How it all began The man on the line said his name was Matt Owens.  He told me he worked for a company called SuperFast Capital.  His voice was smooth and confident. He sounded like someone who had helped hundreds of businesses just like mine. Matt told me he had looked over my business and already had me “pre-approved” for funding. He said, “You won’t need to fill out a bunch of forms or wait weeks. I can make this simple.” At the time, I was busy growing my company and cash was tight. I wanted to believe him. He promised me not just one round of money, but three: $75,000 now, $150,000 later, and $300,000 after that. It felt like a lifeline. Matt called and texted me often. He answered questions right away. He told me about his “legal team” and “underwriters.” Everything he said made it sound like he was an insider who knew exactly how to help. Looking back, that call was the start of it all. It was the moment the trap was set. Don’t Fall for the Same Trap Visit MCAExposed to read real stories of how scams begin — and share your own mca scam experience to protect others. You can also submit your report directly at the mca fraud report section of MCAExposed. The call that started it all

The following summarizes allegations contained in a federal lawsuit. The defendants dispute these allegations. As of the writing of this article, no court has yet ruled on these claims. Who they are (as alleged): Our complaint says EZ Advance LLC was the broker at the start of my deal. We say the person we talked to, Gabriel Shamuelov, used the fake names Jason Caldwell and Matt Owens. Further, it is important to note that we did not know we were working with a broker during the entire scheme. The names we were given (as alleged): We were told we were working with “Matt Owens.” Later, a “Jason Caldwell” signed a paper as “legal representation,” Our complaint says neither was real. We say the real person was Gabriel Shamuelov, tied to EZ Advance LLC. He used those fake names when he talked to me by phone, text, and email. (The email was matt@ezadvancellc.com .) Gabriel Shamuelov, using the name "Matt Owens," claimed to work for SuperFast Capital. What we were promised (as alleged): We say “Matt” told us there were three rounds of loans: $75,000 now then $150,000 then $300,000 Importantly, he identified the funding as "loans", never once referring to it as a Merchant Cash Advance, which is exactly what it was. He said the second and third rounds of funding were pre-approved once the first round was approved. He said no more business checks were needed. He said he worked at SuperFast Capital, that he knew the investors, and that he could make it happen. The second round of funding ($150,000) would be received after about 13 weeks of payments. This type of scheme is known within the Merchant Cash Advance industry as "Carroting" or "LOC Carroting". (LOC stands for Line of Credit) Our complaint says the second and third rounds of funding were never real, and were used to coerce us into taking the first round of funding. The papers we saw (as alleged): We got addendums (extra pages) that outline all three rounds of funding sent to us through DocuSign. They had the SuperFast Capital logo. They looked official. One addendum was “signed” by “Jason Caldwell,” who was said to be SuperFast’s lawyer. Our complaint says those addendums were forged by Gabriel Shamuelov and EZ Advance LLC. How the call was coached (as alleged): Before the funding call (a check call), “Matt” coached us on what to say. He told us to say “no” if we were asked, “Were you promised more money?” He made it clear that all 3 rounds of funding were already approved, but that the call we were about to have was only about the first round. He said the person who would call me would only know about the first round of funding. He said talking about the later rounds could “confuse” the call. During the call, we said “no” because of the coaching. Our complaint says this coaching hid the truth and helped the deal go through. We further allege that Gabriel Shamuelov and EZ Advance had intimate knowledge of the funding process, and were able to present to us every step of the process clearly. This made them appear as legitimate employees of SuperFast Capital. What happened with the money (as alleged): After the funding call, we received $73,500 deposited into our bank account. Then we started paying around $2,500 every week. We paid and paid, waiting to hit the 30% mark so the second round of $150,000 would come, just like “Matt” said. The silence (as alleged): When we reached the time for the next round, after 13 weeks of repayments, “Matt” stopped replying. Calls, texts, emails — nothing. That is when we called SuperFast support to ask for “Matt Owens.” SuperFast said they had no employee by that name. When they asked for the reason for our call, we explained we were due to receive our second round of funding. They stated that there was no evidence of a second round of funding in their system. At their request, we sent them the addendum we were given by "Matt". They told us clearly, “That is fraud.” Later, another staff member said our broker on file was EZ Advance LLC, and “Matt Owens” showed in their system as the EZ Advance broker who sent in our deal. This was the first we knew that we were working with a broker. What we found about EZ Advance online (as alleged): Our complaint says the EZ Advance website ( EZAdvanceLLC.com ) copied pages from a real lender (Rapid Finance, RapidFinance.com ). Some pages still showed Rapid’s