Bulletin: NY000021

Dear Associates:

Very often the title industry is requested to provide services as an accommodation to the parties of various transactions. Often such services include obtaining proper signatures from parties in other localities or documents which are pertinent and necessary for the respective transaction. However, before documents of this nature are directed to a party of the transaction for execution and notarization, we must take whatever steps are necessary to prevent forgery and alteration of such documents. Whenever available, mail such documents to the local Stewart Title Agent or Approved Attorney. In the unlikely event that a Stewart Title Agent or Approved Attorney is not available in such locality, I strongly suggest that such documents be directed to a Bank in that vicinity as an alternative. In any event, avoid mailing documents directly to a party to the transaction. The following procedures, if practiced, will greatly help to avoid forgery problems.

1. Locate and contact the Stewart Agent or Approved Attorney in the area where the subject party lives;

2. In the event that a Stewart Agent or Approved Attorney cannot be located, contact a Bank in the vicinity. Arrange for an appropriate Bank Officer to receive the documents, verify the signatory's identity, notarize the document and return such documents to you in a self addressed stamped envelope;

3. Confirm with the subject party, both by telephone and letter, that you have forwarded the documents and advise such party as to the time frame, name, address and telephone number of the person who has received the documents for execution and notarization;

4. When directing documents out of the United States of America or Canada, documentation should be directed for execution to the local American Embassy. Remember to confirm any appointments for execution and all arrangements by both telephone and letter with the appropriate party at the American Embassy and the signatory;

5. Verify that the documents arrived by contacting the appropriate party by telephone in the event that you have not received confirmation within a reasonable amount of time; and,

6. In any event, always include a cover letter listing the documents enclosed for execution.

We believe that these procedures will help to prevent losses from forgeries and altered documentation. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.