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…

Key Points: Repair Frequency: According to Battery Technology Newspaper, electric vehicles (EVs) require repairs three times more often than gasoline vehicles. Internal Combustion Engine vs. EVs: Gasoline vehicles have been refined over 100 years, benefiting from extensive experience and engineering advancements. EV technology is relatively new, wi…

Why You Should Get a Cash Offer for Your Vehicle Regularly: Even if you're not planning to sell your vehicle, it's beneficial to get a cash offer 3-4 times a year. Places to get cash offers: Kelly Blue Book (KBB) TrueCar CarGurus CarMax Process: Enter your VIN number, ZIP code, mileage, and receive a bona fide cash offer. Benefits of Getting a Cash…

In this episode, we explore a compelling question: Are some news stories being written not for human consumption but for training artificial intelligence? Key Points Covered: News for AI Training: Is there a possibility that certain news stories are crafted to train AI systems like ChatGPT, rather than inform human readers? AI's Learning Process: H…

How the Scam Works: When buying a house, you need to transfer funds to a title or escrow company. The title company holds the funds and the deed, ensuring a secure exchange between buyer and seller. Scammers hack into emails related to the transaction, monitoring communication between buyers, sellers, and agents. At the right moment, they send a fa…

What is a Zombie Mortgage? A zombie mortgage is a loan placed on a property many years ago (e.g., 15-20 years). It often arises from a mortgage that was foreclosed, charged off, renegotiated, or adjusted. The problem occurs when a lien release is never filed in the property records, even if the mortgage was paid off or cleared. Impact on Borrowers …

Introduction Exploring why hiring an attorney can be challenging. Comparing hiring an attorney to hiring other service providers, like a roofing company. Why Attorneys Are Selective Attorneys differ from other professionals because they cannot guarantee a successful outcome. Law firms are cautious about taking cases with uncertain outcomes to avoid…

Introduction: Discussion on the significant increase in cyber attacks and ransomware. Overview of the rapidly growing cyber risk for companies. Key Highlights: 500% Surge in Ransomware Losses: Recent cyber security industry report shows a 500% increase in ransomware payments. The average ransom payment has skyrocketed from $400,000 to $2 million. E…

Topic: The recent cyber attack on CDK Global, a major provider of technical platforms for automotive dealerships. Case Study: This attack serves as a significant case study in understanding how cyber attacks impact businesses and the responses from clients, third parties, and insurance companies. Impact: The attack affected 15,000 car dealerships. …

Introduction: One of the most common questions our sales staff receives is about obtaining a title for an abandoned vehicle. Many callers believe that simply calling a vehicle abandoned will help them get a title, but this is not the case. What Constitutes an Abandoned Vehicle: An abandoned vehicle is one that has been discarded and not claimed by …

Introduction: Overview of the current state of lumber prices. Introduction of Dave Pelligrinelli, licensed building contractor and general contractor. Current Lumber Price Trends: Discussion on the recent crash in lumber prices despite the peak building season. Comparison to previous spikes and their predictions. Factors Contributing to the Price D…

Introduction Recent news highlights major ransomware and cyber attacks, such as the CDK Automotive and AT&T hacks. These attacks impact millions and involve hackers locking down company systems. How Ransomware Attacks Work Hackers infiltrate systems, lock them, and demand a ransom to restore access. Companies face the choice of paying the ransom or…

Introduction: Discussion on the shift from traditional office work to remote work and the recent pushback from some companies. The Current Work Environment: Overview of how many administrative and clerical jobs transitioned to remote work during the pandemic. Not all roles returned to the office, leading to a debate on the necessity of physical pre…

Introduction: If you're in the investigative industry or frequently deal with bureaucratic or legal matters, even if you're not an attorney, consider getting a copy of Black's Law Dictionary. Why Black's Law Dictionary? Availability: You can find older editions, such as the 7th edition, at used bookstores or libraries. These can be inexpensive—e.g.…

