I first became interested in volunteering with AARP in 2016 after attending a fraud presentation at the NNA’s annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. After the event, I thought about how much I hate seeing
people take advantage of senior citizens. As my parents are getting older, I really wanted to do something to help protect the elderly community. That’s when I decided I wanted to volunteer as an AARP fraud trainer.
This is a natural progression for my Notary career. I began my business, Notary Access, in 1992 after I watched Notaries help my parents with documents they needed notarized. I became curious and after doing some research, I decided to take a class and earn my commission.
When I started Notary Access, I did general Notary work and later focused on loan signings and mortgage closings. I also taught Notary law classes and mentored other professionals. Given my experience, and my desire to give back to the community, it made sense for me to sign up as a trainer for the AARP Fraud Watch Network so I could use my expertise to protect the elderly.
As much as volunteering with AARP is a good way to help our communities, it also makes good business sense. In fact, there are a number of reasons this is a good fit for mobile Notaries.
What is the AARP Fraud Watch Network?
The AARP Fraud Watch Network offers information and resources that can help you protect yourself, your family, and other members of your community from identity theft, medical fraud and other scams. Although the organization is focused on helping individuals over 50, the information AARP provides is useful for anyone no matter what their age.
Notaries can sign up to become a volunteer through AARP’s website. Once you fill out the application, the organization will contact you to explain how the program works and initiate the training. The training process will vary depending on what state you are located in. In my case, AARP provided a mentor to help me become comfortable making fraud presentations. After I completed the training, I received presentation materials addressing a wide range of scams and fraud.
The benefits of becoming an AARP Trainer
Being an AARP fraud trainer has been a rewarding experience that has helped me both personally and professionally. The following are some of the ways Notaries can benefit from the program:
Reinforcing our mission as Notaries. We are on the front lines of defense against identity theft. Since AARP is a leader in consumer protection and fraud prevention for the elderly, its mission is also our mission. Being a fraud trainer and a Notary is a good combination because of the shared goal of protecting the community against identity theft, medical identity fraud, investment fraud and more.
Establishing new relationships as a Notary. Doing AARP presentations at locations such as health care facilities has been a great way to help my community by educating residents and caregivers at those facilities. Also, in the event someone at these facilities needs a critical document such as a medical directive or power of attorney notarized, they know they can contact me for these services if needed.
Increasing knowledge that helps Notary business. When you become a fraud trainer, you receive information from AARP on the latest methods that scammers are using to defraud senior citizens. This information not only helps you as a trainer, but it can also be used in your Notary business to help protect your clients because you will know what to look for. You can let people know you are a fraud trainer volunteer on your website or Facebook page, and that way they will know that you are knowledgeable in the field of fraud prevention.
Improving public speaking skills. You don’t need to have a lot of experience in public speaking to be a good AARP fraud trainer. Once you become familiar with the information and watch how your mentor does presentations, your personal passion to help people will make it easier for you to speak in public. Speak from your heart and you’ll find that people will be engaged and responsive to the information you’re presenting. And remember, if you need help making your presentations, you can always ask your mentor questions. That’s what the mentor is there for.
Giving to the community. What I like the most about being an AARP fraud trainer is that I get the opportunity to make a connection with people and make a difference in their lives. I don’t like to see people being taken advantage of, especially seniors, so when members of the community attend my presentations and learn something new that benefits them, it makes me feel great about what I’m doing.
Jamie Liggins of Shreveport, Louisiana, is a long-time mobile Notary and the NNA’s 2004 Notary of the Year.
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