What is Internet Catfishing?

When I mention the term "Catfishing" many people think that I'm talking about going fishing for a certain type of fish.  What I'm actually referring to is a relatively new scam.

"Catfishing" is actually an internet scam or hoax in which someone pretends to be someone else online and deceives an unsuspecting victim.

People become "Catfishers" for a variety of reasons.  Some to deal with unresolved issues with their targets or victims while others are trying to lure, harm, intimidate, threaten or just defraud their victims.  These victims are at times children.

Recently a California high school teacher was arrested for a catfishing scam.  He allegedly posed as a woman on Facebook to get his male students to send him sexually explicit pictures.  A lot of times these crimes go unreported.  Sometimes victims are not even aware that they are being scam.



Unfortunately people become familiar with "Catfishing" after they are victims.  Even worse, "Catfishing" isn't illegal in all states.  Online impersonation is not being taken serious by our lawmakers.

Our company is focused on educating the general public about the scams, how they work and what people can do to not become a victim.  We are currently developing a small studio and project to make several short entertaining helpful videosr the public to spread the word about "Catfishing".  We want to launch a nationwide campaign to strengthen both local and federal laws and educate everyone as to the potential dangers this can cause.

Join us in the fight to end Identity Theft and Catfishing.
Click here to join the fight.

Easier Way to Print Documents

Want an easy way to print your docs.... CLICK HERE

How do you print your documents?

Do you print them on a single tray printer?

Do you print all your documents on legal paper and get complaints from your vendors?

Receive last minute assignments and need to print on a single tray in your car?





Printing documents have never been easier.  Introducing Page Separator.  This is a program that will allow you to easily separate legal documents from letter documents in your loan packages.  In just 3 mouse clicks you can separate and print documents.  The Page Separator software never needs repair and it is a fraction of the cost of an expense printer.

Check out what other notaries are saying about the Page Separator

Now available with your choice of 3 different plans: Basic, Standard & Professional.

Page Separator makes printing legal and letter loan documents easier than ever.

Has the Signing Company "FieldChoice" become Desperate

Just as the title suggest, you be the judge.  

The Offer
I received a call from a representative of FieldChoice.  The representative ask if I would be willing to take an assignment that was according to her records 1 1/2 hours from me for $$.  After getting the exact location and  I found that it would actually take me about 2 hours one way to get to the assignment so I countered her offer with my own offer for $$$.  The representative said she had to see if she can get an approval and will call me back.  We ended the call.

The Second Offer
 Received a second call from FieldChoice.  This time the representative stated that he is JD Trinidad and he is the Director of Operations.  He made a offer that was still less than what I asked for.  I told him that I would not be able to do the assignment due to cost and time commitment on my part was greater than the pay out.  I told him to feel free to contact another notary.

So far "Offers" made and in this case "Offers" declined.  Standard notary business stuff right?  Well here is where it gets a little weird ....

Desperate Measures???
JD Trinidad then pulled up my last closing with their company and told me that he believed I overcharged them for my last closing (I will call it Closing X).  Mr. Trinidad then told me I need to work with his company and take the closing at a lower price(this is a standard practice for these type of companies).   Then Mr. Trinidad said something I never heard before.

He said that I (the notary) was an employee of his company base on his companies guidelines and that he could compel me to take the assignment.

At this point I wasn't sure if I was hearing this right so I ask him to repeat it and he did.  I stated that I am a Independent Contractor and that your guidelines apply if I was actually accepting the assignment.  Mr. Trinidad told me again that he was the Director of Operations and compel me to take the assignment.  Once we could not agree on a fee I ended the call.

More Desperate Measures???
Mr. Trinidad, Director of Operations, called me right back and once again brought up being overcharged on Closing X and demanded that I take their closing.  I told them that I definitely will not take their closing and ended the call.

Even More Desperate Measures???
About 5 minutes after this I received an email from Mr. Trinidad.  It stated that they somehow lost or didn't have any of my "notary credentials" and I needed to resend them.  The email also left a vague threat that if they didn't receive these items soon that they would not pay me for jobs I already conducted for them.  I found it interesting that 5 minutes earilier he was demanding that I take an assignment and now all my "notary credentials" have mysterious disappeared.

