Posted by mwm143 on 1/21/13 3:56pm
Msg #451412

Professional Settlement ..Stunned by their instruction

I was called today and asked if I could handle a Debt Settlement signing. I told her I was available and she proceeded with instructions that I was represent myself as a paralegal with a law firm. I responded "but I'm not a paralegal nor do I work for a law firm". She replied, yes I know but you need to represent yourself as a paralegal at the lawfirm the customer contacted. I told her I absolutely would not misrepresent myself and couldn't believe I was being advised...... She hung up.

I'm still a little stunned by the conversation especially nowadays!

Reply by La Trese Breaux on 1/21/13 4:08pm
Msg #451414

Wow, I wonder how she could even make such a request, and the nerve of her to just hang up that was rude.

Reply by Malbrough_LA on 1/21/13 4:44pm
Msg #451419

I don't know whether I should laugh or cry at the audacity of some individuals. You were deliberately instructed to lie about your capacity of role. I've had something similar happen one time, but it was not as blatant as what you just experienced...it was more implied and heavily hinted at. My response was roughly as follows: Madam, I have no problem fulfilling the role you are requesting of me just as soon as I receive a signed letter bearing your company letterhead stating that you are making the current request and authorizing me to perform duties outside of my legal capacity. I am acting as an agent of your company now and will be covered by your liability, correct?

I was told, "Never mind we'll find someone else!" in a rather sharp tone. I'd have never complied with the request, but I seriously wanted to hear her response to my contingent acceptance. Had she accepted, I'd have walked next door where my attorney sits.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 1/22/13 10:43am
Msg #451509

Ryan, After viewing your profile, just curious (as was asked in another thread), how do you go about "authorizing mortgages"? Also, since you draft legal documents, are you also an atty, practicing law?

<<Your quote above: "authorizing me to perform duties outside of my legal capacity. I am acting as an agent of your company now and will be covered by your liability, correct?">>

I like it; I am always serving as an agent of the Commonwealth of VA and cannot act in any capacity unless so authorized by these governing powers. And I especially like the "liability" question (if we are performing our assigned roles as NOTARIES, why is "Signing Agent Insurance" needed? If we are not attorneys, why would we be at risk of advising or doing anything else outside the powers of a "publicly appointed official"?)

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/22/13 12:13pm
Msg #451517

The laws of La. are different than any other place in the US

They are more like paralegals.

Reply by Malbrough_LA on 1/22/13 1:15pm
Msg #451523

NVL, I just got done answering Hugh's question regarding mortgage authorization. Not an attorney yet, but will be starting shortly. As far as being able to draft the documents, no, Louisiana allows notaries to perform all of these functions since we are a civil law state. Remember, we're still operating from Napoleonic Code down here. The notary test for us has been best described to me by attorneys I know as "the mini bar exam." BUT, I am looking forward to law school starting!

Either way, before I approve anything or agree to anything for a constituent, I run it past my lawyer. We grew up together and have been friends since grammar school. He doesn't charge me on the condition that I buy him a beer, sit and talk with him, and sign my soul to his law firm when I graduate. Not looking forward to the last one as those were his exact words lol.

Reply by CarolF/NC on 1/21/13 8:00pm
Msg #451456

Is that the name of the company?

and if so, which one? there are a few with that name? Just curious.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/23/13 8:02pm
Msg #451794

It's been a while since there has been much discussion here about debt settlement companies, but there was lots a while back. Most - if not all - of these types of activities I believe are now illegal in California and probably other states as well. The red flag is if there is any fee to be collected in advance of the services they provide. And they usually have a "presentation" they want you to give to their potential client (or "victim").

These folks are vultures who prey on people when they're most vulnerable. I refuse to have anything to do with them. BTW, a structured settlement is completely different, although I don't believe those guys are angels, either.

Reply by LAgal on 1/29/13 8:08am
Msg #452866

I had a call from this company on Jan 27, 2013.......I told her to send me information and I would get back to her (after I called my personal Attorney) I have not add any information sent to me.
My husband and I have been trying to find out more information. The person said that I would take a test (of 12 questions) then I could work for her, $60 per application/closing, only 23 pages..... and they had lots of business.......so she would keep me busy..... SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE....BUT WHY WOULD SOMEONE DO THIS?????
the call came to Gulf Shores, Alabama !!

Reply by Kimberly Guinn on 2/6/13 9:00pm
Msg #454400

I had the same people call me tonight and I thought it sounded shady! Same line about being a Paralegal, $60 fee, no notarization required, just a fax back and a script I had to read. I told them, "No, thank you." I read the script and I couldn't imagine having to read that whole thing to some one. It's not something I would ever feel comfortable doing.