Avoid Being A Victim: Vetting Signing Companies
August 21, 2012
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The NNA Remembers Linda Bazar, Vice President And Chief Financial Officer
April 27, 2012
Linda Bazar served as the National Notary Association's Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1990 until 2002, when she lost her years-long battle with breast cancer. We were deeply affected by her passing and, in response, the National Notary Foundation established the Linda Bazar Breast Cancer fund to benefit national cancer research programs — including the City of Hope — to help battle the deadly disease that robbed us of our good friend and colleague.
MoreTennessee Bill Requiring Loan Signings To Be Handled By Attorneys Fails
March 22, 2012
A bill before the Tennessee General Assembly that would have barred Notary Signing Agents from handling the signings of some home loans has been withdrawn by its sponsor, preserving the role of Notaries in the real estate loan signing process.
MoreHotline Tip: What Is The Required Wording In A Jurat Signature Line?
March 22, 2012
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HUD Recommending Sanctions Against Bank 'Robo' Notaries
March 22, 2012
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is considering sanctions against Notary employees of at least one of the five banks involved in the $25 billion National Mortgage Settlement and may recommend sanctions against Notaries of the other four banks.
MoreNational Notary Association Names Veteran Professional Thomas A. Heymann President and Chief Executive Officer
March 21, 2012
Expanding its leadership in Notary education at a time when national demand for trusted notarizations and consumer protection is at an all-time high, the National Notary Association has named Thomas A. Heymann its new President and Chief Executive Officer.
MoreMortgage Fraud Reports Jump 20 Percent
March 15, 2012
The number of reports of suspected mortgage fraud jumped 20 percent in the third quarter of 2011 from the previous year, and most cases involved loans made four or more years ago, according to the latest report from the federal government.
MoreRecord Of Notarizations Mandated By National Mortgage Settlement
March 15, 2012
The nation’s five largest mortgage servicers now must maintain records of all foreclosure-related notarizations performed on their behalf by employees or third-party contractors, according to details of the National Mortgage Settlement released this week.
MoreMarch Webinar Will Revisit Use Of Credible Identifying Witnesses
March 15, 2012
In response to requests from Notaries, the NNA will be hosting a second webinar on the proper use and recording of credible witnesses during a notarization Friday, March 23. The webinar is complimentary to NNA members.
MoreNorth Carolina Bar Reaffirms The Role Of Notary Signing Agents In The State
March 15, 2012
The North Carolina State Bar has once again cleared the path for Notary Signing Agents to operate in the state after reaffirming a nine-year-old opinion that allowed nonattorney Notaries to handle real estate loan signings, with certain stipulations.
MoreHotline Tip: What Fee Can I Charge For Performing an Inspection?
March 15, 2012
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California, Feds Focus On Halting 'Robo-Signing' Practices
March 08, 2012
California Attorney General Kamala Harris has announced legislation — dubbed the “California Homeowner Bill of Rights” — that would protect homeowners against illegal foreclosure acts and predatory lending. If the package becomes law, all lenders who do business in the state would have to meet a set of specific requirements before instituting a foreclosure process or face legal action and fines that could overturn the foreclosure.
MoreNNA Addresses Corporate Notarization Best Practices And Training At MBA, PRIA Conferences Following National Mortgage Settlement
March 08, 2012
The possibility of a national mortgage servicing standard including Notary training will force financial institutions across the nation to strengthen their internal policies and procedures, according to the NNA’s Business Outreach Specialist Chris Sturdivant.
MoreImmigration Section Advisor: Crystal Williams
March 08, 2012
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Hotline Tip: Does A Florida Notary Commission Allow Me To Perform Out-Of-State Weddings?
March 08, 2012
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Final Call: Participate In the NNA's 2012 Notary Census Survey
March 01, 2012
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Quiz: Workplace Notary Policies
March 01, 2012
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Three Flawed Notary Practices That Put You At Risk
March 01, 2012
Flawed Notary practices can put you at serious risk. No matter how urgently a document needs to be notarized, or how demanding a client or employer is, violating the essential rules of notarization leaves you exposed to lawsuits.
