Merchant Cash Advances-Quick Funds for Retailers

April 20th, 2008

In a nutshell, a merchant cash advance is a lump sum of cash now, in exchange for a small portion of your future credit card sales.

 

Crown Financial Services purchases a small portion of your future credit card sales at a discount. This is called a merchant cash advance or credit card factoring. We then collect a percentage of your daily Visa/MasterCard sales directly from your credit card processor until advance is paid in full. Repayment is automatic. You never have to worry about writing checks, making timely payments, or paying late fees.

For Example:

Crown Financial Services will advance your business $50,000 today in exchange for $60,000 of your future Visa/MasterCard sales. Crown Financial Services then collects anywhere from 12 to 25 percent of your daily Visa/MasterCard sales until the $60,000 advance is collected. Usually over a period of 5 to 12 months.

Merchant Cash Advance Advantages
Merchant Cash Advances offer businesses the fastest, easiest way to access risk-free capital from $5,000 to $1,000,000. Funding in 5-7 days with no application fees and the process is simple with minimal paperwork.

No fixed payments - flexible programs

No fixed time frames for repayment

Completely automated process Crown Financial Services gets paid only when you get paid

Renewal is easy. Once you are a Crown Financial Services customer, getting more money or renewing your advance is even simpler.

There is never a pre-payment penalty:

You can use your cash for anything. From adding a new location or inventory, to making payroll or paying taxes, to buying advertising or direct mail, the cash advance is yours to use in any way you choose to grow your business.

You pay as you grow. The merchant cash advances are paid for with a percentage of the Visa and MasterCard transactions only. If your credit card volume is down, then the amount collected by Crown Financial Services is less and vice verse when volume is up.

Qualification and Funding: To qualify you must: 

  • Run a traditional retail/service/restaurant business with at least one year remaining on your lease.
  • Have a fixed business location.
  • Preferably be in business for more than six months
  • Must have a minimum average monthly credit card sales volume of $5,000.
  • Must not be behind in rent or mortgage payments for more than two months.
  • Have no current bankruptcies and no bankruptcy discharges in the last 12 months.
  • Have no more than $100,000 in unresolved liens.

Credit Card Factoring for Retailers & Restaurants

April 20th, 2008

In a nutshell, a Credit Card Factoring funding is a lump sum of cash now, in exchange for a small portion of your future credit card sales.

 

Crown Financial Services purchases a small portion of your future credit card sales at a discount. This is called a Credit Card Factoring funding or credit card receivables funding. We then collect a percentage of your daily Visa/MasterCard sales directly from your credit card processor until advance is paid in full. Repayment is automatic. You never have to worry about writing checks, making timely payments, or paying late fees.

For Example:

Crown Financial Services will advance your business $50,000 today in exchange for $60,000 of your future Visa/MasterCard sales. Crown Financial Services then collects anywhere from 12 to 25 percent of your daily Visa/MasterCard sales until the $60,000 advance is collected. Usually over a period of 5 to 12 months.

Credit Card Factoring Advantages
Credit Card Factoring fundings offer businesses the fastest, easiest way to access risk-free capital from $5,000 to $1,000,000. Funding in 5-7 days with no application fees and the process is simple with minimal paperwork.

No fixed payments - flexible programs No fixed time frames for repayment Completely automated process Crown Financial Services gets paid only when you get paid

Renewal is easy. Once you are a Crown Financial Services customer, getting more money or renewing your advance is even simpler.

There is never a pre-payment penalty:

You can use your cash for anything. From adding a new location or inventory, to making payroll or paying taxes, to buying advertising or direct mail, the cash advance is yours to use in any way you choose to grow your business.

You pay as you grow. The Credit Card Factoring fundings are paid for with a percentage of the Visa and MasterCard transactions only. If your credit card volume is down, then the amount collected by Crown Financial Services is less and vice verse when volume is up.

Qualification and Funding: To qualify you must: 

  • Run a traditional retail/service/restaurant business with at least one year remaining on your lease.
  • Have a fixed business location.
  • Preferably be in business for more than six months
  • Must have a minimum average monthly credit card sales volume of $5,000.
  • Must not be behind in rent or mortgage payments for more than two months.
  • Have no current bankruptcies and no bankruptcy discharges in the last 12 months.
  • Have no more than $100,000 in unresolved liens.

