Posted by HisHughness on 10/22/13 2:18pm
Msg #489134

Challenge, challenge, challenge

If anybody tells you that you MUST have an NNA background check because that's what < their > client is demanding, you need to challenge that and tell them it simply is not the case. This is a PM I received today from a lurker on the forum. It is an email she received today.

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Here is the answer from ServiceLink-- we have multiple choices for the background check and are NOT required to do business with the NNA. Sterling is up and running, and the program was established by Fidelity, so it obviously meets their requirements.

XXXXX –
If you are willing to obtain a background check that meets ServiceLink requirements the information is below:
https://usaspecialservices.instascreen.net/quickapp/
As an FYI on background checks it will need to include clear checks of the National Sex Offenders Registry, OFAC (Terrorist Watch List), SSN Trace, County and Federal Criminal History. You can also obtain this from the NNA, Notary Rotary or CrimCheck.
Just make sure all of the checks are covered for approval.
Thank you
DDW
Dawn Woods
Team Leader, Crisis Recruit
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ServiceLink, FNF’s National Lender Platform
400 Corporation Dr. | Aliquippa, PA 15001
(724) 512-4674 (direct dial) | (888) 744-8467 (fax)
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Reply by Frank/NC on 10/22/13 3:26pm
Msg #489145

And when they tell you they simply won't give you work without an NNA background what do you do?

Reply by ME/NJ on 10/22/13 3:34pm
Msg #489146

That is why it's all up to you, stomp your feet hold breath still not going to get you the work if you don't do what they request.

I have not given the NNA money in 10 years and will hold off as long as possible but it may come to it one day. Right now my clients have not sent the letter and if they offer option B take a look at it.

We are pieces of meat, we need a UNION..

Reply by MW/VA on 10/22/13 3:36pm
Msg #489148

Don't even speak that word--it's illegal. n/m

Reply by ME/NJ on 10/22/13 3:37pm
Msg #489149

Right now NR BGC, Lexus are no good for any comp now. n/m

Reply by desktopfull on 10/22/13 5:08pm
Msg #489167

Received 15 calls from clients today all requiring

the NNA background check effective 11/01/13, if I don't comply I won't get any closings. Not open for discussion for any of them. I have no choice now but to comply and give the NNA their punitive fee and hope they choke on it, these are my major accounts for income. Chalk up another win for the NNA and another big expense for notaries. The NNA's claim to fame, devising schemes for gouging a notary for as much as they possibly can.

Reply by CinOH on 10/22/13 10:25pm
Msg #489239

Re: Received 15 calls from clients today all requiring

Do you mind sharing how many of those calls were from signing services vs. title/escrow companies? No need to name any names. I'm just curious.

Reply by MW/VA on 10/22/13 3:35pm
Msg #489147

Stand up to the intimidation--that's what!!! We all know

the profit motives of XYZ in this. It isn't just about a bgc--they won't sell you just that.
We are independent contracts & legally CANNOT BE REQUIRED to be a member of any organization!!!
It's ss that I'm getting the emails from & haven't had one tc I work for ask for this criteria. It's a shill, IMO.
When it comes down to it, it has to be a business decision for each individual. If you're working for cos. that won't use you unless you go the XYZ route then you need to decide if you can afford to pass or not.
For the time being, I have a bgc through NR & I'm not going to go back to the NNA without kicking & screaming! I left that organization a few years back because of their tactics. My viewpoint about then hasn't changed.

Reply by PegiT_MN on 10/22/13 3:38pm
Msg #489150

Class Action Law Suit n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 10/22/13 6:47pm
Msg #489189

No. That dog won't fly. n/m

Reply by ME/NJ on 10/22/13 3:40pm
Msg #489151

NNA just shy of being a union

Pay a fee for membership, need to follow there rules, suggest fee for service. All they need to offer is healthcare plan and pension..lol

Reply by desktopfull on 10/22/13 5:22pm
Msg #489169

Re: Stand up to the intimidation--that's what!!! We all know

Four of my TC's requested the NNA BCG today along with 11 SS's, their effective date is 11/01/13. I either comply or go out of business. Something funny is going on with this sudden demand from so many companies to accept only the NNA's check.

Reply by CJ on 10/22/13 5:53pm
Msg #489172

I guess NNA needs more money.

It's slow for everyone, including the NNA, so I suppose NNA told the lenders their big lie that only THEIR background check is good. So what about the FBI one that all us California notaries are required to have. Now we all can't work without giving NNA some more money for their little stamp of approval. It just shows once again, how self-absorbed they really are. I spoke with one SS that was "requiring" it, and she said that it was their clients that are insisting on it, not them. She told me to send whatever background check I had, and she would use that.

Reply by linda/ca on 10/22/13 6:22pm
Msg #489174

I think I will contact the Calif SOS and let them know XYZ

is telling companies that we do business with, as Notary Signing Agents, that the Background check SOS require of us is NOT sufficient; perhaps they will give that other California company (XYZ) a nudge in the right direction! :-) Just a thought!

Reply by LKT/CA on 10/22/13 6:25pm
Msg #489175

Great thought, linda/ca n/m

Reply by frances arnone on 10/23/13 7:34pm
Msg #489481

Re: Stand up to the intimidation--that's what!!! We all know

I complied and got a BGC from Sterling and still do not get closings from ServiceLink - wait a minute I got 1 last month. Been doing this for 6+ years and have never been this slow. Going for a job interview tomorrow but would rather be a notary closer, love this work, I really hope things pick up.

Reply by LKT/CA on 10/22/13 6:16pm
Msg #489173

Here's my reply to an email

"Dear XXXXXXX,.......Thank you for this information. The problem with getting a background check through the NNA is that the background check is not a stand alone product. In other words, one must first pay for a NNA membership at a fee, and take their Signing Agent exam, also at a fee. THEN one can fork over even more money for their background check. I will NOT be paying THREE separate product fees (membership, signing agent exam, background check), therefore, I will NOT be getting an NNA background check. So feel completely free to remove me from your lists."

Their reply to my reply: "They are accepting a Sterling background check if you would like. Below is the information to obtain that background check......."

It's one thing if the NNA background check "differs" from other background checks, as Marian highlighted in some of her past posts on the subject. If those entities are willing to accept those "differences", that's on them. But it's a whole 'nother thing if their background check requires 2 product purchases BEFORE one can even get the background check. THAT'S what hiring parties don't get....and that's what they need to be made aware of. Even if you bought all three NNA products, what are the stakes for your business? Do you only get lowball offers anyway to where it wouldn't be worth the expense or do you have established clients and long standing business relationships to where you'd become insolvent? The decision won't be an easy one.