Episode Description 

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked world of intangible assets and why they're critical for corporate valuation and debt recovery. Our expert breaks down how to identify, evaluate, and leverage these hidden gems that may not appear on traditional balance sheets but can be worth as much or more than tangible assets. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• What Are Intangible Assets?
  • Copyrights, trademarks, and patents
  • Non-physical assets that can't be seen, touched, or held
  • Often worth as much or more than traditional assets in the technology era
• Balance Sheet Basics
  • How tangible assets appear on corporate balance sheets
  • Real estate, bank accounts, cash, and equipment listings
  • Understanding debt financing and UCC encumbrances
• Finding Hidden Intangible Assets
  • Capitalized and depreciated intangible assets on balance sheets
  • Goodwill and "blue sky" valuations
  • Brand names and built-up client bases
• Assets That Don't Show on Balance Sheets
  • Technology platforms and databases
  • Domain names and websites
  • Client lists and customer relationships
• Research Strategies for Asset Discovery
  • Analyzing corporate records for client references
  • Calculating value through employee-to-client ratios
  • Using revenue data to estimate transaction values
• Financing Documents as Asset Indicators
  • How companies highlight intangible assets when seeking capital
  • Credit applications revealing goodwill valuations
  • Revenue streams as capitalized assets
• Overlooked Valuable Assets
  • Established phone numbers with brand recognition
  • Strategic email addresses and customer contact points
  • Sales lead databases and customer inquiry systems
• Real-World Case Studies
  • Email address asset recovery leading to debt settlement
  • Regional business chain sale including "blue sky" valuation
  • How intangible assets can lead to discovering tangible ones
• Strategic Benefits for Creditors
  • Why comprehensive asset searches matter
  • How identifying all assets improves negotiation leverage
  • Using intangible assets to uncover hidden tangible assets

Key Takeaways:

• Intangible assets are often deliberately hidden during liability claims but emphasized during financing
• Revenue streams from recurring clients represent significant asset value
• Comprehensive asset investigation includes both balance sheet and off-balance-sheet items
• Intangible assets can be powerful negotiation tools for debt recovery
• Don't overlook intellectual property - it may be your key to successful debt collection

Question submitted by Alex from Maryland regarding intangible assets on financial statements

Overview 

Learn how to perform comprehensive searches for intellectual property assets including patents, trademarks, and other federally registered properties that may have significant hidden value for creditors and investors. 

Key Topics Covered 

• Introduction to IP Asset Investigation
  • How to identify intellectual property assets that may not appear to have significant cash value
  • Using IP discoveries to leverage debtors into settlements
  • Understanding the hidden value of patents, trademarks, and domain names
• Patent Search Fundamentals
  • Navigating USPTO.gov for patent research
  • Using the patent search database effectively
  • Understanding boolean search operators (AND, OR, adjacent, near, same, width)
  • Narrowing down search results from millions of entries
• Patent Search Strategies
  • Searching by inventor names (example: Steve Smith yielding 1.2 million results)
  • Company-based searches (example: Ajax Corporation with 6 results)
  • Cross-referencing inventors with corporate records
  • Finding hidden connections between individuals and companies
• Patent Document Analysis
  • Understanding patent application structure and components
  • Accessing PDF versions and image views
  • Identifying related parties, attorneys, and addresses
  • Finding provisional patents and related filings
• Advanced Patent Research Techniques
  • Pulling comprehensive document sets rather than single patents
  • Analyzing sequential patent numbers for related inventions
  • Identifying patent attorneys and law firms
  • Discovering technical resources and asset relationships
• Trademark Investigation Methods
  • Using TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System)
  • Understanding basic vs. free-form search options
  • Analyzing registrant information and attorney records
  • Identifying live vs. dead trademark status
• Trademark Data Mining
  • Finding business classifications and industry information
  • Locating physical addresses and property ownership
  • Discovering attorney relationships and legal connections
  • Export capabilities for data analysis
• Practical Investigation Tips
  • Avoiding the pitfall of rushing through searches
  • Reading documents thoroughly for hidden information
  • Cross-referencing data across multiple databases
  • Using competitive intelligence from industry contacts
• Asset Discovery Applications
  • Converting trademark addresses into property searches
  • Finding UCC filings and financial connections
  • Understanding abandoned trademarks and their implications
  • Tracking corporate name changes and business evolution
• Professional Investigation Best Practices
  • Comprehensive document collection and analysis
  • Building complete profiles from partial information
  • Following investigative rabbit holes systematically
  • Leveraging IP data for broader asset discovery