MoreForecasted Foreclosure Rise Comes With Increased Scrutiny Of Notarizations
March 01, 2012
The recent $25 billion national mortgage settlement is expected to cause a spike in foreclosures nationwide this year, according to industry tracking firms RealtyTrac Inc. and Fitch Ratings. As banks process the backlog of foreclosures that have been shelved for the last eighteen months, Notaries will increasingly be called on to perform more transactions.
MoreCompanies Still Liable For 'Robo' Practices Even After Historic Settlement
February 23, 2012
Financial institutions and the third-party contractors that service loans are still liable for the improper notarization and document signing practices exposed by the “robo-signing” crisis, even after the $25 billion national mortgage settlement with federal agencies and 49 state attorneys general.
MoreThe NNA Seeks Your Responses In Its 2012 Notary Census Survey
February 23, 2012
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Corporations Seek To Strengthen Notary Practices Following $25 Billion National Mortgage Settlement
February 23, 2012
With the $25 billion national mortgage settlement announced between government officials and major banks, the financial industry is taking a hard look at changing widespread shoddy document practices that precipitated the national “robo-signing” crisis — and the NNA is addressing the growing need for best practices training for Notary employees and supervisors.
MoreHotline Tip: What Should I Do If I Applied My Stamp Upside Down?
February 23, 2012
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'Robo' Foreclosure Settlement Includes Extensive Compliance Mandate, Leaves Door Open To Legal Action, Financial Liability
February 16, 2012
The historic, $25 billion settlement requires mortgage servicers to implement “unprecedented” changes to protect consumers and to halt the widespread pattern of improper notarizations and document signings that sparked the foreclosure crisis. The settlement, announced on February 9, also leaves open the possibility of further civil penalties, lawsuits and criminal prosecutions.
MoreDeficient Bank Documents Over Loan Ownership Prove Beneficial For Borrowers In State Court
February 16, 2012
Deficient documentation over mortgage ownership is causing a mess for financial institutions in state courts and, as a result, borrowers in a number of states have won recent court rulings over foreclosure actions.
MoreFebruary 24 Webinar Covers Differences In Common Notarial Acts
February 16, 2012
Notaries looking for clarity on the difference between various notarial acts can find help on Feb. 24 when the NNA presents the latest webinar in its continuing series, titled: Acknowledgments, Jurats, and Oaths — What’s the Difference?
MoreHotline Tip: Can I Help A Signer Choose What Form To Use?
February 16, 2012
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NNA To Address Corporate Notarization Best Practices And Training At MBA, PRIA National Conferences
February 16, 2012
The National Notary Association (NNA) will participate in two important national conferences this month to address the crucial need for sound corporate notarial policy and proper training for Notaries and their supervisors — issues that emerged from the “robo-signing” foreclosure crisis and recent joint state-federal settlement with five of the nation’s largest banks.
MoreHistoric 'Robo-Signing' Foreclosure Settlement Mandates Corporate Best Practices For Financial Institutions
February 10, 2012
The National Notary Association is offering its Notary management expertise, guidance and corporate best practices to financial institutions seeking to comply with the terms of the national foreclosure settlement announced on February 9 — the largest mortgage industry settlement in U.S. history.
MoreMissouri AG Brings Criminal Indictment Against Key Player In 'Robo' Crisis
February 10, 2012
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has announced that DOCX, LLC — a key mortgage document processing firm at the center of the foreclosure “robo-signing” crisis — and its founder have been charged in sweeping felony indictments that accuse them of forgery and making false declarations related to mortgage documents.
MoreUtah Proposes Regulating Immigration Consultants
February 10, 2012
Amid the Federal government’s nationwide campaign to combat immigration service fraud, the Utah Legislature is considering a bill that would regulate nonattorneys who offer immigration services, and prohibit them from using misleading foreign-language titles such as “Notario Publico” to promote their services.
