California Surveyors Forums

Theoretically Speaking:

Just found out an engineering firm whom I have done (contracted) work for is using my stamp (electronic - ACAD) on Parcel Maps without my consent or knowledge......signed my name.



Thoughts or ideas on how to proceed?

report to the Board, send a Certified letter to the offending Company to cease, This is a serious offense. Put them on notice, and document. This is a good reason why not to allow digital stamping.

Theoretically Speaking

!!

1. You need to issue a cease and desist to the engineering firm unless you agree that you are in responsible charge of the work...because unless you do act on this, you could be considered in responsible charge simply by being aware of the actions and not acting on it.

2. You need to submit a complaint to BPELSG without waiting.

That's actually a criminal act, but very seldom goes that far.

Apparently some agencies are requiring digital stamps and signatures with plan electronic submittals. i know one CE that doesn't like this.

Hire an attorney and send Cease and Desist letter. Make sure you spell out the date your contractual obligations with them ended. File a Complaint to BPELSG.

said. Don't think you need an attorney at this juncture. A certified letter to the past client and a complaint with the board should work for now.

Look at Sections 530.5 through 530.55 of the Penal Code.

Also look at the office of the Attorney General:

http://oag.ca.gov/idtheft

It's your own fault because you included your stamp (not that it cannot be forged) on a cadd file.

All of my cadd files that I send out has all personal information stripped from them, including monuments that I call out as being set with my tag number on them.

I used to include everything until I got a call from an architect that told me my survey was really wrong. It turned out that the original architect of this job was let go and after a few more architects were hired, one of them manipulated my cadd file to suit his needs. Since then, I strip cadd files to the bone.

It's your own fault because you included your stamp (not that it cannot be forged) on a cadd file.

Forging a stamp is trivial, and copying a logo from a hardcopy is not much more difficult. Nevertheless, when providing a CAD file I put a block that reads "SIGNED COPY ON FILE" where the stamp would go. I usually leave the logo in, though.

I'm not sure the "signed copy" thing complies with the statutes, but no one has challenged me on it yet.

LS 4722 wrote:It's your own fault because you included your stamp (not that it cannot be forged) on a cadd file.

All of my cadd files that I send out has all personal information stripped from them, including monuments that I call out as being set with my tag number on them.

I used to include everything until I got a call from an architect that told me my survey was really wrong. It turned out that the original architect of this job was let go and after a few more architects were hired, one of them manipulated my cadd file to suit his needs. Since then, I strip cadd files to the bone.

Read post #4

This is what the taser was invented for.

I could make anyone's stamp in AutoCAD in about 5 minutes.

Dave Karoly, PLS wrote:This is what the taser was invented for.

I could make anyone's stamp in AutoCAD in about 5 minutes.

As you said David.

I have six Electronic seals. I created all of them from scratch. It is not difficult.

There is criminal fraud here also.

Time to really ream them a new set of holes.

In addition to what Ric said, I would press criminal and civil charges.

If you would like more information on a very similar issue that has been very well documented you should contact DWoolley (no longer a registered user). He has the entire case as well as he called the surveyor to get additional details about how it happened. It happened a few years back but I remember the case well and I think it would be of great value to you moving forward with your issues.

If you would like Dwoolley's contact info just send me a private message and I would be more than happy to give you and email address and phone number.

bryanmundia wrote:DWoolley (no longer a registered user).

Is this by his choice? Just curious.

btaylor wrote:Is this by his choice? Just curious.

LOL

I was not trying to be cute. I just do not recall any drama.