Episode Description 

Learn three proven legal methods investigators and skip tracers use to identify the real identity and location of individuals or companies hiding behind PO boxes. This episode covers legitimate techniques for discovering physical addresses when dealing with fraudsters, debtors, or defendants who use postal boxes to conceal their actual location. 

Key Topics Covered 

• Why PO Box Investigation is Necessary
  • Fraudsters and debtors often hide behind PO boxes to avoid detection
  • Need actual physical location for service of process and certified mail delivery
  • Essential for legal proceedings and debt collection
• Legal Compliance Warning
  • Always consult with an attorney before using these methods
  • Privacy laws, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and state regulations may apply
  • Ensure all methods comply with current legal requirements
  • False information submission can be a criminal offense

Three Legal Methods to Uncover PO Box Holders

Method 1: Official Postmaster Request

• File formal request with postmaster in PO box jurisdiction
• Complete "Request for Box Holder Information" form
• Include requester capacity (process server, attorney, self-representing party)
• Specify applicable statute or regulation
• Provide court information and case details
• Identify subject's role (defendant, witness, asset holder, trustee)
• Submit directly to local postmaster

Method 2: GPS Tracking Device Method

• Mail tracking device (GPS, AirTag, Tile) to PO box
• Time delivery strategically (Friday for weekend pickup, Saturday to avoid office visits)
• Consider mail forwarding patterns from private mailboxes
• Conceal tracking device within other items to avoid premature discovery
• Device typically leads to residence or office location
• Ensure compliance with privacy laws before implementation

Method 3: Warranty Card Strategy

• Send warranty cards for relevant products or equipment
• Require physical address for warranty activation or delivery
• Structure wording carefully to avoid false statements
• Include "PO Box not accepted" requirement
• Provide incentives (warranty extension, free accessories, additional products)
• Include prepaid postage for easy return
• Requires active participation from target individual

Method 4: Electronic Contact Tracking

• Send rebate forms, QR codes, or website links to PO box
• Create custom website ($10 domain, $10/month hosting)
• Design content based on subject's known interests or hobbies
• Monitor server logs for IP geolocation data
• Make website difficult to view on mobile devices
• Force desktop/home computer usage for better location accuracy
• Easier action required than physical form completion

Best Practices and Tips

• Strategic Timing
  • Mail on Fridays for weekend home delivery
  • Consider work schedules and habits of target
• Incentive Structure
  • Provide clear benefits for compliance
  • Make participation cost-free and simple
  • Tailor incentives to subject's interests
• Technical Considerations
  • Design mobile-unfriendly websites to encourage home computer use
  • Monitor all server traffic and geolocation data
  • Structure messaging for maximum response likelihood

Legal Disclaimers

• Consult qualified attorney before implementing any method
• Verify compliance with federal, state, and local privacy laws
• Ensure legitimate legal purpose for investigation
• Avoid pretexting and false information submission
• Check litigation rules regarding contact with represented parties
• Maintain ethical standards throughout investigation process

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Submit questions about person location searching techniques for future episode coverage.

Always consult with legal professionals before conducting any investigative activities. Methods discussed are for educational purposes and must be implemented within legal boundaries. 

Episode Description 

Ever wondered where all that cryptocurrency money actually went? With Bitcoin dropping below $20,000 and numerous crypto platforms freezing withdrawals or shutting down entirely, millions are asking the same question. This episode breaks down the mechanics of where your crypto investment dollars really end up and why market crashes don't make money "disappear" the way you might think. 