MoreHotline Tip: What Does 'SS' Mean On A Notarial Certificate?
February 10, 2012
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California, New York Attorneys General Question 'Robo' Settlement Terms
February 02, 2012
Attorneys General Kamala Harris of California and Eric Schneiderman of New York both say they will likely reject the terms of the nationwide foreclosure “robo-signing” settlement because they don’t go far enough to protect consumers and hold major banks accountable.
MorePattern Of Fraud Suspected With New Mexico Driver's Licenses Issued To Immigrants
February 02, 2012
A smoke shop, a car repair shop and even nonexistent locations have been used as addresses by scores of foreign nationals to obtain driver’s licenses in New Mexico, and those findings suggest a pattern of fraud, a spokesman for the Governor’s office said.
MoreHotline Tip: What If An Older Signer Lacks ID?
February 02, 2012
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Oklahoma Bill Would Require Recordkeeping Of Election Documents
February 02, 2012
As the 2012 election year begins, the Oklahoma Legislature is considering a bill that would require Notaries to maintain a log of all absentee ballot affidavits they notarize for a period of at least two years after the date of the election.
MoreQuiz: Practices That Protect You As A Notary
February 02, 2012
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New Jersey Law Imposes Stiff Penalties For Unauthorized Practice Of Law
January 26, 2012
As part of a continuing national effort against fraud targeting immigrants, the New Jersey General Assembly has enacted a new law that increases penalties — including lengthy prison sentences — for individuals convicted of knowingly engaging in the unauthorized practice of law (UPL).
MoreHotline Tip: How Do I Find Out What Notarial Act Is Required?
January 26, 2012
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Class-Action Lawsuit Filed In Nevada Over 'Robo-Signing' Scandal
January 26, 2012
The mortgage servicing firm accused of running a massive 'robo-signing' scheme in Nevada and directing Notary-employees to improperly notarize thousands of documents has been named in a class-action lawsuit by local homeowners.
MoreThe NNA's February Webinars Focus On Error-Free Loan Signings, Different Notarial Acts
January 26, 2012
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California Man Pleads Guilty In Stolen Notary ID Case
January 26, 2012
A Sacramento, California, man has pleaded guilty in federal court to helping orchestrate a $19 million mortgage fraud scheme that at one time had co-opted the identity of the National Notary Association’s 2007 Notary of the Year Joan Sampson.
MoreImproper Notarizations, Foreclosure Misconduct Drive Lawsuits Against Mortgage Industry To Record Levels
January 19, 2012
The number of lawsuits filed against mortgage lenders, servicers and other companies in the industry hit a record high in the third quarter of 2011, according to the most recent release of the Mortgage Litigation Index.
MoreFederal, State Crackdowns Focus On Strengthening Identity Security
January 19, 2012
Due to rising incidents of fraud and imposture, the federal government and the state of Hawaii last week took aggressive steps to crack down on identity fraud and strengthen issuance of driver’s licenses and ID cards.
MoreSmithsonian Exhibit Features Notary Public At Work
January 19, 2012
With Notaries continuing to gain national and international recognition, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. is featuring an innovative exhibition by video artist Ali Kazma that’s all about notarization.
MoreHotline Tip: How Do I Report An Improper Notarization?
January 19, 2012
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January Webinar Will Address How To Verify Identity In A Multi-Cultural World
January 17, 2012
The next installment of the NNA’s “Commonly Asked Questions” webinar series will be held Friday, January 27 addressing the important topic: How to ID in a Multi-Cultural World. A total of three webinar sessions will be held due to increased demand.
MoreTrusted Notary Protection Initiative Helps Alabama And Michigan Notaries Comply With New State Laws
January 13, 2012
The National Notary Association has implemented a Trusted Notary Protection support initiative in Alabama and Michigan to help Notaries comply with an unprecedented group of new laws to protect the public from fraud but also significantly increases Notaries’ exposure to liability.
