The Expert Podcast

• 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 testimony for fraud investigations and document analysis. This experience does not influence our sharing of this information but highlights the existence of such programs.
• Fraud Reporting Opportunities:
  • Government Fraud: Report fraud against the government and receive a percentage of the recovery.
  • Tax Evasion: Report scams involving unreported income and potentially earn money from the recovery.
  • Evidence Contribution: Assist in gathering evidence for fraud cases and share in the recovery funds.
• Types of Agencies Involved:
  • SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission): Enforces regulations on Ponzi schemes and unregulated securities, including those involving cryptocurrencies.
• Program Benefits: New programs address gaps in previous awards and offer opportunities to profit from reporting scams.
• Confidential Consultation:
  • Click the link below for a private, confidential consultation with a licensed investigator.
  • Discuss your situation and get expert advice on reporting and profiting from fraud discovery.
  • Your information will be kept confidential unless there's a threat of breaking the law.
• Additional Resources:
  • Access live one-on-one consultations in various fields including investigations, insurance, civil court mediation, real estate, and business development.
  • Find experts in areas such as marketing, advertising, and business growth.
• Engage with Us:
  • For questions or comments, leave them below.
  • If you find this content valuable and wish to explore further, use the link to connect with a live expert.

Thank you for tuning in!

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-day home-buying process.
• At the final stage, scammers send a fake email with fraudulent wire transfer instructions.
• The email appears legitimate, using real names, logos, and contact details from the ongoing transaction.
• The key difference is the banking information, sending your money to scammers overseas.
• Victims don’t realize they’ve been scammed until the real title company requests the payment.

How to Avoid Escrow Fraud:

• Solution: First, send a small amount ($10, $100, or $1,000) as a test.
• Verify with the title company in person that they received the test amount.
• Once confirmed, send the full payment using the same wiring information.
• Always get wire transfer instructions in person, not by email or phone.
• Even after receiving instructions in person, do a test transfer before sending large amounts.

Additional Tips:

• Real estate professionals should provide buyers with a checklist on how to protect themselves from escrow fraud.
• Encourage real estate agents, buyers, and sellers to adopt these preventative measures.

More Resources:

• Visit verifyescrow.com for detailed instructions and free resources.
• Share this link with anyone in the real estate industry to help them prevent losses from escrow fraud.

Need Personalized Help?

• Access live one-on-one consultations with experts, including licensed private investigators, commercial insurance brokers, real estate title examiners, civil court mediators, and building contractors.
• Get advice on your situation by visiting actualhuman.com for expert consultations.

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 protocols within companies.
  • Recommendation: Invest in a cyber insurance policy to ensure you have a response team and monitoring in place.
  • Coverage: Cyber insurance provides both coverage for damages and a turnkey process for active monitoring and incident response.
• Benefits of having cyber insurance versus managing monitoring and response in-house.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Insurance often provides a more cost-effective solution with built-in support and coverage.

Current State and Future Outlook

• Examples of recent major cyber attacks, including the CrowdStrike hack, CDK hack, and the Las Vegas cyber infiltration.
  • Call for Action: Emphasizes the need for a more robust national response to these incidents.
  • Preparation: Importance of having contingencies for various scenarios such as bank outages or CRM system failures.

Closing Thoughts

• Encouragement to stay vigilant and prepared for potential cyber threats.
  • Resources: Link to further information and live one-on-one consultations with experts on related topics.

Additional Information

• Availability of live consultations with licensed experts in various fields, including investigations, insurance, and business development.
  • Call to Action: Use the link below to access expert advice and delve deeper into subjects of interest.

Thank you for watching! For questions or comments, and to access live consultations, click the link below.

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-Interest?

• Sometimes lien holders cannot sign a lien release if the lien is old, charged off, or written off, and not visible in their system.
• A letter of non-interest helps bypass this issue by stating the lien holder's disinterest in the vehicle, even if it’s been sold or purged from their system.

Benefits of a Letter of Non-Interest

• It simplifies the process as the lien holder can easily verify their lack of interest in the vehicle.
• Increases the likelihood of receiving the necessary documentation to clear the title.

Additional Tips

• Include a return envelope with the letter of non-interest to avoid delays or the document being discarded due to lack of postage.
• Ensure all details are followed to avoid issues with obtaining a clean title.

Further Assistance

• For personalized advice, visit ActualHuman.com for live, one-on-one consultations with experts in this field.

Conclusion

• Check out other videos on our channel for more information on related topics to help resolve your issues.

• 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: From crypto scams to investment schemes, discover how scammers deceive victims.
  • Victimization of Scammers: The article highlights how scammers are sometimes enslaved and tortured to commit these crimes, particularly in Southeast Asia.
  • The Scale of the Problem:
    • Many scams originate from Cambodia, where a significant portion of the GDP is derived from these fraudulent activities.
    • Scammers are often held captive in conditions resembling sweatshops, forced to work around the clock.
  • The Process:
    • Scammers use sophisticated tactics, including fake profiles and psychological manipulation.
    • They work in teams, with roles ranging from initial contact to transaction handling, and face severe punishment for failures.
  • Impact on Victims:
    • Victims can lose their life savings, face severe emotional distress, and even commit suicide due to the financial devastation.
    • Some scammers, driven by personal stories, end up sending money to people they were scamming.
  • Criminal Operations:
    • Scams often involve money laundering through casinos and the use of encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to evade detection.
    • Buildings specifically designed for housing scammers are being constructed, reflecting the scale of these operations.
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Understand the harsh realities faced by those forced into scamming roles and how sophisticated these operations are.
  • Learn about the psychology used by scammers to manipulate victims and the detailed scripts they follow.
• Resources:
  • For more information, visit Active Intel and Actual Human.
  • Access live one-on-one consultations with licensed experts in various fields through Actual Human.
• Call to Action:
  • Have questions or comments? Drop them in the link below.
  • If you need expert advice on investigations, insurance, real estate, or more, reach out through the provided links.

Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights and updates!

• 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 handling inventory?
• Electric Vehicles (EVs):
  • Over half of Teslas are being traded in for gasoline cars.
  • Many buyers of EVs are dissatisfied and returning to traditional vehicles.
• Industry Shifts:
  • Manufacturers are retooling factories to focus on EVs due to government mandates.
  • Upcoming regulations require 50% of car sales to be EVs within five years, potentially reaching 100% within six to seven years.
• Impact on Car Pricing:
  • With three million cars in inventory, expect potential discounts as dealerships work to clear stock.
  • Are you seeing any discounts in your area?
• Consultation and Expert Advice:
  • Remember, you can access live one-on-one consultations with licensed experts in various fields, including investigations, insurance, civil court mediation, real estate, business development, and more.
  • For personalized advice, use the link below.
• Feedback and Questions:
  • If you have questions or comments about this episode, leave them in the link below.
  • For deeper insights and live interactions with experts, visit actualhuman.com.

Thank you for watching another episode!

• 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 recipients, which usually requires in-person verification, signing a form, and showing ID.
  • This process ensures that vehicle information isn’t used for fraudulent purposes like stalking or identity theft.
• Steps to Check a Vehicle’s History:
  1. DMV Visit:
     • Go in person to the DMV (or Secretary of State’s office) to request a vehicle history report.
     • You’ll need to sign an information request form, pay a fee, and provide your ID.
     • The DMV report will include liens, ownership history, but may not have current stolen vehicle information.
  2. Police Department Visit:
     • For the most up-to-date stolen vehicle records, visit your local police department. The DMV records may not be as current.
     • Bring your photo ID and the VIN number for a VIN inspection.
     • Remember: the police will only have details about stolen vehicles, not ownership, liens, or salvage records.
  3. Check NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System):
     • NMVTIS is a federal database that tracks salvage vehicles, export-only vehicles, and junk vehicles.
     • You can access this system to confirm if a vehicle is flagged as salvage, junk, or for export only.
     • Even if the vehicle looks fine, it could still be marked as parts-only, so checking this is essential.
• Why In-Person Checks Are Required:
  • Security & Privacy: Federal law protects vehicle records, so they can’t be accessed over the phone or online without verification.
  • The inconvenience of an in-person visit can save you from buying a vehicle with hidden issues or without a valid title.
• Need Expert Advice?
  • For more guidance, you can access live one-on-one consultations with licensed professionals including:
    • Private investigators
    • Commercial insurance brokers
    • Real estate title examiners
    • Civil court mediators
    • General contractors
  • Click the link below to connect with an expert at ActualHuman.com

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:

• Identify and document the proper assignment of assets.
• Search for original documents, including trusts, wills, and probate records.
• Be aware of fraudulent conveyance, where assets are improperly distributed.

Consultation Available: Access live, one-on-one consultations with licensed experts for personalized advice on this and other topics.

Types of Fraud:

• Accidental: Trustees or executors may not clearly understand how to distribute assets.
• Intentional: Some may seek more than their fair share, leading to probate fraud.

Importance of Investigation: Discovering documents is crucial for revealing the true interests of the deceased or those in long-term care or under conservatorship.

Final Advice: Ensure no one in your family, including executors, improperly diverts assets that belong to you or other family members.

Further Learning: Check out other videos on our channel for more information on related topics to help resolve your issues.

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 potential misinformation.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):
   • Go in person to request a VIN history.
   • Sign an information request form as required by federal law (DPPA - USC 2725).
   • Note: The DMV can only provide lien and prior owner information, not salvage or stolen vehicle details.
2. Check with Local Law Enforcement:
   • Visit a Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, or State Patrol in person.
   • Provide the VIN number to check for stolen vehicle status.
   • Ensure to get the results in writing for future reference.
3. Verify with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS):
   • This system checks for flood cars, salvage vehicles, parts-only vehicles, and export-only cars.
   • Note: The DMV might not always have this information on hand.

Key Advice:

• Always get documentation in writing from each source.
• Avoid relying solely on online VIN checks like Carfax—they may miss critical information.
• Completing all three checks is crucial to avoid buying a car with a bad history or title issues.

Additional Resources:

• Explore other videos on our channel for related topics that might help you resolve similar issues.

Consultation:

• Remember, you have access to one-on-one consultations with licensed experts for personalized advice on your situation.

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 thousands of attempts daily to find vulnerable companies.
• The Odds of Getting Hit:
  • Almost any company could be at risk, depending on how prolific the hackers are.
• Insurance Companies & Business Interruption Claims:
  • Cyber liability insurance providers are facing an increase in business interruption (BI) claims.
  • Some policies cover not only the cost of the hack but also losses from business interruptions, such as being shut down for weeks.
• Important Note:
  • Ensure that if you purchase a cyber liability policy, it includes BI coverage, as many add-on policies do not.
• The Good News:
  • Cyber insurance policies are becoming more affordable.
  • Insurance companies now better understand the market, leading to reduced prices and more competition.
  • Improved databases help insurers accurately price policies, attracting more providers to the market.

Need Help?

• If you have questions about cyber defense, insurance coverage, or active monitoring, feel free to reach out through the link below. We're here to assist you.

Explore More:

• Like this episode? Check out other videos on our channel for more helpful information on related topics.