Hotline Tip: How To Check A Company's Reputation

For the last several weeks, I had been receiving emails from a company sending me notarization appointments and charging me a fee of $20.00. I paid the fee, but I have never received a response to my questions or a confirmation for the scheduled appointments. They also don’t include a phone number, so I’m worried that they may not be a real company. If I supply the company’s information, can you please check them out for me to see if they are a reputable company? - L.G., Garfield, NJ

The National Notary Association does not compile or provide information on individual companies. However, we do recommend researching companies before agreeing to assignments or to any upfront fees. You can research the company by doing an online Google search, reaching out to Notary colleagues via the NNA LinkedIn discussion boards for advice, or contacting the Better Business Bureau. If you feel there is fraud involved with this particular organization, consider reporting this to the New Jersey Secretary of State at 1-609-633-8258.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. — The Editors

Kelle Clarke is a Contributing Editor with the National Notary Association.