How Can One Prove That They Exist?

By Stephen Clayman, career landman · March 2, 2018

Oklahoma Oil and Gas Royalty Owners:

Berlin received a call today from Sage, a good friend who also happens to be a company landman, Sage reported that an Oklahoma mineral owner (Red) just called to chew on his leg as the mineral owner had never heard of Sage's company (despite the fact they've drilled about 70 wells in the past 2 years). He wanted Sage to prove that his company was legitimate and their lease offer was valid.

Sage could have handled Red and his Oklahoma mineral rights in a more professional manner. Never ask about another man's jeans.

Sage was a bit perplexed as there he was speaking with another human who received a letter that Sage signed and mailed and was questioning Sage's existence. Sage asked if there was a Straussian reading of the question, but the mineral owner told Sage that it was none of his f***ing business, but that he was proud to wear Wranglers.

But with crooks on the loose, it is a valid concern. How can a Oklahoma oil and gas mineral owner verify that the company that she has been approached by is legitimate? Here are a few suggestions:

-Verify the company is registered with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.

-Verify the company is bonded with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (if they claim to operate).

-Inquire with your neighbors if they have been contacted by the same outfit.

-Examine the index at the county clerk's office or search for recently recorded instruments on Oklahoma County Records.

-Contact Berlin for more options.

If Sage had suggested any one of the above, he probably could have boated a lease from that call. Instead, Sage lost his cool at the owner's insistence that Sage was a fly-by-night shyster so he slammed the phone on big Red from Anadarko.

More to follow,

Berlin