Merchant Cash Advances for Business

March 27th, 2008

One of the least-known merchant financing strategies for successful businesses is potentially the single best working capital management strategy for obtaining needed capital, the use of a merchant cash advance program or credit card receivables funding.

 

For any business that accepts credit cards as a method of payment, a merchant cash advance is a critical business financing tool that is often overlooked. A merchant cash advance allows a business owner to get a large sum of cash now, without incurring any additional debt. The reason is simple; you are not receiving a loan. You are “selling an asset at a small discount”, your future credit card sales. 

 

Merchant Cash Advance companies work with both established and expanding businesses to provide working capital to businesses in the small-to-medium sized range who have difficulty securing capital from traditional financial institutions or prefer a funding option that aligns with their cash flow. Working capital can be in the business owner’s hands in 7-10 days.

 

What are the key advantages of a Merchant Cash Advance over other forms of financing? A Merchant Cash Advance, also known as credit card factoring, allows a business owner to get a large lump sum of cash now, without incurring additional debt. A credit card receivable funding is not a loan. You are “selling an asset at a small discount”, your future credit card sales.

 

Other major advantages include:

  • No long application process
  • 24 hour approval
  • Cash in 7-10 working days
  • No application fees
  • No tax returns needed
  • No business plan needed
  • No closing costs
  • No fixed payment terms
  • No fixed time
  • No hassles

 

What can you use the money for?

  • Buying out a partner
  • Expansion
  • Advertising campaign
  • Hiring personnel
  • Payroll
  • Emergencies
  • Almost anything related to your business.

 

As you can see, a Merchant Cash Advance can potentially be the single best working capital management strategy for obtaining needed cash. This is a vital business financing tool that should not be overlooked.

 

Now let’s explore what you, as a business owner, need in order to qualify for such funding. You’ll see it’s very easy to qualify. Then we will compare qualifications needed for a credit card receivables funding vs. traditional bank loan.

 

How do you qualify for funding?

General guidelines:

Minimum $4,000 per month in credit card sales (MasterCard/Visa)

3+ months in business, preferably one year

No unresolved bankruptcies

 

Let’s compare the qualifications: Merchant Cash Advance vs. a traditional Bank loan. 

Traditional Bank Loan:

Minimum 3 Years in Business

Business Asset Collateral

Personal Guarantees

3 Years Tax Returns

3 Years Financial Statements

High Credit Score

Application Fee

Closing Cost

Long Application

Long Approval Process

 

Merchant Cash Advance:

6+ months in Business, one year preferred

Based on future VISA/MC Sales

No Personal Guarantee

No 3 Years of Tax Returns

No 3 Years of Financial Statements

Credit Score Does Not Matter

No Application Fee

No Closing Cost

2 Page Application

24 Hour Approval

 

Do you see how easy it is to qualify for this type of funding vs. a traditional bank loan?

Additional benefits of this type of funding:No Preset Dates No Preset Amounts No Need to fill out stubs and enclose checks The process is fully automated; “We’re paid if and only when you’re paid”

Crown Financial Services is proud members of the American Cash Flow Association, the Las Vegas Better Business Bureau and Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. With fast, courteous and professional service, we aim to help businesses reach their financial goals and dreams. We appreciate you allowing us to explain our working capital solutions for small business.

 

Let us provide you with a lump sum of cash now! Call today for a free no cost no obligation consultation, (866) 560-8079. Call in to see if you qualify for a $25,000 lump sum cash advance! What are you waiting for? Let’s start the process today!

Merchant Credit Card Factoring

March 27th, 2008

Credit card factoring is a very unique solution for those who need a quick infusion of cash now. 

Credit card factoring funding utilizes an asset that is unrecognized by traditional financial institutions — future credit card sales — to determine the financial viability of a business. Credit card factoring fundings are based on the predictability of a company’s future credit card sales. Yes, a credit card factoring funding for your business may be just what you’ve been looking for. 