name and logo. The site also made it sound like EZ Advance was the direct lender, which we say was not true — they were a broker. What this means (as alleged): We say EZ Advance was the front door. We say the broker used fake names to win our trust. We say he sent forged-looking papers with another company’s logo. We say he coached the funding call so the deal would pass. We say he never planned to send the next rounds. We say this started a pipeline where other companies took over funding, debiting, and collecting. What happened after we spoke up (as alleged): We mailed demand letters to each address we could find for EZ Advance LLC. All mail came back “return to sender.” From conversations with the whistleblower at SuperVest, we discovered that some of the Defendants (SuperVest, Top Choice Financial, and SuperFast Capital) actually knew the owner of EZ Advance LLC. The whistleblower claims that a limited identification check was done, only by obtaining the owner's driver's license. The owner of EZ Advance LLC is Benjamin Kandhorov, aged 22 years old, located in Rego Park, New York. According to the whistleblower, a copy of Benjamin Kandhorov's license was sent to the group from the email address Ben@EZAdvancellc.com . The signature on the email listed Ben Caffrey. The bottom line about EZ Advance (as alleged): Our complaint says EZ Advance, through Gabriel Shamuelov using the names “Matt Owens” and “Jason Caldwell,” tricked us into the first deal with false promises of more money, fake identities, and forged-looking papers, then coached the call to get it done. That is how the fraud began. But this was only the beginning. We allege that EZ Advance was not acting alone, they were not a rogue broker. The complaint alleges that EZ Advance LLC had intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the entire pipeline and process. They were the at the forefront of the pipeline, responsible for finding merchants, and walking them through the process to secure a deal. Want to check the details yourself? This post summarizes our allegations. Read the filed complaint for the full story and exhibits. (Allegations only; the Court will decide.)   Click here to view the complaint If this happened to you:  Please make a mca fraud report so we can track patterns and help other merchants. MCAExposed’s job is to expose any mca scam and protect business owners from fraud. The Company Information (All information below is publicly available and is only listed for your convenience) : Entity Name: EZ Advance LLC, NYDOS ID 6628452, filed 10/31/2022 Possible Related Entities: Kand Administration Inc., NYDOS ID 6244472, filed 08/16/2021 Associated Phone Numbers: 888-685-8154 516-226-0714 929-499-8718 917-617-8119 718-380-9109 855-217-0543 786-952-6979 347-933-7764 516-689-1420 Associated Email Addresses: Ben@ezadvanceLLC.com Ed@ezadvancellc.com Matt@ezadvancellc.com submissions@ezadvancellc.com legal@ezadvancellc.com Website: EZAdvanceLLC.com Associated Addresses: 180-32 Union Tpke, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366 10827 66th Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375 6384 Saunders St 6L, Rego Park, NY 11374 Associated Individuals: Benjamin Kandhorov (A.k.a Ben Caffrey) https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/find/person/p28n0940lr4409uulurr Gabriel Shamuelov (a.k.a. Matt Owens / Jason Caldwell) https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/find/person/p692000unnul426ur6nr Ed Romano (An Alias, real name unknown) EZAdvanceLLC.com Homepage EZAdvanceLLC.com Homepage section says "Rapid Finance" RapidFinance.com Homepage RapidFinance.com Homepage

The following summarizes allegations contained in a federal lawsuit. The defendants dispute these allegations. As of the writing of this article, no court has yet ruled on these claims. Who they are (as alleged): Our complaint says SuperFast Capital was the face of the deal. They claim to be the "Funder" and filed a UCC lien against our business. SuperFast branding, logo, contact info, and name all appear in the initial funding agreement. Further, when contacting customer service, all communications appear with the branding SuperFast Capital. However, it was later to be discovered that another company was actually conducting the customer service. (The customer service company, referred to as "Merchant Support" in later documents, is Cure Payment Recovery Solutions LLC.) What we were told and shown (as alleged): We got DocuSign addenda that used the SuperFast logo. It was “signed” by “Jason Caldwell” as legal. Later, SuperFast’s support looked at the addendum and told us, “That is fraud.” They also said there was no employee named “Matt Owens.”  SuperFast Capital claimed on phone calls and emails to be the company who our loan was being held by. It was discovered through the whistleblower that there was only one employee of SuperFast Capital: Andrew Baldwin. The Funding Call (as alleged): SuperFast, through its "Merchant Support" company, completed a verification call before money went out. It was this call that we were coached by the broker to say “no” if asked about more funding rounds. This was because the broker (EZ Advance LLC and Gabriel Shamuelov) had made it clear this funding call was only pertaining to the inital round of funding, and that the second and third rounds of funding were already approved. Therefore, on the call, we asked if any additional funding had been promised, we answered no. The deal then went through. (We allege this coaching by Gabriel was