Thurrock Council take on challenge of credit fraud rocketing in borough

THURROCK Council staff were out speaking to residents last week as part of the ‘National Fraud Prevention Week’ across three areas; Thurrock, Castle Point and Southend. Cllr Shane Hebb, the Cabinet member whose portfolio includes tackling fraud, claims the increase ‘is a testament to the team delivering good results’ and ‘residents becoming more astute and reporting illegal practices’.

“The fraud team, by definition, has to work covertly in much of what it does. Awareness weeks such as this give us some space to acknowledge the good work the team does, but also to encourage more people to come forward when they spot something that isn’t right. “There are several types of fraud and economic crime that can affect council services. The council is committed to taking action against anybody who tries to defraud the public purse.”

Some examples of the fraud the council investigates includes: housing benefit, housing tenancy, council tax, business rates, blue badge for disabled parking, social care, insurance, money laundering and council employee and contractor fraud, bribery or corruption. Cllr Hebb added: “It is disappointing we have to employ a team of people – an excellent team of people to combat those who are trying to steal from the public purse. That said, the team is doing something right as we’ve been approached by other agencies and councils to carry out investigations on their behalf.

“With a successful prosecution, the investigating agency is awarded a financial incentive through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which means the service is actually financially self-sustainable. “But, we do need the help of residents – if you think you know of suspect practices, you can report it anonymously for the team to look into. If you suspect it, report it.”

Mercury Capital Advisors Co-Investments

Deal Management Team Will:

•   Jumpstart the fundraising process by syndicating company or asset-specific co-investments to new LPs either as part of a fundraising or prior to a fund launch

•   Syndicate co-investments to initiate LP relationships in advance of a fundraising for GPs between fundraisings or prior to launching a first fund

•   Place direct investments by private investors in companies or assets

•   Source capital for company-specific growth or acquisitions

•   Identify real estate joint venture capital

SC Advisors Land swap and purchase

For many years, the Caruso Family had generously leased the land to the City of Orlando for use as a park, known as Constitution Green, for one dollar per year. The family retained all of its ownership rights to sell or otherwise dispose of the property at any time in the future.

Dramatically increasing property values in the area led the Caruso family to consider an offer of over $7 million in late 2014 from a developer proposing multi-family housing on the site. As the possible sale became public knowledge during the zoning process, an outcry arose from the surrounding community to preserve the land as a park. Both the City of Orlando and the Caruso family were seeking a way to preserve the park while allowing the family to realize the proceeds from a sale to which they were entitled.

The Caruso family engaged SC Advisors to seek a solution and to represent them in any resulting negotiations regarding the parcel. The solution was a property exchange between the Caruso family and the City. The City took possession of the Constitution Green Park and the Caruso family received marketable property and monetary compensation from the City. SC Advisors helped orchestrate this win/win solution which was finalized in September of 2015 and closed in January 2016.

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CRIB Advisors List of mentors

Alexis Horowitz Burdick
Luxola

Anastasia Ling
Quintessentially Group

Cynthia Chua
Spa Esprit Group

Deepa Pasumarty
Standard Chartered

Aude de Rotalier
Ubisoft Singapore

Ernestine Fu
Alsop Louie Partners

Roshni Mahtani
Tickled Media,
Female Founders Network

Elim Chew
77th Street

Farah Bashir
Freelance Business Consultant

Gina Romero
Athena Network

John Tan
Controlled Commodity

Nadine McCarthy
Stone & Strand

Sharon Vosmek
Astia

Grace Clapham
The Change School,
Secret Women

John Kim
Venture Capitalist

Loh Lik Peng
Unlisted Collection

Roger Egan
Redmart

Sharon Wong
Motherswork

So-Young Kang
Awaken Group

Mouna Aouri
Woomentum

Choo Yilin
Choo Yilin Fine Jewellery

Teo Jia En
Roomorama

Trina Liang Lin
UN Women

Wee Teng Wen
Lo and Behold Group

Soo Boon Koh
iGlobe Partners

Tan Su Shan
DBS Bank

Sabrina Tan
Skin, Inc.

Rachel Lim
Love, Bonito

Mercury iFunds Board of Advisors

ROY ZUCKERBERG
Chairman
Mercury iFunds Board of Advisors
Former Vice Chairman
GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP

DAVE BARRETT
Managing Director
FORT MANAGEMENT, LP

RONALD BLAYLOCK
Founder and Managing Partner
GENNx360

HENRY BREGSTEIN
Global Co-Chair of Financial Services
KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP

JOHN CADEDDU
Managing Director and Partner
DAG VENTURES

MICHAEL D. FASCITELLI
Managing Partner and Co-Founder
THE IMPERIAL COMPANIES
Former CEO
VORNADO REALTY TRUST

ROBERT M. FELL
Co-Founder and Former CEO
PRICELOCK, INC.

GAIL MACKINNON
Former Executive Vice President
TIME WARNER CABLE

ANDREW WHITE
Founder
BROOKLAWN INVESTMENT PARTNERS

SC Advisors on future development strategies

SC Advisors has been retained by Dr. Phillips Charities (DPC) to help create future development strategies. One of Central Florida’s largest landowners and most generous benefactors, DPC hopes to increase returns from their holdings. Strong income production is a high priority since it is the source of funds for DPC’s charitable initiatives. SCA will help determine the properties with the best potential for further development as well as the products that would work best on those properties.