Introduction to Phantom Debt: What is phantom debt? How can it negatively impact you? Effective strategies for dealing with phantom debt. Recent Developments: Highlight of a recent CNBC article on the resurgence of phantom debt. Explanation of phantom debt as loans or obligations considered dormant that are reappearing. Historical Context: The impa…

Summary: Recent Crackdown: Over 4,000 people have been arrested in a massive crackdown on online scams, with $250 million in assets seized, including high-end vehicles and bank accounts. Types of Scams: Phishing schemes Investment fraud Romance scams Impersonation scams Scammer Accountability: Scammers do eventually get caught, but it requires pati…

Episode Show Notes / Description Exciting Update: Electronic Vehicle Titles Are Here! Electronic vehicle titles are finally becoming a reality. We've been collaborating with major vendors like DocuSign, CarMax, and other automotive professionals to make this happen. Benefits for Dealerships and Consumers Dealers are excited about the transition as …

Description: Overview of the CDK Cyber Attack: The recent CDK Cyber attack has left a troubling outlook for car dealerships, as reported by stock market research analysts. Industry Impact: Analysts indicate a bleak future for the car dealership sector, aligning with previous reports that 60% of small businesses fold within six months after a cyber …

Overview: The cost of cyber liability insurance typically ranges from $300 to $800 per year for small independent contractors or professional companies with revenues of $1 million or less. Coverage generally includes protection against hacking, ransomware, and potentially third-party claims. Costs may vary depending on the industry and specific ris…

Episode Show Notes / Description: What Are Zombie Mortgages? Zombie mortgages are loans presumed long dormant but have resurfaced. This can apply to mortgages, car loans, judgment debts, and other types of liens or debts. How Do Zombie Debts Work? These debts may have been written off, charged off, or considered non-collectible by the original lend…

Overview: Discussion inspired by Bloomberg’s article on the rising issue of Phantom or Zombie debt. Many debts from the 2008 financial crisis were never fully cleared, leading to confusion and financial vulnerability today. Key Points: Phantom Debt: Debts that people believe are gone due to charge-offs, write-offs, or lack of contact from creditors…

Episode Highlights: Importance of checking the battery on a used EV before purchase. Example case: Hyundai Ioniq 5 with a $60,000 battery replacement cost. Multiple stories of the same car model being totaled due to battery failure. Common issue: Inability to obtain a reasonably priced replacement battery. Advice: Always get a thorough EV battery c…

Key Points: When purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), consider not only the price, usage, and maintenance but also the insurance. Why Insurance Might Be Higher for EVs: Collision Coverage: Standard auto insurance generally covers collision damage, liability, theft, and physical damage (like flooding). Engine vs. Battery: For gasoline vehicles, the …

Key Points: Ponzi schemers do get caught, convicted, and face consequences. Example: One schemer received a 7-year prison sentence for defrauding 20 victims. The schemer was ordered to pay $2.6 million in restitution. The FBI was involved, and the schemer pled guilty to a single count of wire fraud. The possibility of victims recovering their money…

Introduction: In our latest episode, we dive into the risks associated with password security and two-factor authentication. Key Points: Recent Findings: A video demonstrated that hackers can crack 80 million passwords in about a minute. While two-factor authentication (2FA) is a step in the right direction, it's not foolproof. Real-World Examples:…

Scam Overview: Fraudsters create fake websites mimicking real used car dealerships, often specializing in classic cars. They use a similar name, logo, and photos scraped from the internet, creating a convincing front. They target buyers who are looking to purchase rare vehicles remotely, as these cars aren't often available locally. Scam Tactics: S…

Introduction: You've ordered the car titles document package—what happens next? Order Confirmation: Immediate preparation of your documents. Usually completed within a few hours, often the same day. You'll receive an email to confirm spellings and the VIN number. Document Review & Delivery: After your verification, a complete portfolio of documents…

In this episode, we explore the crucial aspects of vehicle titles and what it means to have a "clear title." Here's what we cover: Definition of a Vehicle Title: A government-issued document that proves ownership of a vehicle. Currently, all titles are paper documents, though digital efforts are underway. What is a Clear Title? No liens: Ensures no…