Every small business needs a quick infusion of cash at some point. Small business loans are unavailable from banks to over 90% of all small businesses for various reasons including insufficient time in business, no collateral and less than perfect credit. Small business owners seeking cash for working capital — look no further. Inquire about a credit card factoring funding. 

According to the latest statistics from Equifax, there are more than 6 million small businesses in the

US. A high percentage of those small business owners are digging into personal savings, taking out home equity loans, borrowing from family and friends and running up credit card bills as forms of financing.  

Credit card factoring companies can help small business owners avoid these financial black holes through purchasing a fixed amount of the businesses future credit card sales, at a small discount, and in turn, providing them with a lump sum of working capital.  

This type of business cash advance typically varies from $5,000 to $1,000,000 per location. Small businesses will frequently benefit from converting future cash flow into immediate working capital. The most likely candidates to benefit from this strategy are restaurants, bars, service businesses and retail stores. These advances can be used for expansion, buying out a partner, advertising, payroll, emergencies, anything related to business. 

Credit card factoring companies work with both established and expanding businesses to provide working capital to companies in the small-to-medium-sized range who have difficulty securing funding from traditional financial institutions or prefer a funding option that aligns with their cash flow. Working capital can be in the hands of the business owner in 7-10 days. 

Daniel Ollman is the CEO and President of Crown Financial Services, Inc.( dano@crownfinancialservices.net ). Information about a free no cost no obligation consultation is available at (www.crownfinancialservices.net) 

Crown Financial Services, Inc. is based in

Nevada and provides assistance in obtaining working capital up to $1,000,000, in 5-7 business days, using credit card receivables for bars and restaurants, retail stores and service businesses.

A Cash Flow Savior! - Merchant Cash Advances

March 7th, 2008

When a small business needs funds quickly, a merchant cash advance offers unlimited flexibility. Also, it’s easy and exceptionally fast.

80% of all small businesses fail during the first year. 92% are unable to get traditional financing from banks. But restaurant and retail operations, or any business that accepts credit cards as a form of payment, can now get a merchant cash advance on expected future credit card sales. And many smart companies are using that option to stay afloat.

There are as many different needs for a merchant cash advance, or credit card receivables financing, as there are small businesses operating today. For example, a restaurant owner who can’t quite make payroll may survive the crisis and keep his doors open with a merchant cash advance.

A mom and pop hardware store could suffer a flooded basement or damaged piece of equipment or loss of inventory and need to make an immediate and often substantial expenditure. Even when these extra expenditures are covered by insurance, there might be a lag time until reimbursement. This is where a merchant cash advance can become a small businesses lifeline.

Then, there’s just the unpredictability of running a business on a day to day basis. Routine occurrences, like a slip in sales because of bad weather or a shutdown during a power outage, can cause a significant cash crunch.

Small businesses also may need an influx of cash for a growth opportunity. If a hair salon is looking to expand its services and become a day spa and the space next door suddenly becomes available, the owner will need money to renovate. With a merchant cash advance the owner could have the needed funds in hand in just 5-7 work days.

The advance amount the merchant can receive is determined by calculating the company’s average monthly Visa and MasterCard credit card sales for the past six months. The level of financing ranges from $5,000 to $1,000,000, and funds can be obtained in as little as a week.

The loan amount is typically 100 percent to 150 percent of the average monthly Visa/MasterCard volume. Cash is also used as the basis for the loan in certain situations, such as diners, pizza places, and sandwich shops. The bottom line: The merchant’s monthly payment should be in the neighborhood of 10 percent of his total monthly volume, including cash, and Visa/MasterCard.

Loans generally average $35,000-$50,000, and the loan is paid back within 5-12 months. After the merchant pays back the loan, he has an opportunity to renew the arrangement again.

Payment is simple. The merchant cash advance funder will work through a credit card processor to draw money from actual profits as payments are made using credit cards. Or, the merchant cash advance funder may draw his payments directly from the merchant’s bank account once the credit-card payments are deposited there.

It’s beneficial for the merchant to hire a consultant in the cash flow industry who knows what each of the merchant cash advance funding sources requires and can help the merchant find the best match.