“Since all profits from Dr. Phillips’ business activities are used for philanthropic purposes, SC Advisors is privileged to support a 100-year tradition of stewardship, community leadership, and service to the Central Florida community,” said Jay Berlinsky, founder and owner of SC Advisors.

Bricon Associates Commercial Insurance in Singapore

All the business owners out there should pay special attention towards commercial insurance. Managing a business cannot be considered as an easy thing to do. If you want to keep peace of mind while managing your business, you can think of spending money in order to purchase a commercial insurance. Both amateur as well as seasoned businessmen should think about it.

Commercial insurance is specifically been designed in order to insure all sorts of business risks. It not only includes the physical objects that belong to the business. In other words, the financial belongings of a business are also being covered through a commercial insurance policy. This will assist the business owners to explore new ventures without worrying too much about the risk. However, it is important for the business owners to go through the policy carefully and check whether it meets their specific requirements or not. Otherwise, they will not be able to get required assistance during an unexpected situation.

The main thing that commercial insurance covers is property damage and asset loss through issues such as vandalism and if workers go on strike. You can also claim insurance to cover liability costs that comes when an accident happens or someone sues your company. Motor, business and accident are what commercial insurance covers. At Bricon Associates Singapore, we have the best solutions for you at the best rates.

Mercury Capital Advisors areas of expertise

As a full service placement agent, Mercury Capital Advisors provides each client with a customized and highly coordinated approach to the fundraising process

Deal Management team will:

•   Develop and implement a targeted marketing strategy tailored to the unique needs of each GP with focus on suitable LPs
•   Assist or advise in the preparation of marketing materials including flipbook, due diligence materials and PPM
•   Profile prospective investors with GP prior to meeting
•   Collaborate in the management of responses to DDQ requests
•   Manage all aspects of the roadshow including optimizing travel and meeting logistics to ensure an efficient and effective process

SC Advisors Real Estate acquisition and disposition

We deliver the highest levels of integrated planning and services for purchase and sale transactions for land and all commercial investment asset classes. Specific services include:

•   Property Selection
•   Listing Contract Negotiations
•   PSA Content Negotiations
•   Due Diligence, including Market Feasibility, Pricing, Operating Performance, and Financial Return Modeling and Analysis
•   Capex Evaluation

Bricon Associates Insurance Services

As a Medical Insurance Consultancy with an extensive knowledge of insurance products, we are in the best position to offer sound advice to our clients. Bricon Associates offers a full suite of customised insurance solutions and services, working closely with each client to craft an insurance cover that effectively matches their needs.

Our philosophy is simple. When we know you better, we understand your motivations and are able to offer you reliable advice on procuring the best possible coverage based on your needs, at the lowest premium.

Services We offer:

General Insurance
Health Insurance
Group Health Insurance

SC Advisors Real Estate Development

We guide our public and private clients through every state of the development process from first idea to project completion.

Pre-Development

•   Market Feasibility
•   Site Selection
•   Entitlement and Zoning
•   Planning and Design Development
•   Financial Pro-forma Creation and Analysis

Transaction Management

•   Capital Sourcing and Structuring
•   Senior and Mezzanine Debt
•   Institutional Equity
•   Joint Venture/Partnerships
•   Lease Negotiation
•   Tenant Leases
•   Ground Leases

Construction Management

•   Budget and Schedule Oversight
•   Contract Procurement

International Driver Permits

Fastport Passport secures international driving permits within 24 hours for overseas travelers who want to drive a car, truck, or motorcycle legally in a foreign country. This is a companion document to your valid country's driver's license. It is valid for 1 year. This is a vital document when your are on your travels.

In most cases, a driver's license issued in the U.S. won't be recognized abroad. However, if you need to drive for a short-term period, you have options. Many governments accept the international driving permit (IDP), which allows citizens of a foreign country with a valid driver's license to drive while traveling in a foreign country.

Many countries require drivers from other nations to hold an international driving permit to drive within their borders. Showing an IDP in these countries can prevent legal hassles such as fines and bail fees if you are stopped or in an accident and are unable to show proof of your eligibility to drive.

Note that while not all countries require IDPs, you might find it helpful to obtain one anyway. It serves as extremely useful identification because it is translated into 10 languages, so it can prevent communication issues during the process of ID checks. An IDP may also be necessary to rent a car in the country you're visiting.

Senior identity theft

While it might seem like senior citizens have been around the block long enough to know how to recognize and avoid situations that put them at risk for identity theft, unfortunately they are actually becoming a highly targeted group of people.

Here are just a few reasons for reported increases in senior citizen identity theft:

•   Sometimes, seniors especially those in retirement have larger checking and savings accounts than younger people who are still working to pay off car loans, mortgages, and other major financial obligations (such as college debt).

•   Many seniors receive Medicare or Medicaid benefits, which opens the door for identity theft in the medical sector.

