Cyber Attacks Are Increasing Rapidly: Cyber attacks are now happening at a staggering rate of 2,000 per second. AI is being used to overwhelm systems, creating an arms race between hackers and businesses. Many companies are under attack without even realizing it, although not all attacks succeed immediately. Hackers Are Persistent: Hackers operate …

Main Points Covered: Severity of the Threat: 60% of companies that experience a cyber attack go out of business within six months. Small and midsize businesses are the most common targets for cyber attacks. The impact can be especially severe for businesses like repair shops, stores, or restaurants. Types of Damage Caused by Cyber Attacks: Cyber at…

Episode Highlights: Definition of Adverse Possession: Legal term that allows gaining ownership of real estate through use over time. Requires specific actions and conditions to be met. Key Elements of Adverse Possession: Notorious: Must be obvious and without permission from the owner. Conspicuous: Use of the property must be visible and not hidden…

Introduction Discussion on the favorable position of homebuilders and developers in the housing market over the past 2-3 years. Anticipation of a drop in interest rates in the coming months and its potential negative impact on builders. Current Mortgage Rate Scenario Existing homeowners with mortgage rates around 2-4% are reluctant to sell. New mor…

Introduction Overview of the difference between a property developer and a building contractor. Property Developers Definition: A property developer is an individual or company that takes a piece of real estate and builds structures for resale or rental. Example: Companies like Lennar Builders buy property, subdivide land, build houses, and complet…

Common Inquiries: The investigative division frequently receives over 100 calls daily, mainly regarding fraud, scams, and Ponzi schemes. More than half of these calls involve victims of scams, particularly: Bitcoin scams Employment click scams Pay-for-activity scams Scammer Tactics: Victims often start with a small investment and are pressured to i…

Overview: Even government agencies are not immune to theft and embezzlement. In a shocking case, a Washington state employee embezzled $900,000 from the Office of Administrative Hearings through fraudulent credit card purchases and various schemes. This incident marks the largest theft in 15 years from the state of Washington, highlighting the risk…

Case Overview: Discusses a troubling case of corporate fraud involving a bookkeeper at Paul Patrick Electric, a small company that lost over $1.3 million through embezzlement over three to four years. Key Takeaways: Impact on the company’s finances and employees: The embezzler stole approximately $300,000 per year. This amount represented 30% of th…

Introduction: Addressing listener inquiries about resources for self-initiated fraud investigations. Recommendation of the book "Anatomy of a Fraud" by Steven Penno, a highly experienced fraud examiner. About the Author: Steven Penno is a qualified fraud investigator specializing in specific cases in Connecticut. Known for his top-notch practice an…

Overview: In this episode, we explore the relationship between a bill of sale and a title, addressing common questions about how they relate to vehicle ownership and the implications of not having a title. Key Discussion Points: The distinction between a bill of sale and a title. The necessity of a title when retrieving an impounded vehicle. A real…

Overview: A hidden crisis is looming in the automotive retailing industry, stemming from the pandemic's impact, which continues to affect the market even years later. Key Points: Fewer Lease Returns: The pandemic resulted in lower sales and lease volumes in 2020 and 2021 when dealerships were shut down. In 2024, there will be fewer lease returns be…

Overview: In this episode, we discuss the alarming rise of financial fraud involving misdirected transfers. We highlight real-life examples and provide strategies to prevent these costly mistakes. Key Topics: Misdirected Transfers: Recent incidents, including a municipal fire department mistakenly sending money for a fire truck to the wrong account…

In this episode, you'll learn about: Understanding charge-offs and how they affect vehicle titles. What happens when a vehicle loan becomes non-performing or delinquent. Why lien holders might not want to reclaim vehicles with unpaid loans. How banks and financial institutions handle charge-offs and write-offs. The process of requesting a lien rele…

In this episode, we explore the growing issue of car loans becoming financial burdens for many car owners. If you're struggling with high payments or owe more than your car is worth, we provide insights and potential solutions. Key Points Covered: Car prices have skyrocketed over the last few years, leading many to take out car loans with monthly p…

Discussion on the electric vehicle market and major developments, including the cancellation of an electric SUV model by Ford. Key Topic: Ford Cancelling Electric SUV Model: Ford's decision to cancel a planned electric SUV. The $1.9 billion write-off resulting from the cancellation and its implications. Ford's insider knowledge of the electric vehi…

Summary: If you've been a victim of online fraud or a scam, it's natural to feel angry and frustrated. But there's a right way and a wrong way to seek justice. This episode covers what NOT to do when trying to recover your lost funds. Key Points: One victim in India kidnapped employees of a Ponzi scheme in an attempt to get his money back, which le…