In addition to helping locate the most appropriate funder, cash flow consultants can help the merchant fill out the application. The funder’s underwriting department will then pre-approve the merchant’s application, working on the assumption that the information on the application is correct. The pre-approval process generally takes 48 hours or less. After all the information is verified, the deal can be financed, typically, within 5-7 days.

Merchant cash advance financing can be a great way for a small business to get the cash it needs to grow, or to get through a particularly difficult time. For many small businesses, it may be the only source of funding that will help it survive.

Credit Card Factoring for Retailers-Free Informational Booklet!

March 7th, 2008

Crown Financial Services, Inc. today announced that it has published The 10 Ways to get Working Capital Booklet http://www.crownfinancialservices.net/apply to assist business owners in obtaining additional working capital. The booklet provides critical background information which can help commercial borrowers throughout the

United States obtain appropriate terms for credit card factoring advances up to $1,000,000 based on future credit card sales.
According to Dan Ollman, President of Crown Financial Services, Inc., “Even thriving businesses frequently need more cash than they can borrow from a bank. The 10 Ways to get Working Capital booklet focuses on one of the least-known commercial financing strategies based on using credit card receivables for obtaining needed cash for growing a business”. This booklet offers many other places to seek capital as well.

This commercial financing strategy is known as credit card factoring advances, merchant cash advances, business cash advances or credit card receivables financing. It uses an under-utilized business asset (future credit card sales) to obtain credit card factoring advances based upon a merchant’s average monthly Visa/MasterCard sales volume. Credit card factoring advances enable businesses to convert future cash flow into immediate working capital. 

The most likely candidates to benefit from the use of credit card factoring advances are restaurants, bars, service businesses and retail stores.  

Crown Financial Services, Inc is based in

Nevada and specializes in quick closings for merchants who can not find traditional funding sources.  

The free “10 Ways to get Working Capital” booklet has been published online by Crown Financial Services, Inc. at http://www.crownfinancialservices.net/apply to provide guidelines for obtaining credit card factoring advances by businesses such as restaurants, bars, service businesses and retail stores. 

 The 10 Ways to get Working Capital Booklet will help commercial borrowers throughout the

United States obtain appropriate terms for working capital and credit card factoring advances up to $1,000,000 based solely on future credit card sales. 

Turned Down by the Bank? A Unique Solution for Obtaining Capital.

February 16th, 2008

Businesses seeking cash for working capital — look no further. There is a unique solution for clients who need a quick infusion of money now, a merchant cash advance program

The reality of the economic climate facing business owners today is that traditional lenders are toughening the requirements needed to obtain working capital. 92% of all small business owners can not get money from banks. Reasons include length of time in business, lack of collateral, and the owner’s poor credit just to name a few.

According to the latest statistics from Equifax, there are more than 18 million small businesses in the

US. A high percentage of those small business owners are digging into personal savings, taking out home equity loans, borrowing from family and friends and running up credit card bills as forms of financing. All of these options require the business to take on additional debt.

Let’s explore a unique solution for business owners who need a quick infusion of capital. One of the least-known merchant financing strategies for successful businesses is potentially the single best working capital management strategy for obtaining needed capital. The use of a merchant cash advance program or credit card receivables funding.

For any business that accepts credit cards as a method of payment, a merchant cash advance is a critical business financing tool that is often overlooked. Capital advances are based solely on the predictability of a company’s future credit card sales. A merchant cash advance allows a business owner to get a large sum of cash now, without incurring any additional debt. The reason is simple; you are not receiving a loan. You are “selling an asset at a small discount”, your future credit card sales. 

Some of the key advantages of a merchant cash advance program over other forms of financing are: no long application process, 24 hour approvals, cash in 7-10 working days, no application fees, no tax returns needed, no business plan needed, no closing costs, no fixed payment terms, no fixed time, no hassles. Typically a merchant can obtain between $5,000 and $300,000 per location.  The amount depends solely on your monthly VISA/MC sales volume.

You can you use the money for, buying out a partner, expansion, advertising campaign, hiring personnel, payroll, emergencies, almost anything related to your business.

Collection of the purchased credit card sales occurs automatically through the credit card processor, which sends the funding company a small fixed, predetermined percentage from each credit card sale. The seamless integration of processing and ease of obtaining working capital is a natural fit and an obvious benefit to businesses that can not acquire traditional funding.