MoreJanuary Poll Results
January 13, 2012
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New Michigan Anti-Fraud Laws Send Warning To Notaries, Businesses: Accountability And Penalties Increasing
January 12, 2012
The National Notary Association informs Michigan Notaries and employers that, effective January 1, 2012, a package of eight new state laws establish severe penalties for improper or illegal notarizations related to the mortgage lending process.
MoreNew Director Of Federal 'Watchdog Agency' To Tighten Oversight Of Mortgage Servicers, Financial Institutions
January 12, 2012
The federal government has joined a growing number of states in investigating and prosecuting “robo-signing” and notarial misconduct within the mortgage industry with the appointment of former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray as the first director of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
MoreHotline Tip: Do I Need To Request ID From A Signer I've Seen Before?
January 12, 2012
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National Notary Association Launches Notary Support Initiative In Alabama Following Historic Bond Increase
January 10, 2012
The National Notary Association has implemented its Trusted Notary Protection initiative in Alabama to help the state’s 67,000 Notaries comply with an unprecedented new law that significantly increases their exposure to liability as it boosts public protections.
MoreThe NNA Celebrates 55th Anniversary With Full Slate Of Exciting Events, Programs
January 05, 2012
Get ready for a wide-ranging slate of valuable programs and exciting events in 2012 as the NNA embarks on its 55th Anniversary celebration — a time in which the Notary community reflects upon our decades of progress, and forges ahead with new resolve to strengthen the American Notary office.
MoreNew Penalties For Fraudulent Real Estate Notarizations Take Effect In Michigan
January 05, 2012
On January 1, 2012, it became a felony in Michigan to violate state Notary regulations when notarizing real property or mortgage documents — a move by state lawmakers to combat “robo-signing” practices and mortgage fraud, and to put the state’s employers and Notaries on notice that unethical practices will be prosecuted.
MoreConference 2012 Sweepstakes Winner Amber Hall: 'I Can't Wait To Sharpen My Skills'
January 05, 2012
Thousands of new Notaries every year seek out the NNA for training, service and support they can’t get anywhere else. One lucky Notary did just that in 2011 and, in the process of engaging with our ever-expanding Notary community, won a highly valuable prize: A trip to the NNA’s 2012 Conference this June!
MoreHotline Tip: What If There's No Room For My Seal?
January 05, 2012
If a document with preprinted jurat wording doesn’t have enough space for my Notary seal, may I attach a loose jurat certificate to the document? If so, should I write “See attached jurat certificate” with my initials in the preprinted jurat certificate section on the original document? – M.K., Cypress, California
MoreNeed To Know: New Laws For 2012
December 29, 2011
States passed more than 60 new laws in 2011 addressing a wide range of notarial issues — from commissioning procedures to recordkeeping requirements to penalties for misconduct. The dominant legislative trend — driven by continuing instances of real property fraud and revelations of improper conduct in the “robo-signing” crisis — was a fairly broad move toward protecting the public and increasing accountability and liability for Notary misconduct along with an emphasis on following proper procedures and ethical practices.
MoreCelebrating The 2008 Notary Of The Year: Liz Adams
December 29, 2011
As the deadline nears for nominations on December 30, the NNA takes a final look back at a past distinguished NOTY recipient. This week’s profile features 2008 Notary of the Year Liz Adams.
MoreHotline Tip: Can I Use The NNA Logo On My Business Card?
December 29, 2011
As an NNA member, I would like to include the NNA logo on my business card. Is this allowed? – H.H., Montclair, California
MoreAmid Nationwide Robo-Signing Settlement Talks, Massachusetts AG Files Sweeping Lawsuit Against Five Major Banks
December 27, 2011
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has filed a “comprehensive” lawsuit against five national banks related to the “robo-signing” crisis, accusing them of violating Notary law and other misconduct related to thousands of improper foreclosures in the state.