Real Estate Market Trends: Discover the current state of the real estate market and how it affects various industries. Learn about the latest data from Bloomberg: new home construction falls to the slowest pace since May, dropping below all estimates. Interest Rates vs. Housing Demand: Understand why lower interest rates aren't boosting home constr…

Current Trends in the Electric Vehicle (EV) Market: Average discount on new EVs is $6,000 (over 15%). Some vehicles exceed $110,000, indicating a significant market challenge. Manufacturers and dealers struggle to move electric vehicles, despite strong government incentives. Consumer Behavior: Increased reports of former EV owners switching back to…

Overview: We provide an update on the Montana LLC loophole scam, highlighting recent enforcement actions and government responses to this evasion scheme. Background: The Montana LLC loophole involves forming an LLC in Montana to avoid state-specific car title requirements, sales taxes, or inspections. Montana's minimal requirements for inspections …

Introduction to Business Traffic: Traffic is the lifeblood of any business, whether it's showroom traffic, foot traffic to your location, or website traffic. Even with a 100% closing ratio, having no traffic means 100% of zero is still zero. Importance of Traffic: To boost sales, you need traffic. Increasing traffic means you don’t need to focus as…

Cyber Security Risk Overview: Ransomware is on track for its highest grossing year ever, with the average ransom payment rising significantly. Current Statistics: Median ransom payment in 2023: $200,000. Median ransom payment in 2024: $1.5 million. Total ransomware payments in 2024: $75 million, compared to $37.5 million in 2023. Trends in Ransomwa…

Description: Clean Technica has published an insightful article on purchasing used electric vehicles (EVs). They address whether it's wise to buy a used EV and provide valuable advice for potential buyers. Key Takeaways: Range: Look for an EV that had a minimum of 250 miles of range when it was new. This ensures the vehicle was designed with seriou…

Introduction One of the most common terms in our car title division is "abandoned vehicle." Clients often use this term when they've acquired a vehicle without a title and want to call it abandoned to obtain a title. Common Misconception People mistakenly believe that if a vehicle is abandoned, they can claim it as their own through a "Finders Keep…

Introduction: Recent developments regarding the titling and registration of Japanese mini trucks and cars. Discussion based on an article from ARS Technica, a highly respected automotive resource. Key Points: State Actions: Massachusetts joins other states like Alabama and Arkansas in banning these vehicles due to safety concerns. Some states allow…

Is Artificial Intelligence competent to give you good advice? The big question: Should you rely on AI, or do you still need human consultation? Many companies and individuals are debating the use of AI for providing advice. Microsoft's Warning: According to a press release from Microsoft, one of the largest AI providers, AI services should not be t…

Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the growing issue of "zombie loans" and liens—old debts or judgments that resurface long after they were thought to be resolved. Learn how to address these issues to prevent future problems and ensure that your records accurately reflect the status of your loans. Key Points Covered: Introduction to Zombi…

Introduction: Discuss the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the cyber attack and cyber liability landscape. Highlight that the article reveals AI's dual role: aiding both hackers and insurance companies. AI and Cyber Attacks: AI is making it easier for hackers to execute millions of attacks. Hackers benefit from AI by improving their att…

Certified and Licensed Vehicle Title Research: We are a certified and licensed vehicle title research company with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Member of EART: We are proud members of EART, an organization of large companies working to modernize vehicle titles and transition them to digital formats. Current State of Vehicle Titles: …

Introduction: Hello, this is Dave at Car Titles Lately. Lately, we've been receiving more requests for lien releases on vehicles from a lender called Yendo. About Yendo: Yendo is an innovative lending institution. They offer a line of credit tied to your vehicle, similar to a credit card. They hold the title of your car and provide you with a credi…

Overview: Common challenges with vehicle title paperwork and services offered. Key Points: Misconception about Paperwork: Many people think the hardest part is just filling out forms. The real challenge often lies in locating the correct forms and determining which ones to use. Importance of Process: It’s more than just filling in blanks; it involv…

Introduction Common questions about obtaining vehicle titles often involve using mechanics liens, storage liens, or declaring a vehicle abandoned. Many of these ideas stem from questionable online advice, so let's clarify the legal processes involved. Understanding Abandoned Vehicles and Mechanics Liens Abandoned Vehicles In most states, claiming a…

Episode Show Notes / Description: Can You Afford a Home? Many people believe they can't afford to buy a home and have to continue renting. However, a recent survey revealed that 8 million renters could have bought a house with 30% of their income or less if they understood the math behind it. Misconceptions About Homeownership: Many people think ho…

Overview: Settling an estate can be challenging, whether it's due to death, conservatorship, or executorship. Issues often arise when managing and distributing assets, especially when dealing with older family members or long-term care situations. Key Points: Estate Management: Assets need to be distributed according to a will, trust, or intestate …