pre-meditated, and hid the truth from SuperFast Capital. It was Gabriel's only way to ensure the deal would be approved.) The Funding Contract (as alleged): The Funding Contract, referred to as "Revenue Based Factoring (RBF/ACH) Agreement, contained the SuperFast Capital logo at the top of the first page. However, this is the only location the name of "SuperFast Capital" is displayed. A different company is listed as the "Funder": Alternative Capital Group LLC, with an address of 85 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002. Superfast Capital is not listed in any sections of the agreement. Unauthorized UCC-1 Filing (as alleged): A UCC-1 was filed naming SuperFast Capital Inc., as Secured Party. Our complaint says SuperFast Capital was not the contracting funder, so it had no authorization to file that lien. The filing used the name Joseph Vaknen for SuperFast Capital, even though he was deceased about 1 year prior to the UCC-1 being filed. Fraud Revealed (as alleged): When the next round never came, we called SuperFast merchant support. Their phone number was listed on their website as (866) 355-2140. Our initial call was answered by an Elisa L., who stated that “Matt Owens” did not work there. After reviewing the details of our loan, she confirmed, "Yes, that is correct Matt Owens or Jason Caldwell are not employed with SuperFast Cap. And no, the 'Addendum to the Funding Agreement' wasn’t created or authorized by our company that was typed up fraudulently." Another staff member by the name of Lauren Esposito, Director of Merchant Support, later checked records and said the broker on file was EZ Advance LLC, and “Matt Owens” appeared in their system as the EZ Advance broker tied to my file. Fraud Response (as alleged): After SuperFast Capital was sent a demand letter, Andrew Baldwin reached out to our company in response. He deflected all liablity of the claims of fraud to EZ Advance LLC. He stated that, "EZ Advance fabricated non-existent post-funding options that were never available to you." He then offered a conditional rescission: return all principal within 5 days of his letter and they would release the loan. However, his letter closed with, "Should you choose to block or interfere with our continued attempts to collect under the terms of the agreement, such action would constitute an Event of Default as outlined in your contract. This would trigger additional default-related fees and may result in legal action to enforce the terms of the agreement." We allege this was a pressure tactic to make us go away, not a real fix. Alternative Capital Group is SuperFast Capital (as alleged): Lastly, he even signed off his letter as, "Superfastcap / Alternative Capital Group LLC". We allege in our complaint that Alternative Capital Group LLC is only a paper funder. It is a company that only exists to be a name on contracts. We allege that Alternative Capital Group LLC did not actually produce any funds for our Agreement, and therefore cannot be a true "Funder". What this means (as alleged): SuperFast’s brand and processes gave the deal legitimacy SuperFast used anothed company name (Alternative Capital Group LLC) in the funding agreement The verification call did not catch coaching The addendum with their logo was later called fraud by their own support The UCC-1 filing by SuperFast was not authorized by any agreement we signed The 5-day rescission kept pressure on us while collections continued The bottom line about SuperFast Capital and Alternative Capital Group (as alleged): Our complaint says that SuperFast Capital is the front facing brand to merchants for this Merchant Cash Advance Pipeline. They are responsible for executing the agreement, coordinating the funding call, coordinating legal responses, and being the main company that the merchant sees. We allege that while SuperFast Capital is the company that Andrew Baldwin is employed by, the name Alternative Capital Group LLC is used as a paper funder. Doing this is an attempt to remove the brand SuperFast Capital from any contracts. Lastly, we allege that because the funding agreement was with "Alternative Capital Group", and no designations were given to SuperFast Capital, the UCC-1 filed by SuperFast Capital is unauthorized. Want to check the details yourself? This post summarizes our allegations. Read the filed complaint for the full story and exhibits. (Allegations only; the Court will decide.)   Click here to view the complaint If this happened to you:  Please make a mca fraud report so we can track patterns and help other merchants. The Alleged Company Information (All information below is publicly available and is only listed for your convenience): Entity Name: SuperFast Capital Inc. Associated Phone Numbers: 866-355-2140 646-596-3866 866-626-7979 516-656-1983 631-607-4732 Associated Email Addresses: Andrew@Superfastcap.com ertjon@superfastcap.com submissions@superfastcap.com Help@superfastcap.com Joe@Superfastcap.com superfastmerchantsupport@curepayment.com Website: Superfastcap.com Associated Addresses: 85 Delancey St., The Yard 33, New York, NY 10002 2 Gansevoort Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10014 Associated Individuals: Andrew Baldwin https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/find/person/p22646n8nr4rl0rul290 Joseph Vaknen (deceased) Legal Protections Against MCA Fraud Visit MCAExposed , a platform dedicated to exposing merchant cash advance scams , to share your experience and stay informed about fraudulent lenders. SuperFastCap.com Home Page