MoreNevada AG Files 'Robo' Suit Against National Mortgage Servicing Company
December 23, 2011
The Nevada Attorney General’s offices has filed a civil lawsuit accusing a national mortgage servicing company of running a massive “robo-signing” operation that initiated “countless” foreclosures in the state — a suit that underscores the risks of pushing employees to engage in improper notarization practices and other misconduct.
MoreHotline Tip: Can My Employer Prohibit Me From Notarizing Outside Of Work?
December 20, 2011
As a Florida Notary, I was recently invited to perform a marriage ceremony. However, as a bank-employed Notary, my manager told me that I cannot perform my duties as a Notary outside of my business hours at the bank, since the bank paid for my Notary commission and supplies. Is this correct? - K.T., Boca Raton, Florida
MoreThe National Notary Association Urges Notaries, Employers To Nominate 'Notary of the Year' Candidates By December 30
December 19, 2011
The National Notary Association urges all Notaries and employers of Notaries to submit their nominations online for the 2012 Notary of the Year award before the final deadline of 5 p.m. PT on Friday, December 30.
MoreNNA Concerns Grow Over 'Robo-Signing' Crisis, Offers Support To Notaries, Supervisors
December 19, 2011
Amid the continuing revelations of improper notarial practices emerging from the nationwide “robo-signing” crisis — and the growing criminal and civil liabilities — the National Notary Association is increasing its outreach to Notaries and their supervisors with critical guidance on proper notarial procedures and reducing corporate risk.
MoreHistoric Alabama Bond Increase Part Of National Push To Increase Consumer Protection
December 15, 2011
In a historic effort to provide greater protection for consumers seeking notarizations, the state of Alabama is raising the required surety bond for Notaries to $25,000 — the highest in the country. At least one other state is considering a similar move, and other states have enacted different types of consumer protection measures.
MoreThe National Notary Association Announces Grand Prize Winner Of Conference 2012 Package Sweepstakes
December 09, 2011
The National Notary Association has announced the grand prize winner of its Conference 2012 Package Sweepstakes. NNA Member Amber Hall is the proud recipient of the package, which includes registration for two at the NNA Conference 2012 in San Diego, round trip airfare and four nights hotel stay.
MoreRecommended Notary Practices: Don't Give Unauthorized Advice
December 08, 2011
The duties of a Notary are strictly defined by law, and going outside those limits can lead to legal trouble for the Notary. That’s why the NNA’s Recommended Notary Practices encourages all Notaries to:
MoreHotline Tip: How Do I Change My Name On My Notary Stamp And License?
December 05, 2011
I recently got married and I have already changed my name on my Social Security card and driver’s license, but how do I get my name changed on my Notary stamp and license? - J.S., Shohola, PA
MoreCelebrating The 2010 Notary Of The Year: Daniel Lewis
December 01, 2011
As we continue the search for the 2012 Notary of the Year to be honored at next year’s Conference in San Diego, the NNA takes a look back at past distinguished NOTY recipients over the years. This week’s profile is 2010 Notary of the Year Daniel Lewis.
MoreCelebrating The 2011 Notary Of The Year: Chrissey Ladd
November 28, 2011
As we begin the search for the 2012 Notary of the Year to be honored at next year’s Conference in San Diego, the NNA takes a look back at past distinguished NOTY recipients over the years. This week’s profile is 2011 Notary of the Year Chrissey Ladd.
MoreHotline Tip: What Is The Correct Language For A Jurat Oath Or Affirmation?
November 28, 2011
When notarizing a jurat, what is the correct verbal wording I should use for the oath or affirmation? –A.K., Beverly Hills, CA
MoreThe National Notary Association Announces Black Friday, Cyber Monday Deals On Notarial Supplies
November 22, 2011
The National Notary Association has announced special Black Friday to Cyber Monday deals on its most popular supplies to kick off the holiday season and celebrate the Notary Public office.
MoreHotline Tip: Can A Copy Of A Passport Be Notarized?