About 5 minutes later Mr. Trinidad sent me a 2nd email with copy and pasted "Terms and Conditions".  This seems to be another attempt to justify him saying he has Employer rights over notaries.  A little while later I received a 3rd email from FieldChoice.  This one had yet another "Terms and Conditions" and requesting that I take another quiz on behalf of their client.

One last thing, Mr. Trinidad was correct about Closing X.  I did charge more than I usually charge on that type of closing.   After further review I found that when I arrived at Closing X one of the borrowers was not able to appear due to work.  The other borrower was not comfortable signing alone.  I had to make 2 trips and print the documents out twice so I did charged more for the assignment.

Question
Is this an act of desperation or can signing companies like "FieldChoice" demand you take their assignments?    

What do you think?

How One Notary Built A Second Business Out Of Her Day Job | NNA

How One Notary Built A Second Business Out Of Her Day Job | NNA

Affordable Indiana Wedding Officiant

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Your wedding is a serious committment to each other and we would love to enhance this special day for you.   

Where do I find a Notary Public

NEED A NOTARY PUBLIC???

Finding a Notary Public in your area can be quite challenging.  We try to make it simple here, no matter what state or area you live in.  

If you have a basic document that needs to be notarized you usually can take it to your local bank or credit union.  They will usually notarized it for free as long as you have account with them.  Also as long as the document is pretty simple.  

So what do you do if you have a document that needs to be notarized and it is after banking hours?  

This is still not a problem.  In today's world we have what's called "Mobile Notary Services".  These notaries make it convenient for you by coming to your location or to a location that is convenient for you and will notarize your documents.  There will be a small fee(usually starting at about $25.00) for this services, but you can't beat the value and the time it will save you.  

Schedule a Notary Now by Clicking Here

or 

Call for a quote at

317 403 1282

How do I find a Notary in my area

Need a Notary Public???

 

If you have a basic document that needs to be notarized you usually can take it to your local bank or credit union.  They will usually notarized it for free as long as you have account with them.  Also as long as the document is pretty simple.  

So what do you do if you have a document that needs to be notarized and it is after banking hours?  This is still not a problem.  In today's world we have what's called "Mobile Notary Services".  These notaries make it convenient for you by coming to your location or to a location that is convenient for you and will notarize your documents.  There will be a small fee(usually starting at about $45.00) for this services, but you can't beat the value and the time it will save you.  

SCHEDULE A NOTARY NOW BY CLICKING HERE

OR

Call for a quote at

317 403 1282

How To Find A Notary Near Me

NEED A NOTARY PUBLIC?

Finding a Notary Public in your area can be quite challenging.  We try to make it simple here, no matter what state or area you live in.  

If you have a basic document that needs to be notarized you usually can take it to your local bank or credit union.  They will usually notarized it for free as long as you have account with them.  Also, as long as the document is pretty simple.  

So what do you do if you have a document that needs to be notarized and it is after banking hours?  This is still not a problem.  In today's world we have what's called "Mobile Notary Services".  These notaries make it convenient for you by coming to your location or to a location that is convenient for you and will notarize your documents.  There will be a small fee(usually starting at about $25.00) for this services, but you can't beat the value and the time it will save you.  

Schedule a Notary Now by Clicking Here

or 

Call for a quote at

317 403 1282

Core CE Workshops in July

Core CE Workshops in July

7 CE Core Hours

(Approved by the Indiana Department of Insurance)

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Old National Bank

1430 S Rangeline Road

Carmel, IN 446032

9:20am - 4:30pm

Facilitated by 2010 National Notary of the Year,

Daniel C. Lewis

Registration fee is just $109.00

Lunch is included in the price

Register Here

Register by clicking here on Paypal

Pay by Visa, MC, Discover or American Express

You do not need to have a Paypal Account

We are focusing on making 2014 the best year ever for Indiana Notaries by offering special discounts on CE classes, free workshops, networking opportunities and much, much more.  Our workshops will cover the "NEW" Standards by the SPW, ethics, best practices, Acknowledgments, Jurats, E&O Insurance, etc.

This workshop has been designed to help you pass the Annual Notary Exam given by he SPW so you can get more business.

Our workshops have been designed by Notary Signing Agents for Notary Signing Agents.

These workshops have been approved by the Indiana Department of Insurance.  Seating is limited so register today.

Indiana Notary Admits to Scam

Notary Public admits to taking 16 victims in a scam

Indianapolis Notary Melissa Hodge was caught selling individuals information to ID thieves for $20 and up.
Read more.....



