Posted by Laura Sutterfield on 5/11/11 11:26am
Msg #382859

Invasive Sign up Contract by United Lender Services?

I received by email a sign up package by this company. It asked for the usual stuff, E&O, notary certificate, references, copy of background check etc. But IN ADDITION, it stated that if my background check was not from the NNA, that I would need to fill out a statement of information that asks me for my AND MY SPOUSE'S DL#'s, SSN's, employment and last 10 years of residences. What business is it of their's to need to know all of that???? It also asks for a copy of my DL. I believe any company is NOT entitled to a copy of my DL, just the #. And in the contract it also asks me to completely waive any liability on their part to have all that info (in other words, should someone steal it). Please do NOT blindly give any company this kind of personal information, just because they ask for it. In this day and age of identity theft, we have to be careful.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/11/11 11:35am
Msg #382862

1. "I believe any company is NOT entitled to a copy of my DL, just the #. " IMO that's the one thing they're not entitled to - the number - a copy yes, but a redacted one with all PII blocked out.

2. Your Spouse's DL, SSN and employment info? Absolutely not...unless he's affiliated with your company and will be doing signings through your company.

I, personally, would just hit the "delete" button on that e-mail, especially after reading all their requirements..

Reply by JulieD/KS on 5/11/11 11:40am
Msg #382866

What Linda said. Amen.

Reply by SOCAL/CA on 5/11/11 11:41am
Msg #382867

Two star lowballers.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 5/11/11 12:03pm
Msg #382871

Ditto all the above replies. n/m

Reply by Notarysigner on 5/11/11 1:16pm
Msg #382879

Those providing THAT info will accept installment payments

for their notary work also. My .02

Reply by NJDiva on 5/11/11 1:07pm
Msg #382876

I received that same email this morning...and have been receiving them for a couple of months now...my response was:

"I really appreciate your proposal to join your team. However, after checking Notary Rotary, I think it might be best if I not sign on with your company at this time.

Besides, I’m quite confident that my fees are higher than you are looking to pay.

Thank you for the offer.

Cheryl"

The response I got was:

"Thank you for responding.

We will remove you from our notary network.

Diane

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike McGinnis
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 10:40 AM
To: Diane Kirkwood
Subject: FW: Notary/Closing Agent required information

I assumed she wants removed."

Reply by NJDiva on 5/11/11 1:09pm
Msg #382877

PS...the email came from Mike Mc... n/m

Reply by HisHughness on 5/11/11 1:51pm
Msg #382885

You may not like it, but there is a legitimate reason for a company to ask for a copy of an unexpired, valid drivers license.

We are subcontractors, and use our automobiles in carrying out the principal's business. It is additional assurance for the principal, in the event it is sued as a result of an automobile accident by a signing agent, that the principal hires qualified subs. The principal would want that for the same reason that a principal on a building contract would want assurance that subs were using licensed electricians.

A DL number is not going to give the principal that assurance.

Reply by Les_CO on 5/11/11 2:01pm
Msg #382888

Now there’s a stretch…… even for a lawyer. JMO

Reply by HisHughness on 5/11/11 3:18pm
Msg #382902

***Now there’s a stretch…… even for a lawyer. JMO***

Care to be more explicit with Just Your Opinion, Les, as to where the stretch is?

Reply by Laura Sutterfield on 5/11/11 3:30pm
Msg #382904

I have 2 background checks from 2 different companies, 1 is the NNA. Both of them give my DOB and the date of expiration on my license, 0 points and 0 violations and license status. The NNA's gives the number also. Since ULS asked for a copy of my background check anyway, I still stand by my statement that a company doesn't need my actual copy.

Of course, we all have the choice to turn down any company. We are not forced to accept their terms. That was not the point for me, it was to point out to other notaries who just fill in blanks on these contracts to be cautious. I am skeptical of giving away personal info without knowing why its needed and who will be needing it, because of identity theft, and I don't want it to happen to anybody else.

Reply by Les_CO on 5/12/11 10:44am
Msg #382976

I can’t see how a SS having a copy of a notary’s drivers license will in any way protect them from being sued by said notary in case of an automobile accident? Or in the case of the notary being involved in an accident, and the SS being sued by the third party? I could understand them requiring a copy of the vehicle liability insurance, IF they were contracting for the use of that auto. I don’t believe they are, there are many courier services that use bicycles, and many NSA’s that have their spouse drive them to the signing location.
I also think comparing a SS hiring a notary three states away to a building contractor, hiring licensed electricians is a bit of a reach; maybe hiring “commissioned” notaries would be a like comparison? Must the “licensed electricians” also have a chauffeur’s license to get on the job?
In my case the SS would be hiring my company to do the job. My company has neither a Social Security number or a driver license, as I think the case of many NSA’s using LLC or Corp’s
I can think of many reasons of why a SS would want a copy of a driver’s license, but none of them are legitimate. JMO

Reply by Shelly_FL on 5/11/11 6:46pm
Msg #382929

I refused their offer to sign up and still got an email

confirmation for a signing just the other day. This was the second time receiving an unsolicited confirmation. I responded/returned, siting their rating here and requested to be paid upfront through PayPal. She seemed quite offended and said she would reassign. She added:

"The “rating” your reading is incorrect. ULS pays between disbursement and two weeks. I wish notaries would get all the facts before spreading rumors."

Cry me a river - my offer stands!