November 14, 2011
I have been asked to provide "Certified" copies of my passport to our insurance broker in Bermuda. The request asks for "Certified Copy of passport (notarized in the States).” I have been unable to determine the correct wording to use on this notarization. Can you please advise? – L.R. Houston, TX
MoreHotline Tip: What Do I Need To Know About Using An Embosser?
November 02, 2011
When using an embosser, do I also need to use my ink stamp when notarizing? Does the embossment need to be done within the Notary block? Is there anything else I need to know when it comes to embossing? - A.C. Torrance, CA.
MoreNational Notary Association To Present On Notary's Role in Security And Risk Management At Texas Bankers Association Conference
November 01, 2011
The National Notary Association will present on how Notaries help security managers mitigate risk and ensure legal compliance at the Texas Bankers Association’s 17th Annual Security & Risk Management Conference on November 17.
MoreMichigan Governor Signs Bills Targeting Mortgage Fraud
October 28, 2011
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed a set of Notary-related laws late last week designed to combat real estate fraud, signaling that the state is getting tough on individuals and companies who engage in mortgage fraud.
MoreNational Notary Association Now Offers Notary Privacy Guard®
October 25, 2011
The National Notary Association is now offering as part of its notarial supplies the Notary Privacy Guard®, an easy-to-use tool designed to help Notaries comply with industry privacy regulations and protect consumers from identity theft.
MoreCelebrating the 2007 Notary of the Year: Joan Sampson
October 21, 2011
As we begin the search for the 2012 Notary of the Year to be honored at next year’s Conference in San Diego, the NNA takes a look back at past distinguished NOTY recipients over the years. This week’s profile is 2007 NOTY Joan Sampson.
MoreNNA Offers Notary Privacy Guard Designed To Protect Consumers' Private Information
October 21, 2011
The National Notary Association is now offering as part of its notarial supplies the Notary Privacy Guard®, an easy-to-use tool designed to help Notaries comply with industry privacy regulations and protect consumers’ personal information recorded in Notary journals from identity thieves.
MoreRecommended Notary Practices: Notarize Complete Documents
October 21, 2011
If a document is notarized while it still has blank spaces to be filled in, the potential for fraud increases because someone can later fill in those spaces with incorrect information outside the Notary’s presence. Several states — including California, Colorado, and Florida — prohibit notarizing incomplete documents.
MoreCelebrating The 2005 Notary of the Year: Carol Salter
October 11, 2011
As we begin the search for the 2012 Notary of the Year to be honored at next year’s Conference in San Diego, the NNA takes a look back at past distinguished NOTY recipients over the years. This week’s profile is 2005 NOTY Carol Salter.
MoreNew Florida Act Strengthens Notarial Requirement For Powers Of Attorney
October 07, 2011
In an effort to strengthen protections for the elderly and vulnerable against exploitation, Florida this week enacted a new “Power of Attorney Act” that mandates significant changes to how they are handled, and the methods by which they must be executed and notarized.
MoreNational Notary Association Opens 2012 Notary Of The Year Award Call For Nominations
September 28, 2011
The National Notary Association has announced that the online nomination process for the 23rd annual Notary of the Year officially begins today.
MoreNon-Attorney Notary Foreign Language Ad Disclaimer On N.Y. Governor's Desk
September 23, 2011
A bill that would regulate how New York Notaries advertise their services in foreign languages and require them to post disclaimers has been approved by the State Legislature and is on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s desk for his signature.
MoreHotline Tip: Do Witness Signatures Require Notarization?
September 23, 2011
When notarizing a power of attorney, do the witness signatures also need to be notarized? Also, do I charge only for the signature being notarized, or should I also charge for the witnessing of the witness signatures? - B.B., Hawaiian Gardens, CA
MoreCompany Directors Rank Risk Management As Top-Level Concern
September 23, 2011
Boards of directors nationwide rank risk management as the primary concern for their companies, according to a recently released study compiled by accounting and consulting firm BDO USA.