Key Points Covered 

• The Bitcoin price drop explained - Understanding why a fall from $50,000 to $20,000 doesn't mean $30,000 "disappeared"
• Where your money goes when you buy crypto - The simple truth: it goes directly to whoever sold it to you at that price
• Why market value drops don't equal money vanishing - The difference between money changing hands and asset value declining
• Frozen platforms and exchange shutdowns - What happens to your investment when crypto companies lock down withdrawals
• The car dealership analogy - How cryptocurrency value loss works similarly to buying a new car that depreciates
• Intrinsic value vs. speculative value - Why assets like gold differ fundamentally from cryptocurrencies
• Crypto fraud and pure speculation - Distinguishing between market mechanics and actual fraudulent schemes
• The day-one reality check - Understanding that your money is "gone" the moment you invest, replaced only by hope for future buyers

Main Takeaway
Your crypto investment money doesn't vanish into thin air during market crashes - it went to previous sellers the day you bought in. Market value drops simply reflect what others are currently willing to pay for your digital assets.

Episode Description

This episode explores the dramatic collapse of Celsius Network, one of the largest cryptocurrency lending platforms, and what it means for investors who trusted the platform with their digital assets. We break down the warning signs, the aftermath, and crucial lessons for anyone involved in cryptocurrency investments.

Key Points Covered

• The Cryptocurrency Scam Landscape
  • Widespread crypto scams targeting investors through social media and unsolicited emails
  • Fake investment schemes promising doubled returns in short timeframes
  • The difference between outright scams and legitimate platforms that fail
• Celsius Network's Collapse
  • Withdrawal halts affecting thousands of customers for nearly a month
  • Platform's claim of "stabilizing liquidity" - code for insufficient funds
  • Victims locked out of six-figure cryptocurrency holdings
• The Root Causes
  • Under-capitalization of legitimate cryptocurrency platforms
  • Heavy borrowing and leverage against crypto holdings
  • Margin calls triggered by declining cryptocurrency prices
  • Credit crunch affecting overleveraged companies
• Red Flags Investors Missed
  • High interest rates (sometimes 20%) as warning signs
  • False sense of security from company size and user base
  • Lack of traditional banking oversight (no FDIC protection)
  • No SEC regulations like traditional banks (Chase, Wells Fargo)
• The Bankruptcy Process
  • Celsius hiring attorneys and consultants for restructuring/bankruptcy
  • Comparison to other major corporate failures
  • The uncertain future for locked investor funds
• Lessons for Crypto Investors
  • Importance of diversification across asset types
  • Understanding that company size doesn't guarantee safety
  • The risks of putting all investments in volatile cryptocurrency
  • Benefits of taking profits and maintaining cash reserves
• Market Context
  • Cryptocurrency's massive price swings and profit potential
  • The dangers of leverage in a declining market
  • How margin calls can destroy even legitimate platforms

Key Takeaway

Even legitimate cryptocurrency platforms can fail due to overleveraging and market volatility, making diversification and risk management essential for any crypto investor.

Episode Description 

This episode examines the growing challenges faced by police departments in Europe and the UK as they transition to electric vehicle fleets, only to discover serious operational limitations that are putting public safety at risk. 

Key Points Discussed 

• Range Anxiety in Law Enforcement - Police departments across Europe and the UK are experiencing significant problems with electric vehicles running out of power during emergency responses
• Rural Area Challenges - Electric police cars are particularly problematic in rural areas where charging infrastructure is sparse or non-existent
• Operational Setbacks - Some departments are being forced to revert back to gas and diesel vehicles due to reliability issues with their electric fleet
• Charging Infrastructure Crisis - Limited availability of charging stations is creating operational bottlenecks for police departments trying to maintain 24/7 readiness
• Public Safety Concerns - Officers unable to respond to emergencies due to dead batteries poses serious risks to public safety and emergency response times
• Fleet Management Issues - Police are spending valuable time searching for charging facilities instead of patrolling, leading to operational inefficiencies
• The Backup Plan Problem - Departments are maintaining dual fleets (electric and gas) to ensure coverage when electric vehicles fail
• Consumer vs. Emergency Use - While consumers can plan charging stops, emergency responders need immediate availability that current EV technology struggles to provide
• Future Infrastructure Needs - Discussion of what improvements are needed to make electric police fleets viable for public safety operations
• Timeline Questions - Whether charging infrastructure will expand quickly enough to support the transition from petroleum-powered emergency vehicles

Episode Description 

The future of financial transactions is rapidly moving online, with digital payment platforms like Gazelle, TransferWise, and WorldRemit replacing traditional checks and credit cards. But this shift raises an important question: should you send payments as one large lump sum or break them into smaller, regular installments? This episode explores the strategic advantages and potential drawbacks of each approach to help you make smarter financial decisions. 

