Posted by kkarate on 4/24/12 3:02pm
Msg #418771

Detained by Police

Client and NJ Police were waiting for me at the closing. I was detained and interrogated. All documents were confiscated. This was a case of fraud. I could not find the place and the client directed me to it over the phone. When I arrived the police boxed me in. The client called to cancel but the title company didn't want to here it. So no one notified the notary.

Reply by ME/NJ on 4/24/12 3:04pm
Msg #418772

That sucks, maybe you will get a 100mph escort back n/m

Reply by Anita Edwards on 4/24/12 3:10pm
Msg #418774

Now that is an exciting closing. Wow. I don't think anyone could ever top that.

Reply by NJDiva on 4/24/12 3:15pm
Msg #418778

Whaaaat? Can they really confiscate those doc's? lol

How come I never have that much fun? I find it pretty funny.

I hope you weren't traumatized too much. I don't mean to be flip. I hope you are okay. I must admit, I'd be totally freaked about being surrounded by the cops. I hope they didn't have their guns drawn.

Pretty crazy.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/24/12 3:20pm
Msg #418779

This is a great story to remember for those times...

when we get asked by borrowers how to get into this business and told that it looks easy! I think we should all keep a few of these filed away in our memory banks for those folks who think this would be a slam-dunk way to make extra pocket money...

Not to make light of your situation, either, though. I think I'd be a bit freaked out, myself. What a shame that no one managed to clue you in in advance!

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/24/12 4:10pm
Msg #418784

<<<This was a case of fraud.>>>

How so? Who were the fraudsters? What kinds of questions did the police ask you?

Reply by CinOH on 4/24/12 4:13pm
Msg #418785

Wow. I've never heard of the cops setting up a sting on a closing before. Not even in the case of suspected fraud.

The client told title to cancel because the transaction was fraudulent and the title company refused to cancel? I don't think I'd work for that company again. That was a potentially dangerous situation they sent you into. Scary.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 4/24/12 4:25pm
Msg #418788

Seems to me that they would have wanted the fraudulent signer's signature on those docs to prove their case. But, I don't know the entire story so just guessing here.

Reply by MikeC/TX on 4/24/12 4:53pm
Msg #418791

What did they ask you?

What I don't quite understand is why the sting operation was necessary in the first place - if the BO wanted to cancel the signing and the title company refused, all the BO had to do was not show up. I'm sure they didn't share their reasoning with you, but it does have me wondering about the type of fraud that was about to take place and what part the TC was playing in it.

One small nit to pick; it's just meant as an FYI and not a criticism. The client is the one that hired you (usually either the TC or an SS). Unless the guy waiting there with NJ's finest hired you directly, he was your customer. Two totally different relationships.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 4/24/12 5:31pm
Msg #418793

DON'T SHOOT, I'M JUST THE NOTARY!!!!!

Glad that you are ok.
As are others, I am curious as to the nature of the alleged fraud that prompted the customer to call the cops, before he signed any dox. Also why that thought that you were involved beyond being the bearer of the dox.
If they decide to reschedule, I suggest that you pass.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 4/24/12 6:09pm
Msg #418797

Will you be billing SS/TC for a no-sign or for Full amount?

Aside from that, like everyone else I am glad to hear that you are ok and looking forward to hearing more details.

I agree with Bob, if they call you for a reschedule I'd pass.

Reply by Mia on 4/24/12 6:54pm
Msg #418798

Since details are sketchy

If this were me, I would get the Police report on this. You never know
what may turn up in the Police Report.

I feel something is missing in this story.


..

Reply by jba/fl on 4/24/12 7:06pm
Msg #418799

There is a lot missing. n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 4/24/12 8:50pm
Msg #418808

I don't see how they detained you, unless it was because you

had the docs in your possession. Possession of docs isn't like possession of drugs, after all.LOL
Sorry, just trying to add a little humor to a horrible situation. I hope you're ok, and that the tc & lender stepped up to clear up the matter.

Reply by kkarate on 4/24/12 9:27pm
Msg #418810

Re: I don't see how they detained you, unless it was because you

I did have the documents. Just like I do in any other closing. The borrower though I worked for the lender, Just like any other closing. The borrower though that the police would stop me from using her information with out her permission. They didn't know that I don't work for the lender.

Outside of that, I am O.K.

Reply by NJDiva on 4/24/12 11:30pm
Msg #418816

OMG! That makes it even funnier...lmao...rofl

How old was this person?

Reply by MW/VA on 4/25/12 9:05am
Msg #418825

That sounds like an identity theft situation. Did you find

out if they had applied for a loan in the first place? This is really strange.

Reply by LindaD/NJ on 4/25/12 8:25am
Msg #418823

kkarate, Am I reading this right? The borrowers were cancelling or cancelled the closing and the title company still wanted it to happen? The title company or signing service did not notify you that it was off? If this is correct, why was the borrower directing you to their home? Did they WANT you to be detained and questioned by the police when you arrived?! Was the loan package bogus? Is that it? This is rediculous to say the least.

Reply by MonicaFL on 4/25/12 9:05am
Msg #418826

Is the title company going to pay you anyway? I think I would report them to whoever you report them to in your area.

Reply by jnew on 4/25/12 11:45am
Msg #418845

I don't mean to imply that you are not telling the truth, but unless one of the parties was a fugitive for a capital crime, this scenario will not take place. I do like this type of post, though, keep them coming.

Reply by Clem/CA on 4/25/12 12:19pm
Msg #418848

I don't mean to say that your approach to saying what you mean is lame, but, well say what you mean and don't use an apology that you don't mean as the opening of your post, it sounds lame. Know what I mean?

Reply by bfnotary on 4/25/12 1:21pm
Msg #418857

Ok, I have a question. If you need to see a therapist over this, Is that a tax deductible? Lol j/k. Glad you are ok.

Reply by HisHughness on 4/25/12 4:31pm
Msg #418880

Okay, now the signing services have gone too far.

It was bad enough when they fined you $10-20 for printing on the wrong size paper. Now they're actually siccing the cops on you? I'm gonna find another line of work. Wal-Mart greeters, here I come.