Importance of Cybersecurity for All Businesses: Even small and medium companies need robust cybersecurity measures. High-profile hacks (e.g., CDK attack on car dealerships, AT&T breach) highlight the risks. Daily, hundreds or thousands of smaller cyber attacks target small businesses. Impact of Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses: Cyber attacks can d…

Introduction to Addictive Intelligence: We’ve explored the risks of AI in employment and industry, but today, we're delving into a more subtle threat—addictive intelligence. This concept involves AI being used to manipulate our engagement with various platforms, from social media and news sites to print advertising. Understanding Addictive Intellig…

Overview: Discover crucial updates in the personal auto insurance industry. No matter your state, car type, or coverage, these changes may impact how you insure and maintain your vehicle. Key Points: Parts Backlog Impact: Even minor repairs, like replacing an underpan, can face long delays (e.g., 4-week wait times). Rental Car Coverage Limits: Insu…

Intro We've covered this topic in some of our previous videos, but our involvement with the EAR coalition, which includes major companies like DocuSign, CarMax, and Carvana, is finally showing results. California DMV has digitized 42 million car titles on the blockchain, moving vehicle titling towards modernization. This significant development cou…

Understanding OSINT for Bank Account Searches Learn how open-source intelligence (OSINT) operates in the context of bank account searches. Unlike direct searches of banking records, which are private, OSINT identifies references to bank accounts from public sources, such as wire transfers, insurance payments, and direct deposits. Indirect Search fo…

Exporting Vehicles for Profit: Discover why some high-end vehicles, like Land Rovers and Mercedes, are bought in the U.S. and exported to countries like China and India, where these models aren’t sold. Wealthy buyers in these countries often pay a premium. Dealership Caution: Learn why dealerships are wary of selling vehicles that might be exported…

Exciting News in the Vehicle Title Industry: More states are adopting electronic title transfers, marking a significant shift from traditional paperwork. As founding members of the eART Coalition, we're excited to see more companies like DocuSign, CarMax, and Carvana pushing for modernization. New Developments: Michigan has introduced online vehicl…

Overview: Learn how you can earn money by discovering and reporting fraud. The US Department of Justice has launched a new trial program offering millions in rewards for tips on various types of fraud, including Ponzi schemes and bribery. Our Background: We have previously been a vendor and authorized agent for the DOJ, providing expert witness tes…

Episode Show Notes / Description: Warning about escrow fraud and verifying your escrow payments. Story of a Silicon Valley executive losing $400,000 to a scammer during a home purchase. Scammers hack into the email systems of real estate agents, home inspectors, mortgage companies, and title companies. They monitor transactions over the 30 to 45-da…

Introduction Discussing the importance of treating cyber security with the same seriousness as aviation and transportation safety. Highlighting a recent article from Defense One about having an investigative board for cyber attacks, similar to how we respond to airplane crashes. Key Points The need for active network monitoring and response protoco…

Introduction When preparing a lien release request package, it's essential to include a "letter of non-interest." What is a Letter of Non-Interest? A letter of non-interest is an alternate document used when a lien holder cannot sign a lien release. It indicates that the lien holder no longer has any interest in the vehicle. Why Use a Letter of Non…

Overview: Ever wondered how online scams operate and who’s behind them? This episode delves into the disturbing reality of the scam industry. We explore a recent Wall Street Journal article exposing the inner workings of these scams, revealing a shocking truth: the scammers themselves are often victims of severe abuse. Key Points: Scam Mechanisms: …

Current Car Market Drama: Jalopnik reports three million cars sitting on dealer lots—the highest in four years. The situation appears to be worsening compared to pre-pandemic levels. Automakers are struggling to move cars. Local Impact: Are dealerships in your area experiencing a backlog of cars? Have you noticed any changes in how dealerships are …

Summary: You can run a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) online, but it likely won't provide all the information you need. Many believe vehicle records are accessible with a quick online search. However, these records are protected under federal law, particularly 18 US Code 2725. Complete vehicle information can only be obtained by authorized rec…

Common Concern: How to search for a beneficial trust or will when a family member passes away. Why It Matters: You may be entitled to assets such as bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, corporate assets, or other beneficiary items. Potential Issues: Suspicion of improper asset diversion by other family members for their own benefit. Key Steps: Ide…

Misconceptions: Online VIN checks (e.g., Carfax, VIN Che) are often only about 40% accurate. These online tools might not catch critical issues like liens, stolen status, or title limitations. Importance of Accuracy: For a 100% accurate VIN check, it's essential to perform checks in person. Convenience of online checks comes at the cost of potentia…

Good News & Bad News from the World of Cyber Attacks The Bad News: According to Reuters and the insurance industry, 75% of companies are prone to cyber attacks. Recent incidents like the AT&T breach, the CDK hack for car dealerships, and attacks on smaller companies highlight the growing risk. Hackers are becoming more relentless, sending out thous…