Key Topics Covered 

• The Digital Payment Revolution
  • Online money transfers are becoming the dominant payment method
  • Traditional payment methods like checks and credit cards are declining
  • Popular platforms reshaping how we handle transactions
• Strategic Advantages of Split Payments
  • Risk mitigation: limiting losses from incorrect recipient addresses
  • Better budgeting and cash flow management
  • Easier monthly financial planning vs. saving for large end-of-month payments
  • Benefits for payment recipients who prefer regular income streams
• Security Considerations
  • Reduced financial exposure when payments go to wrong recipients
  • Importance of verifying recipient information with small test payments
  • Limited recovery options once digital payments are sent
• Cost Analysis Factors
  • Fee structures: per-transaction vs. percentage-based fees
  • How payment platform fee models affect your strategy
  • Recipient preferences and potential fees they may incur
• Loss of Traditional Protections
  • Credit card protections vs. digital payment platforms
  • Chargeback and dispute resolution differences
  • Importance of understanding your payment platform's protection policies
• International Payment Considerations
  • Currency exchange rate implications
  • How split payments can affect exchange rate exposure
  • Regional differences in payment platform features
• Automation and Convenience
  • Setting up automatic recurring transfers
  • Balancing convenience with financial control
  • Platform features that support both payment strategies
• Real-World Applications
  • Rent payments and housing transactions
  • Large purchases (vehicles, real estate)
  • Reimbursements and regular payments
  • Employee payment preferences trending toward daily/weekly vs. monthly

Key Takeaways

• Start with small test payments to verify recipient information before sending larger amounts
• Consider your payment platform's fee structure when choosing between lump sum and split payments
• Regular smaller payments often benefit both sender and recipient for budgeting purposes
• Always review your payment platform's protection and dispute resolution policies
• The trend toward more frequent payments reflects people's preference for regular cash flow over lump sums

New Car Market Crisis 

• Inventory shortage getting worse - Despite predictions that chip shortages would resolve, new car inventory is actually becoming scarcer
• Empty dealership lots - Most lots now display used cars instead of new vehicles, with many dealers down to single-digit new car inventory
• Real-world examples:
  • Major Chevy dealer dropped from 80 cars to just 5 on the lot
  • Fort Worth dealership client went from 250-300 cars to zero inventory - every car is pre-sold and delivered same day
  • Chrysler Pacifica hybrid example: only ONE available within 300-mile radius, and it's already pre-sold
• Extended wait times - New car orders now taking 5-6 months (potentially longer), reminiscent of Soviet-era car buying
• Factory shutdowns - Manufacturing facilities closing for extended periods, further limiting supply

Used Car Market Reversal

• Price volatility - Used cars that were selling above new car prices are now "dropping like a stone"
• Auction trends - Vehicles previously appreciating in value at major auctions like Mannheim are now declining
• Dealership practices - Some dealers were marking UP used car prices over time instead of traditional depreciation
• Market drivers:
  • High volume of repossessed vehicles entering the market
  • Demand destruction for gas-guzzling SUVs and large trucks due to fuel price inflation
  • Average car payments exceeding $700 monthly (comparable to rent from 3-4 years ago)
• Buyer recommendation - Wait 1-2 months if shopping for used cars as prices continue falling

Electric Vehicle Developments

• New player: VinFast - Vietnamese startup launching electric crossovers in the U.S.
• Rapid expansion - Planning 24+ California showrooms by end of 2022, targeting high-volume production
• Market opportunity - May have vehicle availability where traditional manufacturers don't

Industry Analysis

• Historic moment - Automotive industry experiencing unprecedented changes across all segments
• New business model - Manufacturers and dealers moving toward low/no inventory operations
• Consumer impact - Buyers facing longer waits, higher prices, and limited choices across new and used markets

Key Takeaways

• New car shortages are structural, not temporary
• Used car prices trending downward after peak highs
• Electric vehicle options expanding with new manufacturers
• Traditional car buying experience fundamentally changed

Episode Overview 

Discover how negative equity builds up on your vehicle and what you can do about it. We break down an actual car purchase agreement to reveal how dealers add thousands in questionable fees and show you how to fight back. 