Credit card factoring companies work with both established and expanding businesses to provide working capital to businesses in the small-to-medium sized range that prefer a funding option that aligns with their cash flow.

As you can see, a merchant cash advance program, or credit card factoring advance, can potentially be the single best working capital management strategy for obtaining needed cash. This is a vital business financing tool that should not be overlooked.

Crown Financial Services is a proud member of both the American Cash Flow Association and Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. With fast, courteous and professional service, we aim to help businesses reach their financial goals and dreams.

 

Let us provide you with a lump sum of cash now! Call today for a free no cost no obligation consultation, (866) 560-8079. Call in to see if you qualify for a $25,000 lump sum cash advance! What are you waiting for? Let’s start the process today!

 

For more information, and a free, no obligation booklet, “10 Ways to Get Working Capital”, please log onto: http://www.crownfinancialservices.net/apply

Turn Future Credit Card Sales into Cash - Factor Your Receivables

February 16th, 2008

One of the least-known merchant financing strategies for successful businesses is potentially the single best working capital management strategy for obtaining needed capital, the use of a Credit Card Factoring Advance or credit card receivables funding.

 

For any business that accepts credit cards as a method of payment, Credit Card Factoring Advance is a critical business financing tool that is often overlooked. Credit Card Factoring Advance allows a business owner to get a large sum of cash now, without incurring any additional debt. The reason is simple; you are not receiving a loan. You are “selling an asset at a small discount”, your future credit card sales. 

 

Collection of the purchased credit card sales occurs automatically through the credit card processor, which sends the funding company a small fixed, predetermined percentage from each credit card sale. The seamless integration of processing and ease of obtaining working capital is a natural fit and an obvious benefit to businesses that can not acquire traditional funding.

 

Credit card factoring companies work with both established and expanding businesses to provide working capital to businesses in the small-to-medium sized range who have difficulty securing capital from traditional financial institutions or prefer a funding option that aligns with their cash flow. Working capital can be in the business owner’s hands in 7-10 days.

 

What are the key advantages of a Credit Card Factoring Advance over other forms of financing? A Credit Card Factoring Advance, also known as a merchant cash advance, allows a business owner to get a large lump sum of cash now, without incurring additional debt. A credit card receivable funding is not a loan. You are “selling an asset at a small discount”, your future credit card sales.

 

Other major advantages include:

  • No long application process
  • 24 hour approval
  • Cash in 7-10 working days
  • No application fees
  • No tax returns needed
  • No business plan needed
  • No closing costs
  • No fixed payment terms
  • No fixed time
  • No hassles

 

What can you use the money for?

  • Buying out a partner
  • Expansion
  • Advertising campaign
  • Hiring personnel
  • Payroll
  • Emergencies
  • Almost anything related to your business.

 

As you can see, a Credit Card Factoring Advance, or merchant cash advance, can potentially be the single best working capital management strategy for obtaining needed cash. This is a vital business financing tool that should not be overlooked.

 

Now let’s explore what you, as a business owner, need in order to qualify for such funding. You’ll see it’s very easy to qualify. Then we will compare qualifications needed for a credit card receivables funding vs. traditional bank loan.

 

How do you qualify for funding?

General guidelines:

Minimum $5,000 per month in credit card sales (MasterCard/Visa)

6+ months in business, preferably one year

No unresolved bankruptcies

 

Let’s compare the qualifications: Credit Card Factoring Advance vs. a traditional Bank loan. 

Traditional Bank Loan:

Minimum 3 Years in Business

Business Asset Collateral

Personal Guarantees

3 Years Tax Returns

3 Years Financial Statements

High Credit Score

Application Fee

Closing Cost

Long Application

Long Approval Process

 

Credit Card Factoring Advance:

6+ months in Business, one year preferred

Based on future VISA/MC Sales

No Personal Guarantee

No 3 Years of Tax Returns

No 3 Years of Financial Statements

Credit Score Does Not Matter

No Application Fee

No Closing Cost

2 Page Application

24 Hour Approval

 

Do you see how easy it is to qualify for this type of funding vs. a traditional bank loan?

