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The Notary Notebook
Insightful tips, stories, and guidance from Aldora’s desk
Safety Concerns when Meeting Customers
"The best part of being a mobile notary is that you get to go out and meet a wide array of people. However, it can also be dangerous."
Mobile notaries have an exciting job, it is nice to go out and meet a wide array people. That is the best part of being a mobile notary. However, it can also be dangerous. Nowadays, you must be very aware about what’s happening around you. You also must be careful about the places you go to meet someone to notarize their documents. There’s criminal activity everywhere you turn. Not even the Wal-Mart’s are completely safe to meet people no matter how many people are in the store. Day or night, you really must be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t take your safety for granted no matter your size, strength, gender. My motto has always been “Trust no one”. Be aware of surroundings inside and outside of the house. Look for “Beware of Dog” signs or other signs of a hostile environment.
When I go to notarize documents like affidavits, divorce papers or car titles, I have a set 5 places of where I would meet the client. They are local and close to home which makes them convenient and safe. They are also well lit and well populated. I choose not to notarize any documents past 8pm because of safety concerns. Not everyone feels comfortable about you coming into their house.
These are the things I look for when I go to a client’s house as a signing agent:
- How do they greet me?
- Are they sincere?
- I watch for their reactions throughout the signing because something might trigger them which will change the atmosphere an instant.
- Check for any indications that they do not want you there, appear skittish, or they are rushing the process.
The way I would react to any of the negative factors above is the following:
- Be extra nice.
- Don’t say anything smart or negative.
- I only pull out of my bag the stuff that I need.
- I lay my phone on the table in case I need to make a quick phone call.
- Always be on-guard because everyone is not your friend nor they always who they say they are.
- Don’t be quick to get react about what is happening and be ready to get out of there.
- If I feel uncomfortable before stepping into the house, I make a phone call or text someone that I arrived at my signing.
- I always carry my taser in case any of the above doesn’t work!
This is an exciting time to be a notary. Just remember to be safe and there’s safety in numbers. They might not be able to be there with you but please let someone know where you are going on your next notary job.