 

Facebook Profile: Business Or Pleasure?

Facebook Profile: Business Or Pleasure?: Most of us have personal Facebook profiles to connect and share with our friends and family. But is what you’re sharing on your personal profile appropriate for signing services and other business clients?



 

The Certified Signing Specialist Code Of Conduct: Guiding Principle 1

The Certified Signing Specialist Code Of Conduct: Guiding Principle 1: NNA Vice President of Legislative Affairs Bill Anderson discusses Guiding Principle 1.



 

SigningAgent.com Profiles Updated With New E&O Options

SigningAgent.com Profiles Updated With New E&O Options: Any Signing Agent who carries a non-NNA E&O policy can now officially list their coverage on SigningAgent.com.



 

Five Alternate Ways To Earn Income

Five Alternate Ways To Earn Income: Over the past year the NNA has been highlighting a number of resources for signing agents to earn income amid the real estate downturn.





 

Blogging Etiquette for Notaries

Since the mortgage industry slow down over the last couple of months, several notaries have taken to reading and writing blogs.  When you first start blogging, like anything else, there is a trial and error  period.  Some notaries are finding out the hard way, (by being banned from some groups) what proper etiquette is.  Etiquette is defined as rules governing socially acceptable behavior.  I would like to suggest a few blogging etiquette guidelines that might help everyone express feelings more effectively.

        

     1.  Source your Blog  When stating that something is a “fact” in your blog, ensure that you either mention the source or put a link to the source.  If you, the blogger, are quoting a conversation between you and another party or quoting conversations between two other parties get permission from all parties to post.  This will definitely bring the proper credibility to your post.

2.  Always stay Professional.            If you disagree with another person, company, or agency position on a topic and want to communicate it in your blog, make sure your communication is professional and respectful of your readers.  For the last several months, notaries “Professional Code of Conduct” has been at the forefront of the blogging discussion.  This is in part due to the perception of some lenders and title companies that all NSAs are unprofessional.  Calling someone who disagrees with you names and using profanity in your post, brings negativity and loss of credibility for your blog.  It also plays directly into the myth that all NSAs are unprofessional.

           
      3.  Properly prepare for negative comments.  Properly brace yourself for handling negative comments on your blog.  According to Gala Darling, owner of galadarling.com and recently named one of the 10 most influential style bloggers in the world, blogging is like giving birth or creating a new piece of art.  People don’t realize how much work that goes into them.  Some people could be looking to garner attention for themselves at your expense by publicly attacking you on your blog.  There is no one way to handle this best.  Some strategies used by professional bloggers have been to develop a policy for handling negative comments before they come.  Always try to remember that negative comments are never about you or what you’ve written, they are always about the person who wrote them.         

      4.  Follow up.  Be sure to follow up with those people who were kind enough to take a moment and post a comment.  Let them know you truly appreciate them stopping by your blog and taking the time to drop a line.   

  

For more information on Blogging and Social Media CLICK  HERE


 If you have more tips that would help others with blogging, please feel free to share them here.

2014 Montana Notary Conference

The 2014 Montana Notary Conference will be held on April 4-5, 2014 at

Helena Colonial Hotel - Red Lion

2301 Colonial Drive

Helena, Montana 59601

REGISTER HERE

Registration includes six sessions with nationally-recognized notary experts.  With over twenty options, participants have the flexibility to choose the seminars that will benefit them the most.  

Sessions will address topics such as:

• Basic and advanced notary skills
• Notary law and ethics for legal, financial and medical professionals
• New regulations that directly impact notaries in the real estate and financial industries
• Special requirements for notaries working in hospitals and other institutions
• Prevention of financial exploitation of the elderly
• CFPB requirements for independent signing agents and notaries in financial institutions
• Notarizations of documents being sent to foreign countries
• Notarizations of Montana motor vehicle titles
• Income opportunities for notaries

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tax Tips For The Self-Employed Notary

Tax Tips For The Self-Employed Notary: With Uncle Sam’s tax deadline looming, it’s time for Notary entrepreneurs to start getting their records together. The key is finding the tax deductions and write-offs that work best for you.





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Hotline Tip: Can A Seal Be Applied To A Document Without Notarial Wording?

Hotline Tip: Can A Seal Be Applied To A Document Without Notarial Wording?

