Today, I recieved a call from a potential customer. He reported that he needed to have a real estate package notarized and that he wanted to come to my office. Customer X inquired if he could bring his wife driver's license because she gets off work really late and his 84 year old mother's id because she has a hard time getting around, basically bedridden.
The response was "NO", he was informed that all persons signing documents needed to be present and their identification verified. Customer X stated that he was desperate and that he had to get these papers notarized. He was informed that we offered 24 hour mobile notary services, so he was interested.
He reported that it was about 10 documents requiring notarization, he wanted me to come at 10 p.m. Generally, for mortgage packages we charge a set fee, however the general public we charge the statuary allowed fee ($5.00) per document plus a convenience fee which includes travel.
However, when the rate was given, Customer X asked me if I lost my mind! He then went on to say, I taught you would just do everything for $5.00, I will just have to wait to the weekend to get this done. I laughed and my response was, "Good Luck with that!" He asked what I meant and I simply replied, "Stop Trying to Scam Me For Services." It is our job to be mindful of when people are trying to commit fraud.
Notary Publics are often asked to do a lot of things, some crazy, some legit and illegal stuff. Unfortunately, many customers are not knowledgeable the of state laws regarding notary services. It is very pertinent that customers know what a PA Notary can't do or you may be accused of breaking law by asking a notary to do the following:
1. Notarize your documents without without the signer being present. Services will be refused, no exception. You must also present valid identification.
2. Notarize your documents if they are signed before you are in the presence of a notary. You will be asked to resigned them.
3. Provide a copy certification of a birth certificate. You contact the Division of Vital Records. We can assist in making corrections on birth certicates.
4. Notarizing by proxy.
5. Notarize motor vehicle paperwork on Sundays and issue protests on days that banks are closed.
6. Notarize a document that has not been signed.
7. Backdate or forward date a document.
8. Give Legal Advice.
Please be advised that a Notary can to lose their commission, pay a fine and go to jail for committing inappropriate requests.
Urban Knight Enterprises,Inc. **610.935.5944** www.UKENotary.com
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