Key Topics Covered 

• Understanding Negative Equity - Why you owe more than your car's worth and where those charges originated
• Real Case Study Analysis - Examining an actual BMW purchase where $11,000+ in add-ons were tacked onto a $40,000 vehicle
• Common Dealer Add-Ons Exposed: 
  • Appearance packages ($1,000)
  • Windshield protection ($1,100)
  • Tire and wheel protection ($2,600)
  • Dent protection ($939)
  • Vehicle care protection ($595)
  • Extended warranties (nearly $5,000)
  • Key protection ($499)
• The Financial Impact - How these add-ons increased monthly payments by $300 (from ~$800 to $1,100/month)
• Legal Protections - Federal Trade Commission's CARS rule prohibiting bogus add-ons and duplicate coverage
• Cancellation Rights - Every protection plan has hidden cancellation clauses in the fine print
• Recovery Strategies: 
  • How to cancel unwanted add-ons before paying off your loan
  • Getting refunds of $4,000-$4,500 from cancelled protection plans
  • Negotiating with dealers for additional compensation
  • Shopping around for better trade-in values
• Critical Timing - Why you must cancel add-ons BEFORE paying off, trading in, or surrendering your vehicle
• Warning Signs - How dealers hide these charges during the signing process using iPads and multiple documents

Key Takeaway
A $40,000 vehicle became a $60,000 loan due to nearly 30% in add-on fees - most of which were unnecessary duplicate coverage or questionable value.

Action Items for Listeners

• Review your original purchase agreement for questionable add-ons
• Identify cancellable protection plans before making any loan decisions
• Contact dealers about improperly added fees
• Calculate potential savings from cancelling unnecessary coverage

New Car Market Crisis 

• Inventory shortage reaching critical levels - dealerships that previously stocked 250-300 cars now have zero inventory
• Major Chevy dealer example - inventory dropped from 80 cars to just 5 cars on the lot
• Pre-sold inventory phenomenon - cars are delivered the same day they arrive at dealerships
• Extreme scarcity cases - only one Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan available within 300-mile radius, and it's already pre-sold
• Factory shutdowns compounding the problem - production facilities closing for extended periods (month and a half)
• Chip shortage excuse debunked - companies are intentionally ramping down production as part of new business model
• Soviet-style wait times - ordering a new car now requires 5-6 month waits (potentially longer)

Used Car Market Volatility

• Price drops accelerating - used car values falling rapidly after months of inflation
• Previous price inversions - some used cars were selling for more than their original new car prices
• Auction market trends - Manheim and other major auctions showing declining values
• Repossessed vehicle influx - large volumes of repo cars hitting the marketplace
• Gas price impact - non-fuel efficient SUVs and larger trucks losing value due to demand destruction
• Average car payments soaring - exceeding $700 monthly (comparable to rent payments from 3-4 years ago)
• Market timing advice - buyers should wait 1-2 months for further price decreases

Electric Vehicle Developments

• VinFast emergence - Vietnamese startup entering US market with electric crossovers
• Rapid expansion plans - 24+ showrooms opening by end of 2022, targeting 30 total dealerships
• High volume production strategy - potentially offering vehicle availability when others cannot
• Market positioning - targeting consumers unable to find traditional new cars

Economic Impact & Consumer Behavior

• Demand destruction occurring - consumers spending more on gas, groceries, and rent, leaving less for vehicles
• Payment shock reality - some consumers paying over $1,000 monthly for car payments
• Market pause recommended - both cars and RVs showing price declines
• Historic industry moment - unprecedented combination of new car shortages and used car price volatility

Key Takeaways

• New car shortage is worsening, not improving despite earlier predictions
• Used car prices are collapsing after artificial inflation period
• Electric vehicles may be the only readily available new option in some markets
• Industry operating under new business model - low inventory as intentional strategy rather than supply chain issue