make mistakes...

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 3:45pm
Msg #371071

Re: Hey Robert, not to nitpick, but...

Roger - thanks for the laught. And Robert - geeze does Roger have to be so nitpicky. LOL. Okay Roger, now you get on me about my use of "nitpicky".
Back to the subject: I love and support all of our military peeps, however I agree we do need to protect them. Just not sure that anybody is doing anything wrong with the web cam appearance - after all they will have 2 ID's and the pic will match the face on the web came. The Notary should be able to tell the difference just as if it was actually "in person." I am not certain how I feel about it - so far not on the side of the web came scam.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 3:46pm
Msg #371072

WHAT???!!! Are you serious??? n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 2/2/11 6:26pm
Msg #371163

Re: Hey Robert, not to nitpick, but...

"Just not sure that anybody is doing anything wrong with the web cam appearance - after all they will have 2 ID's and the pic will match the face on the web came."

And how would one know whether someone got someone else's ID and stuck their own photo of the original picture. How would one know that the ID hadn't been tampered with when one cannot physically hold the ID in ones hand?

The signer must be physically in the presence of the notary when having their signature notarized. That is the notary law in all 50 states.

Reply by roxierox/TX on 2/2/11 6:41pm
Msg #371171

Re: Hey Robert, not to nitpick, but...

Stacie, many savy, intelligent and seasoned signing agents have allerted you that this company is running an illegal operation. Yet, you still defend them. In person means to be physically present. There is no getting around that fact.

Reply by Cari on 2/2/11 4:32pm
Msg #371088

..but he's Mr. Perfect Roger LOL n/m

Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 3:40pm
Msg #371068

Re: My e-mail to Department of Defense

@FlaNotary2 - a press release is always written by the company wanting the press. not by the press! That is why "press release" lacks what you want mentioned. It is not a news article, it is free advertisement in a sense.

Reply by Les_CO on 2/2/11 4:43pm
Msg #371101

Stacie I've just read your posts...

and as per your namesake....You suck!

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/2/11 10:28pm
Msg #371244

Re: My e-mail to Department of Defense

"What the press release does not mention is that online notarization is completely illegal and fraudulent in every single state of the union, and military members are actually placing their families at risk by executing these documents fraudulently which will cause families significant hardship when trying to use the illegal documents."

Just a point of information, Robert - our notarization applies only to the signatures on the document and not to the contents, so it would be a stretch to refer to improperly notarized documents as being "illegal".

Other than that, I agree with what you said - in some jurisdictions, an improperly notarized document is going to cause problems, and the last thing a military family needs to deal with is more problems. The entire press release was just an ego-stroke...

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/10/12 12:32pm
Msg #408615

Re: My e-mail to Department of Defense

Robert
I can probably guarantee you will get the same response I did, can't remember what it was, but wasn't what I expected, if you look through NotRot messages from about the time they announced these online notarizations I believe I posted the response I got. I wish I had saved that e-mail.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/10/12 12:35pm
Msg #408616

Re: My e-mail to Department of Defense

Oops, just realized this is an old thread. I just looked for the message number Cari posted and read Robert's post not realizing it was so old.

Reply by jba/fl on 1/10/12 1:58pm
Msg #408629

Re: My e-mail to Department of Defense

I think that you may get better results contacting USAA....they really look out for themselves.....they are all military.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 2:40pm
Msg #371054

Haven't read all the posts yet - I will

but how about going to the media on these guys...

Reply by jba/fl on 2/2/11 3:36pm
Msg #371066

That's a good idea also n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 3:42pm
Msg #371070

How pathetic that a "disabled vet"..and I choke

using that term for him - will try to dupe their own...

Unbelievable..

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 4:57pm
Msg #371113

This company is giving me a real headache. n/m

Reply by Mary Ellen Elmore on 2/2/11 6:18pm
Msg #371155

THis is illegal but you can appear in court before a judge by web cam?

Remember I said I believe this to be illegal and would never participate in it in any which way of form but TN and some other states allow court appearance via webcam.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/2/11 6:21pm
Msg #371158

Yes, you could appear in court by webcam just like many

Appear by phone... But those people have to be sworn in in person by a notary. No officer, not even a judge, can administer oath by phone or webcam.