Additional benefits of this type of funding:No Preset Dates No Preset Amounts No Need to fill out stubs and enclose checks The process is fully automated; “We’re paid if and only when you’re paid” This is NOT a Loan. 

Now let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about this type of financing.

 

What is The Difference Between a Bank Loan and Credit Card Receivables Funding?

A business bank loan is a time consuming and inflexible process where the bank is very restrictive. You need a lot of documentation, collateral and your business has to be in an excellent shape. In a few words; the bank will usually lend you money when you least need it. Should you eventually get the loan; the repayment time is rigid as well as the amount and date on which it has to be paid. At Crown Financial Services, Inc. we have made the approval process very simple and straight forward. Approval and funding is usually done within a week. Since this is not a loan, your credit is not affected. The repayment process focuses on how your business is doing; “We’re paid when You’re paid”

 

How Do I Qualify For Funding?Thanks to our innovative system, the application process is quick and easy. All you need to qualify is:

  • One year in business
  • At least $5,000 in VISA/MC sales per month
  • No unresolved bankruptcies

 

Does it Cost Anything to Apply?

No, the application is free and we charge no processing fees to fund you.

 

How Much Funding Can I Get?

$5,000-$300,000 per location. The amount depends solely on your monthly VISA/MC sales volume.

 

How Quickly Can I Get Funded?

As little as four days but typically 7-10 working days. The funds are deposited directly into your business account.

 

Are There any Limits on How I Can Use the Money?No, most companies use the money to grow their business; remodel, add space, marketing, purchase additional inventory or employ more people to name a few. Others use the funds for events that they didn’t plan or budget for. In any way you see fit for your business. 

How do I Repay?
A small percentage is deducted from each credit card transaction. We don’t have any preset amounts or dates. The time to repay depends on your sales; if you have a slow month, you pay back a little less and it also depends on the program you qualify for.
 

Is There a Penalty for Early Repayment?

Since this is not a loan with a fixed time frame, we do not charge anything if you repay a little quicker than you anticipated.

 

Do I Have to Switch Processors?

Not necessarily, we have a list of processors that we work with. Should you have to change, no need to worry – we will beat your current rates.

 

When can I re-apply?

Once you have repaid the original Business Cash Advance you can apply again. It is possible to apply for an additional Business Cash Advance, provided that part of it will be used to pay off the original funding. In most cases, the initial Business Cash Advance has helped to grow the business and you now qualify for increased funding levels.

 

How do I know my current balance?We will provide you with printed monthly statements. In addition, you will be able to go on-line and get up-to-the-minute information. All this is in addition to the statements you will receive from the Credit Card Processor. 

Businesses seeking cash for working capital — look no further. Crown Financial Services offers a unique solution for clients who need a quick infusion of money now.  

Crown Financial Services uses an asset that is unrecognized by traditional financial institutions — a steady stream of credit card sales — to determine the financial viability of a business. Capital advances are based solely on the predictability of a company’s future credit card sales.

 

According to the latest statistics from Equifax, there are more than 18 million small businesses in the

US. A high percentage of those small business owners are digging into personal savings, taking out home equity loans, borrowing from family and running up credit card bills as forms of financing.  

Crown Financial Services can help their clients avoid these financial black holes through purchasing a fixed amount of the business’ future credit card sales, at a small discount, and in turn, providing them with a lump sum of working capital.  

Crown Financial Services, proud members of both the American Cash Flow Association and Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. We work with established and expanding businesses to provide working capital to companies in the small-to-medium-sized range who have difficulty securing funding from traditional financial institutions.

 

With fast, courteous and professional service, we aim to help businesses reach their financial goals and dreams. We appreciate you allowing us to explain
our working capital solutions for small business.

 

Let us provide you with a lump sum of cash now! Call today for a free no cost no obligation consultation, (866) 560-8079. Call in to see if you qualify for a $25,000 lump sum cash advance! What are you waiting for? Let’s start the process today!

The Threat of Identity Theft Is Real

February 5th, 2008

Staying on top of all your personal data and protecting your credit profile is the most effective defense against clever identity thieves. 