MoreNew National Notary Association 'Member Advocate' Program Empowers Members To Advance The Notary Office
September 21, 2011
The National Notary Association has announced the launch of its new Member Advocate Program to help support Association initiatives that strengthen the Notary office.
MoreHotline Tip: What Do I Do If The Names On The ID And The Document Don't Match?
September 20, 2011
I recently encountered a signer who had his name legally changed, which means the name on his ID doesn’t match the name on the document. What method can I use to properly identify him? - J.H., Venice, Florida
MoreThe Post-9/11 Decade And Its Effects On Identity Security
September 16, 2011
During the past decade, the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, have caused dramatic, cascading effects across America in government, business, and daily life.
MoreNNA White Paper Advises Employers To Create Notary Oversight Plan To Comply With State Laws, Mitigate Risk
September 07, 2011
The National Notary Association has released a new White Paper entitled “An Employer’s Guide to Managing Its Notary Workforce,” which provides guidance to organizations that employ Notaries on how to properly supervise, educate, and manage their Notary-employees.
MoreMichigan State Attorney General Pushes Bills To Make Notary Violations A Felony
August 25, 2011
The Michigan Attorney General is pushing for passage of a pair of bills that would elevate violations of the state’s Notary Act to felonies punishable by stiff prison sentences and fines. Both measures are part of a package of legislation that would give authorities more power to investigate and punish individuals involved in mortgage fraud.
MoreNational Notary Association President Milt Valera Elected To Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation Board Of Trustees
August 24, 2011
The National Notary Association is pleased to announce that the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation (CCMF) has elected NNA President Milt Valera to its distinguished Board of Trustees — the only representative on the board from the western United States.
MoreNNA Poll Reveals That Notaries And Their Employers Lack Protection From Flawed Notarizations
August 17, 2011
The National Notary Association reports that 46 percent of Notaries who responded to its summer poll said they do not carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, leaving nearly half of the Notary community vulnerable to costly lawsuits.
MoreSummer Poll Reveals Notaries and Their Employers Lack Protection From Flawed Notarizations
August 17, 2011
Forty six percent of Notaries who responded to our summer poll reported they do not carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, leaving nearly half of the Notary community vulnerable to costly lawsuits.
MoreHotline Tip: What Is The 'Right' Way To Audit My Employee's Notarial Journal?
August 17, 2011
I need to conduct an audit of my employee’s notarial journal, but I want to make sure I do so correctly.
MoreJump in Mortgage Fraud Affirms Importance of Notary Journal Records
August 17, 2011
Reports of suspected mortgage fraud jumped 31 percent in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year, and many of the new cases were discovered amid increased scrutiny of loans originated during the final years of the real estate boom.
MoreThe National Notary Association's Annual Conference Returns To Southern California In 2012
August 10, 2011
The National Notary Association, the leader in best practices, training, and advocacy for the nation’s 4.8 million Notaries, has announced that its 34th annual Conference will be returning to Southern California in 2012 as part of the organization’s 55th anniversary celebration.
MoreNNA White Paper: Employers Should Create A Management And Oversight Plan For Their Notaries
August 08, 2011
The NNA has released a new White Paper entitled “An Employer’s Guide to Managing Its Notary Workforce,” which provides guidance to organizations that employ Notaries on how to properly supervise, educate, and manage their Notary-employees. It addresses how creating and implementing an effective Notary management and oversight plan can ensure proper notarial procedures and protect a company against liability.
MoreAnswer Alert: What Are Individual And Joint Living Trusts?
August 08, 2011
Trusted Enrollment Agents and other Notaries may have questions about living trusts and how to handle them.
MoreExpert Advice: How Financial Institutions And Their Notaries Can Protect Themselves Against Fraud
August 05, 2011
Notaries often serve at the frontline of fraud prevention for financial institutions. The Financial & Corporate Services Section spoke with Allan Bachman, the Education Manager at the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, who has over 35 years of experience in audit, forensic accounting, and fraud examination, about what companies and Notaries can do to detect, prevent, and report fraud in their workplace.