Proper Fit For A Formal Business Suit (Infographic)

Proper Fit For A Formal Business Suit (Infographic): The business world has changed over the years, allowing for a wide range of acceptable, workplace attire. But there are times — such as a job interview or new client meeting — where a suit is the order of the day.





 

WWYD Answer: The Case Of Healthy Signing Agent Competition

WWYD Answer: The Case Of Healthy Signing Agent Competition

Correcting Certificate Mistakes No Longer Allowed In California

Correcting Certificate Mistakes No Longer Allowed In Californi

Alternate Income Opportunity: Mobile Exam Proctors

Alternate Income Opportunity: Mobile Exam Proctors: Though the mortgage market is sluggish, there’s a growing field with work potential for Notaries seeking to supplement their primary careers and make extra money — proctoring exams for online students.

 

Core CE Workshop in NW Indiana

We are focusing on making 2014 the best year ever  for Indiana Notaries by offering special discounts  on CE classes, free workshops, networking opportunities  and much, much more.  Our workshops will  cover the "NEW" Standards by the SPW,  ethics, best practices, Acknowledgments,  Jurats, E&O Insurance, etc. This workshop has been designed to help you pass the  Annual Notary Exam given by the SPW so you can  get more business. Our workshops have been designed by Notary Signing Agents  for Notary Signing Agents. 7 CE Core Hours (Approved by the Indiana Department of Insurance) Saturday, February 8, 2014 Indiana Wesleyan University 8415 Georgia Street Merrillville, IN 46410 9:20am - 4:30pm    Facilitated by 2010 National Notary of the Year,  Daniel C. Lewis Registration fee is just $99.00 Lunch is included in the price Register Here Register by clicking here on Paypal Pay by Visa, MC, Discover or American Express You do not need to have a Paypal Account Previous Blog Top Apps for Notaries Indiana Notaries help feed the Homeless Indiana Notary Day 2013 In Pictures

MBA: Mortgage Lending To Hit 14-Year Low In 2014

MBA: Mortgage Lending To Hit 14-Year Low In 2014

Secrets To Being A Productive Notary Entrepreneur (Infographic)

Secrets To Being A Productive Notary Entrepreneur (Infographic)

Signing Agent Accused Of Selling Borrowers' Information To Identity Thieves

Signing Agent Accused Of Selling Borrowers' Information To Identity Thieves: An Indianapolis, Indiana, signing agent is facing criminal charges for allegedly selling personal information collected from borrowers to identity thieves, betraying the trust of the mortgage finance industry and her duty as a Notary Public to protect consumers.

Hotline Tip: What's A Notary's Best Protection Against A Lawsuit?

Hotline Tip: What's A Notary's Best Protection Against A Lawsuit?

Hotline Tip: Power Of Attorney Notarization

Hotline Tip: Power Of Attorney Notarization

Overview Of The Certified Signing Specialist Code of Conduct

Overview Of The Certified Signing Specialist Code of Conduct

CFPB Identifying Consumer 'Pain Points' To Help Improve Mortgage Closings

CFPB Identifying Consumer 'Pain Points' To Help Improve Mortgage Closings: In its ongoing effort to protect consumers in the mortgage lending process, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is calling on the public to report their experiences and suggestions on how the loan closing process can be improved.

WWYD Answer: The Case Of The Missing Figures

WWYD Answer: The Case Of The Missing Figures: On Dec. 19 we posed a scenario, The Case of the Missing Figures, about a Notary who was asked by a signer to notarize a promissory note that was missing critical information, including the final loan amount. The Notary refused to notarize the incomplete document, but the signer kept insisting. The question is: Was the Notary correct in refusing the notarization, and what explanation should be given to the signer?

Kansas Sends First Electronic 'Apostille' Certificate

Kansas Sends First Electronic 'Apostille' Certificate: Kansas recently became the first U.S. state to send a paperless apostille — a certificate used to verify notarial acts and other important records — to another country.

2013 Notary Laws: The Year In Review

2013 Notary Laws: The Year In Review: 2013 was a light year for Notary-related legislation based on the number of bills introduced. But the bills that did pass were not light on substance.

Five Myths About Background Screenings Explained

Five Myths About Background Screenings Explained: Christopher Ballas, CEO of Backgrounds Online — the company that conducts background screenings for the NNA — spoke with the Notary Bulletin to answer questions about how his firm conducts screenings and clear up some common misconceptions about background checks.