The Identity Theft Problem 

There’s a new threat in

America known as Identity Theft. The threat is real. It affects everyone - even our children. The FTC says it’s the Number 1 concern of American consumers.  

It’s

America’s fastest growing crime. Innocent consumers can be victimized by someone they don’t know and can’t see. The Department of Justice warns thatthieves strike without ever needing to break into a home. It has been called the ‘Crime of the Information Age’. The nation’s Law Enforcement agencies are not sure how to respond and to a large degree, they are powerless due to the global nature of the threat. 

Identity thieves only have a 1 in 700 chance of being caught. There’s a new victim in

America every 79 seconds and that number is increasing. Despite some reports that might have one believe that identity theft was slightly declining based on surveys sponsored by financial institutions and major credit card issuers, the exact opposite is true. 

An independent Gartner Inc. study revealed there were 15 million victims lastyear. That’s a 50% increase since 2003. 

Everyone in

America is at Risk 

Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a leading security expert and former identity thief (the feature film Catch Me If You Can was based on his fraud career) recently said: 

“If you haven’t been a victim of identity theft, it is becausethieves haven’t gotten to you yet. Your turn will come.” 

How can I protect myself from ID theft?

Americans spend millions of hours each year resolving problems related to ID theft. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent an ID take-over. · Don’t leave your wallet or statements lying around-even at home. · Keep track of your credit card receipts and carbons. Photocopy both sides of every card you carry so you know who to contact if your cards are lost or stolen. · Review all account statements carefully and pull a credit report periodically to quickly spot suspicious entries. Also, don’t forget to take an occasional inventory of your wallet. · Never tell anyone your card number over the phone, unless you initiate the phone call. Watch out for solicitors that harass you to contribute or use strong emotional appeals. · Never allow your credit card number to be used as identification for a check. Remove your Social Security Number from your driver’s license and checks. · Collect your mail regularly, destroy unwanted solicitations of credit, and opt out of direct marketing lists.  

What are the effects of ID theft?

Once identity thieves have your personal information, they use it in a variety of ways. They may: · Call your credit card issuer to change the billing address on your credit card account and then run up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there’s a problem. · Open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills, the delinquent accounts are reported on your credit report. · Establish phone or wireless service in your name. · Open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account. · Counterfeit checks or credit or debit cards, or authorize electronic transfers in your name, and drain your bank account. · Buy a car by taking out an auto loan in your name. · Get identification in your name, such as a driver’s license, issued with their picture on it. · Get a job or file fraudulent tax returns in your name. · Give your name to the police during an arrest. If they don’t show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name. 

I am going to list below several ways to help protect your good name from identity theft. The more of these you incorporate, the better off you will be.

Identity Monitoring

For full protection, you should monitor your personal information using public databases, directories, and live internet chat rooms. This provides 24/7 real-time identity protection and proactively monitors. This information includes:Your Social Security NumberYour Debit & Credit CardsYour NameYour Address Your Phone Your Email Have a system in place that continuously checks your personal information for signs of identity theft and personal data breaches. Identity thieves prowl the internet and buy and sell identities in secret chat rooms. Identity monitoring provides the best known protection against social security number theft and synthetic identity fraud (where your personal information is used to create an identity).Tools to Remove False InformationAs part of your identity monitoring solution, you should have tools to assist you in removing unwanted and incorrect personal information from the web.

Credit Monitoring

Credit Monitoring is the best way to protect the solid credit profile you have worked hard to build. Your Credit Monitoring services should include:1. Credit Monitoring - Daily monitoring of your credit file allows you to look for errors as well as unauthorized charges that may indicate fraud or identity theft.2. Email Alerts – You receive an Email Alert when a change occurs in your credit file so you can take immediate action if needed.3. Credit Report & Score – You should have access to your Credit Report & Score. Your credit report contains personal information, account history, public record information, credit inquiries and creditor information. Your credit score is a number which determines the cost of credit, insurance, mortgage and is even used by prospective employers.