MoreNNA and FTC Encourage Notaries To Use Complaint System To Report Notario Abuse
August 05, 2011
As part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers from fraud, the NNA has been working with Federal Trade Commission officials to encourage Notaries to report individuals or businesses engaging in the unauthorized practice of immigration law via a link on the NNA’s “Important Differences Between U.S. Notaries and Notarios” Resource Page.
MoreNotary Entrepreneur Attributes Success To Training And Technology
August 05, 2011
Entrepreneurial Notaries have found countless ways to leverage their commissions into successful business opportunities, and Notary Sue Presutti of “Sue’s Notary Services” is no exception—her business just celebrated its 30th anniversary.
MoreExpert Advice On Patient Identification and Fraud Prevention
August 05, 2011
Use of stolen or fraudulent information to obtain healthcare services is a growing problem throughout the United States, but Notaries working in healthcare are in a position to help prevent this problem. The Healthcare Professionals Section spoke with Lorraine Fernandes, IBM’s global healthcare information technology and identification management expert, to discuss possible fraud prevention solutions.
Hotline Tip: Can I Accept A Matricula Consular Card As Valid Identification?
August 05, 2011
A couple recently came to me seeking to notarize a lien. They both have MatriculaConsular cards, and the wife has a Mexican Postal Employee ID that includes her eye color, hair color, issue date, photograph, signature, and expiration date.
MoreOregon, Ohio Declare Webcam Notarizations Unacceptable
August 05, 2011
Ohio and Oregon have joined a growing number of states declaring that remote, webcam notarizations are not permitted and that a signer’s physical appearance before a Notary is required for all notarial acts.
MoreHotline Tip: Can I Notarize For A Signer Suffering From Dementia?
August 05, 2011
Does California law specify that a Notary Public cannot notarize documents for a person known to suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s?
MoreNNA Launches 'Notary Knowledge' Public Awareness Campaign
July 13, 2011
The National Notary Association has announced the launch of its Notary Knowledge public awareness campaign designed to educate the public on what Notaries do, how they protect the public and businesses, and what can happen when they are not involved in a transaction.
MoreNNA Launches Online Notary Supervisor Training For Organizations That Employ Notaries
July 12, 2011
The National Notary Association has announced the availability of its new Notary Supervisor Training program, an online course for managers, supervisors, and employers of Notaries that reduces an organization’s exposure to liabilities caused by notarial errors or misconduct. The announcement was made today at the National Notary Association’s 33rd Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
MoreA Message To NNA Members From Alabama Secretary Of State Beth Chapman
July 12, 2011
After keynoting the National Notary Association’s 33rd Annual Conference, Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman sent this letter to the NNA to share with the Notary community.
MoreRecommended Notary Practices: Maintaining A Journal
July 12, 2011
Notarizations protect the integrity and authenticity of important business and personal transactions. But a record of notarial acts protects the notarization process as well as the Notary, the signer, relying parties and the general public. If a notarization is ever challenged, the information contained within your journal act can help demonstrate that you followed proper and legally mandated procedures or that a particular individual actually signed the document. Therefore, the NNA’s Recommended Notary Practices encourages all Notaries to:
MoreNew Law In North Dakota Strengthens Wide Range Of Notary Requirements
July 08, 2011
On August 1, North Dakota will become the first state in the nation to implement significant changes to its Notary laws based on model legislation drafted by a national commission of state-appointed legal scholars — legislation that includes clearly defined new rules for eNotarization, personal appearance and refusal of improper acts.
MoreFederal Agencies Launch Unprecedented Nationwide Campaign Targeting Notario Publico Abuse
July 06, 2011
The federal government has announced an unprecedented, multi-agency, nationwide initiative targeting immigration assistance scams and the unauthorized practice of law — often involving individuals falsely holding themselves out as Notarios Publicos.
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