Reply by Mary Ellen Elmore on 2/2/11 6:41pm
Msg #371172

Re: Yes, you could appear in court by webcam just like many

I fully agree that it has to be done in person.

You are correct--I had forgotten that when you give a court appearance or deposition via webcam or phone a notary (or other officer) has to be present where you are to swear you in.

Did a depo via phone once, my sister was giving testimony in NM for a court in TN. The notary and court reporter were with her and the TN attys on the phone. She was sworn in and then the attys asked their questions.

Reply by Flexo-Graphex Inc. on 2/2/11 6:22pm
Msg #371159

Mary Ellen
You can also testify over the telephone after a Notary is in your presence and administers the oath.

Reply by Mary Ellen Elmore on 2/2/11 7:04pm
Msg #371181

I emailed the DOD

A copy of my email is below:

NotaryNow is offering free notary services to all military families for the year 2011 via webcam.

This is illegal in all 50 states as I understand the laws. I can say for certain it is illegal in TN as I am a notary here and our Notary Handbook, issued by the TN Secretary of State plainly says on page 15, "A notary should under no circumstances take the acknowledgment
of a person who does not appear before the notary since the
statute by express language “personally appeared before me”
demands actual appearance."

The use of these services by military families could put them at great risk. Any document notarized in this way would be subject to court proceedings and according to what the document was could but the military families at great risk of financial loss among other possible losses.

I implore you to investigate NotaryNow.

Here are some web links you will find of interest in investing what I have told you:
http://www.pawnotary.com/documents/NotaryNow%20Notarizations%20for%20Military%20Families.pdf

http://www.facebook.com/pages/NotaryNow/166938456662275

http://notarynow.com/

http://blog.notarynow.com/

http://ctas-notes.ips.utk.edu/public/web/ctas.nsf/EntriesWeb/5EF33060B07D457D862570F1006DA965/$FILE/Notary+Public.pdf

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/2/11 7:21pm
Msg #371190

Wow. Just wow...

Thanks for this, Paul. These guys have amazing hubris - they're going to continue doing what is illegal in all 50 states until some governmental agency stops them. They're currently operating under their interpretation of the laws of NJ (which is flawed, according to the NJ SOS); if that bill in VA passes and becomes law, I'm sure they will switch their policy to either include that law or use it exclusively.

It's unfortunate that they are targeting the military now and making it sound like they deserve a Nobel prize for doing so...

What is really sad is that the general public has no idea what a notary can and can't do - so they read something like this and think "Great! I can just do this over the internet!" Why not? You can do all of your banking on line, why shouldn't you be able to deal with an annoying notarization the same way?"

I'm sure that if this is allowed to continue, there will eventually be an app for that...

IMO, there needs to more more of an education campaign coming from the various state notary associations as well as the NNA. That education should be aimed at both the general public and the legislators, neither of which seem to have ANY clue about the function of a notary.

The day MY state says that the signer no longer has to appear before my personally is the day I resign my commission. It just reeks of the possibility for fraud, and I won't willingly be party to that...

Reply by Mary Ellen Elmore on 2/2/11 7:52pm
Msg #371202

There video

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1759435476056&oid=166938456662275&comments

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 2/2/11 7:55pm
Msg #371207

Excellent answer- I agree whole heartedly

Education of the public will help deter the incorrect notarizations (robo-signers, notarynow, etc.), being perpetrated by so many of the shysters out there trying to circumvent the laws that exist for a reason. The public needs to have a better understanding of why signatures are required to be notarized, and how it helps prevent fraud. We should be asking our SOS to help in this.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/2/11 11:22pm
Msg #371274

Re: Wow. Just wow...

"I'm sure that if this is allowed to continue, there will eventually be an app for that..."

LOL...was thinking the same thing...if you can photocopy a check, and send it to your bank account via picture text, for a deposit, then why not do the same thing for notarization?

WOW is right...these guys gots big cohones...