Have a plan that includes full identity recovery service & insurance

1. Access to a Full Recovery Service - In case your identity should ever be stolen, you should have access to professionals that will help you through the difficult process of reclaiming your identity and returning your credit and identity to pre-theft status. This can be very expensive but well worth the cost. The peace of mind of a service like this is worth every penny. A trained dedicated ID Theft Recovery Agent that can help you through the resolution process including helping you complete letters, fill out forms and contact credit bureaus. Someone who will be with you every step of the way. These Recovery Agents should work directly with the three major Credit Bureaus, Social Security Administration, US Postal Service, Department Of Motor Vehicles, FTC, Local and Federal Law Enforcement, Individual Creditors, Banks, Collection Agencies and others2. Have Identity Theft Insurance – Identity theft expense coverage reimburses victims for certain expenses with no deductibles. Important highlights should include:Income Protection – coverage for lost wages as a result of time off work missed for a covered stolen ID event.Expense Reimbursement – Expenses relating to the recovery of your identity including legal defense fees, costs to re-file loan applications, costs for notarizing documents, long distance phone calls and postage.

3. Have Lost Credit Card Assistance Services – Have direct access to a certified credit card recovery specialist. These specialists will assist you in the event that you misplace or have your credit cards stolen. They will contact each and every credit card company; cancel the affected credit cards; request new replacement cards; place fraud alerts with all three major credit bureaus and much more. The author of this article, Dan Ollman, runs his own Entrust America Agency helping individuals protect themselves from being victimized by identity theft. His agency offers proven solutions to help protect your good name and credit history before the crime of identity theft touches you and resolutions if it already has.

For more information visit his website at http://www.creditprotector.info or call him directly at (702) 367-3281.

Merchant Cash Advances - For Restaurants and Retailers

February 5th, 2008

Merchant Cash Advance strategies for short-term working capital management are often overlooked because of an apparent preference for long-term business financing. Although long-term business loan options are frequently appropriate, there are several short-term working capital management possibilities that will be much more effective for business owners in achieving successful business financing results. One of the most overlooked short-term working capital financing strategies are merchant cash advance programs. Merchant Cash Advances - SHORT TERM WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT For any business that accepts credit cards as a method of payment, a merchant cash advance is a critical business financing tool that is often overlooked. Even thriving businesses frequently need more working capital than they can borrow from a bank. One of the least-known merchant financing strategies for successful businesses is potentially the single best working capital management strategy for obtaining needed cash for growing their business: the use of a merchant cash advance program.The most likely candidates to benefit from this working capital loan strategy are retail stores, service businesses, restaurants and bars. The highly-recommended and highly-effective working capital financing strategy uses an under-utilized business asset (credit card receivables) to obtain merchant cash advances based upon a merchant’s sales volume.This working capital management strategy is also known as “credit card factoring”. Many businesses have relied upon a working capital financing strategy called “receivables factoring” or “receivables financing” which allows them to sell their future receivables at a discount. Most small businesses cannot adequately document their receivables in order to qualify for this kind of business financing. Many other small businesses (such as restaurants, bars, retail stores and service businesses noted above) simply do not have such receivables to rely upon as a commercial financing tool.What these businesses do have in many cases is documented sales volume and documented credit card sales activity. It is this documented level of sales volume and credit card sales activity that becomes a financial asset to the business and its business financing strategies. Merchant cash advances from $5,000 to $1,000,000 can usually be obtained based on a merchant’s sales volume and future credit card sales. The business financing time period covered by a merchant cash advance is typically 12 months or less. For businesses that desire to continue the merchant cash advance program beyond this period, it is usually an easy matter to get an additional business cash advance once the initial one has been completed. Typically in 48 hours.As with any successful business financing strategy, there will typically be only a small handful of  lenders who are effective at implementing this working capital management strategy properly. There are also a number of problems to be avoided with merchant cash advance programs, so choosing the appropriate provider of this business financing service is extremely important to any business owner considering a business cash advance program.Dan Ollman is the CEO and President of Crown Financial Services, Inc.Crown Financial Services, Inc. is based in

Nevada and provides assistance in obtaining working capital up to $1,000,000, in 5-7 business days, using credit card receivables for bars and restaurants, retail stores and service businesses.  

Call now for a free no cost no obligation consultation, (702) 367-3281.Or visit us at (www.crownfinancialservices.net) and download a free booklet, “Ten ways to get working capital for your business”.