•   Generally, seniors don't check their credit reports as often as do younger people, mostly because the main reasons for checking to take out home or auto loans, or to open a new credit card are no longer relevant to many seniors.

•   Some seniors don't stay on top of the latest fraud attempts related to phishing e-mail and websites, or telephone scams, and they might not have many family members to help keep them educated and sort through any problems.

•   Many seniors are reluctant to talk about a potential identity theft problem with their family members because they don't want to appear as though they're not capable of managing their own affairs.

SC Advisors Real Estate: Moss Park

Nearly thirty years ago, Moss Park Properties, LLLP purchased 1,200-plus acres of agricultural land in southeast Orange County to hold for long-term growth. In 2005, when it became clear that the property was situated at the epicenter of one of Central Florida's most promising growth corridors, Medical City, MPP's General Partner retained SC Advisors to position the property for development.

SC Advisors has served as Development Manager for MPP since that time, creating the plan to secure entitlements and coordinate the infrastructure improvements for a Planned Development. This work has included a full interchange off of State Route 417 and a major local connector road network.

In March of 2013, Lennar Homes and MPP completed an acquisition and development contract for 366 acres and the future development of a new master planned community. This $50 million investment will advance the initial phases of the community with more than 2,000 residential units and supporting retail and commercial development.

SC Advisors continues to serve MPP as Broker and Development Advisor for the remaining parcels of the Planned Development.

Recovering from Identity Theft

Identity theft is a nightmare, but there are ways to restore your identity. Know what to do so that no time is wasted saving your credit rating and potential out-of-pocket costs resolving identity theft. Act fast. The sooner you notify the companies you do business with, like your bank and credit card companies, the better. The longer you wait, the more you risk. In some cases you may choose, or the company may suggest, to close your account and open a new one.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees identity theft cases, and provides an Identity Theft Affidavit for you to complete when your identity has been stolen. While a copy of your Identity Theft Affidavit and police report are crucial components, it's best to keep copies of every document you've used to report your identity has been stolen for your Identity Theft Report. This might include everything from IRS correspondence stating a return was filed using your information, to a letter you receive in the mail letting you know a credit card (you didn't apply for) has been approved.

Numerous businesses provide just as many credit-reporting services throughout America; however, because of the number of banks, creditors, and other companies they work with, three of those credit-reporting agencies probably have become the most well known and respected. Even though they're all publicly traded and for-profit companies, each one must comply with regulations set forth by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Aside from providing you with free annual credit reports , you can also use these credit bureaus to put a freeze on your credit and provide fraud alerts.

The credit bureaus can place a credit freeze, or security freeze, which restricts access to your credit report. Credit freezes are useful in stopping current identity theft because they stop access to your credit report. Without that access, ID thieves can't open fraudulent accounts in your name; most creditors simply won't open a new account without seeing your credit report.

Odometer Fraud

When a vehicle is sold or a title is transferred, the law requires written documentation of the total mileage as recorded on the odometer. If the odometer mileage is known to be incorrect for any reason, the seller is required to provide a written statement of this knowledge on the title to the buyer.

Often, odometer fraud is done in conjunction with other crimes in order to make a used vehicle appear to be newer or have less wear than it actually does.

If you think you've been the victim of odometer fraud, you must contact your local law enforcement agency. For large scale investigations, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation can provide assistance. You may help an investigation by reporting a suspicious VIN to the NHTSA Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation at (202) 366-4761.

The NHTSA Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation may help you with general inquiries about odometers and may be able to help you to determine if other legal or law enforcement authorities need to be contacted. Contacting your state motor vehicle department can also help you as each state law, on handling odometer fraud, will vary.

About SC Advisors

Jay Berlinsky is the founder and owner of SC Advisors. Since the late 1980s, he has been a quiet force behind many of Orlando's most prominent development projects. A fifth-generation Central Floridian with over thirty years of real estate development experience, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge, as well as a unique understanding of the Central Florida market, its history and its people. Many of the region's key stakeholders have chosen Jay to guide them through the development of their projects.

His advisory, oversight, and owner's representation roles cover projects and transactions valued in excess of $2 billion and comprise more than three million square feet of office, retail, and public venues. These include four corporate headquarters, the highly acclaimed Amway Center, and the Citrus Bowl Stadium.

He has also successfully navigated the complex regional planning process on behalf of two new master planned communities. He and his team have secured entitlements for 3,000 acres of mixed-use community development including over 5,000 dwelling units and three million square feet of commercial, retail, office and hospitality uses. He credits his role in the early governance of Disney's Town of Celebration as important in the understanding and shaping of great communities.

Coordinating highly complex, large scale, public/private projects is another specialty of Jay and his team. Our community's elected leaders have repeatedly turned to Jay for oversight of landmark public projects. His public service appointment to the Orange County Oversight Committee for the $580 million Phase V expansion of the Orange County Convention Center gave him valuable insight into the management of large scale projects. This experience led to later opportunities to work with community leaders on the $1.6 billion Community Venues Plan, to serve as Developer’s Representative for Amway Center, and his current role as Owner’s Advisor for the City of Orlando on the re-construction of the Florida Citrus Bowl.