Just like any job serving the public, there are always customers who are tough to handle. And when things don’t go right, some customers can be downright insufferable, and even dangerous.
When it comes to Notaries handling life-changing transactions the stakes can be very high for signers, adding heightened risk if things go south. At the NNA, we understand the hurdles you face. But details are important, which is why in a recent “Question of the Week,” we asked our Notary community: Have you ever had a customer get upset with you about a notarization you performed?
With more than 80 responses so far, we couldn’t believe some of your stories. Here are a few highlights:
Notary Ashley Young described a recent case of seller remorse:
“I had a gentleman and woman come in to get a (auto) title notarized. He was the seller. I got both of their IDs and had them sign the journal and notarized the title. The next day he came back and said that he wanted the buyer's information because they had stolen his car. He refused to leave our office until I gave him the buyer's information. I did not and my boss eventually had to come out and make him leave. Turns out the buyer was his girlfriend, and they had a fight, and he wanted his car back.”
Mitchell Angelo recalled a situation involving a financial advisor that was just a bit suspicious:
“A financial advisor had me go to their office for 5 POAs. He pulled out the signature and Notary pages ONLY where the 2 clients were to sign. They (signers) were present, of course, and wanted me to notarize those. I informed that I must ensure all docs were completed with no blanks. Oh Boy! You could have cut the tension with a knife! What would have taken 15 to 20 mins, took over an hour because they ALL had many, many blanks that needed to be filled. After playing phone tag, the financial advisor let me know just how upset he was that I '...examined the documents...' and if he didn't need this done right then and there that he would have walked me out of his office! I kindly informed of my position, bid him a good day as he hung up on me. Never happened before or since and I hope never again.”
Then there’s Clare Ward-Jenkins, whose short story illustrates just how far some irate signers can go:
“I had an enraged opposing party in a family law case just because I notarized the wife's documents. He tried to have my commission revoked. I imagine the state people just laughed.”
This story from Bill Cademy illustrates why it’s never a good idea to notarize for family members, especially when the rep they are working with seems a bit shady.
“My sister-in-law thought since I'm family I would notarize a document with blanks to be filled in later in another state. Nope, against California law. I even read the law to her and their guy on the phone. The contact, who was in Washington, said ‘we do this all the time. You notarize it, they send it to Arizona, and the recipient will fill in the blanks.’ Well, other Notaries may be willing to break the law, but I WILL NOT."
Then there’s Jen Faiz, who somehow was lucky enough to avoid signer drama altogether for over a decade:
“Never in the 18 years I’ve been a Notary.”
Every week on social media we ask you — the nation’s Notaries — to share your experiences on our “Question of the Week” threads. With responses ranging from the highest highs to the lowest lows, the Notary community gives us a glimpse into what day-to-day life is like for Notaries everywhere. We’d love for you to join in the conversation! Look for our “Questions of the Week” on the National Notary Association’s Facebook page. We can’t wait to hear your stories.
Note: Some responses above were lightly edited for grammar, style, and clarity.
Phillip Browne is Vice President of Communications at the National Notary Association.