Before I started notarizing loan documents, there was a lesson that came with a big price tag for the company that uses me most.
They were doing a loan for a couple going through an "amicable" divorce. The wife could not be at the document signing. The agent had borrowed a notary journal from a notary that was unavailable for the appointment. (If this was a movie, the storm clouds would be gathering at this point and thunder would be softly rumbling off in the distance).
The husband said, "My wife knows what we're doing. I've explained it all to her and it's okay for me to sign for her." Not only did this agent allow him to sign for her, the client used his pinky finger to create a fraudulent thumbprint for her in the notary journal.
The loan funded.
Then came the call... from the wife's lawyer.
One demand from the lawyer set in motion a very costly settlement for the broker. The lawyer said, "Show me her thumbprint and this all goes away." The wife had not agreed to the terms of the loan. Even if she had, the broker still had a big problem and the notary's career was in major jeopardy.
I'm so very glad that this story is not about me, but it did act as a wake up call that this is serious business with big consequences for sloppy work or careless blunders.
Something that has cost me a little bit of money along the way, but has protected my career, is saying, "If I never do it wrong, I never have to worry." I love living life as stress-free as possible. Even the smallest corner being cut or favor being issued that creates an appearance of fraud or is outright fraud can come back to bite me at any time. It's like a time bomb that may or may not go off.
In this business my integrity is everything. Losing it can cost me everything.
- Dennis
If you have home loan clients in the Southern California area and you'd like to have the level of customer service I provide, please feel free to contact me for your loan document signings. (949) 842-7682
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