From forgery and aliases to an MCA fraud enterprise bigger than I could dream Learning that “Matt Owens” and “Jason Caldwell” weren’t real was only the start. Once the mask came off, the story didn’t shrink — it exploded. I spent hours digging through anything and everything I could find on the internet. Every trail seemed to hit a dead end. The names were fake. The emails were fake. The contracts were fake. It was designed so no one could ever find the real person behind it. But then came the slip. At one point, buried in the middle of weeks of back-and-forth, the man I knew as “Matt” had contacted me using a different phone number..... a quick Google search and I found it. He used a real cell phone number.  Not a VoIP app. Not a masked line. His actual phone. That one mistake changed everything. I traced the number. And behind it wasn’t “Matt Owens” or “Jason Caldwell.” It was Gabriel Shamuelov, 21 years old, living in Rego Park, New York . From there, the pieces started falling into place. Once I knew his real name, I began uncovering the network: The broker  that brought the deal in under his alias (Gabriel Shamuelov) The brokerage company that Gabriel worked for (EZ Advance LLC) The funding company  that was the face of the deal (Superfast Capital) The paper funder that was in the contract (Alternative Capital Group LLC) The servicer  that pulled weekly debits from my account (Top Choice Financial LLC) The collectors  that threatened me when payments were questioned (Cure Payment Recovery Solutions LLC) The investment platform  that fueled it all with outside money (SuperVest Inc) One by one, the companies revealed themselves. Many I had never heard of before. But they were all connected, and all tied back to Gabriel’s scam. It wasn’t one shady broker anymore. A 22 year old could never put this all together by himself, he had help. It was an orchestrated enterprise  hiding in plain sight. I decided to confront them. I sent demand letters to every company I could identify. In those letters, I laid out the facts: fake identities, forged contracts, unauthorized liens, and deceptive practices. I gave them the chance to make it right. Not one of them denied it. Not one. Instead, they circled up and sent me a single response through one man: Andrew Baldwin, from Superfast Capital .   His letter didn’t fix anything. Instead, it offered a conditional rescission : I could “resolve” the deal — but only if I returned every dollar of the principal within five days, If I didn’t, the contract would stay in place and I’d still owe the full amount. This wasn’t an attempt to undo the fraud. It was a pressure tactic. A way to protect themselves while still leaving me trapped. But that response revealed something bigger. It showed me that all these separate companies weren’t acting separately at all. They were working together, sharing information, and coordinating a cover-up. I did not think there would be a way that I could get them to crack. How could I, a small business owner, stand up against a multi-million fraudulent enterprise? I was starting to feel hopeless, but I was not going to give up. I was determined to find out more. I wanted the truth. I wanted to know who was behind this, and how many victims were out there. And then came the twist. I found someone on the inside. A whistleblower. This person confirmed what I suspected: the broker, the funder, the collectors, even the investment platform — they weren’t independent. They were part of one system. Information moved freely between them, even after the fraud was discovered. The fake names weren’t just Gabriel’s trick. They were part of a culture that looked the other way, because everyone was making money as long as merchants kept paying. That was the moment I realized I wasn’t just dealing with a single bad loan. I was looking at an enterprise. The potential was for thousands of victims.... And thanks to the whistleblower, I was about to learn just how deep and wide it really went... Take Action Against MCA Fraud If you’ve experienced something similar, make your MCA fraud report today to help track patterns and protect other business owners. Stay informed and protected by visiting MCAExposed, a platform dedicated to exposing MCA scam  and sharing real stories from business owners. I investigated everything under a magnifying glass

Most small business owners who get trapped in a merchant cash advance scam don’t know where to turn. They might file a complaint with the FTC , their state Attorney General, or a local regulator. But the truth is, these agencies are overwhelmed. Reports go in, but very little action comes back. That doesn’t mean these cases don’t matter. It means the system isn’t built to fight them one by one. That’s why we created a place to report MCA fraud here at MCAExposed . By bringing stories together in one place, we can build a file that shows just how big the problem really is. Instead of scattered complaints, we can show a pattern — fake brokers, forged papers, unauthorized liens, and abusive collections repeated over and over. Our goal is simple: amass enough evidence to bring real justice  — not just for one merchant, but for every merchant who has been defrauded. If you’ve been a victim, or know someone who has, your story matters. File a report below, and if desired, our legal team can reach out to you to offer assistance. FILE A REPORT

What made it look real - The contracts After all the calls and promises, the documents started to arrive. Matt sent them through DocuSign. At the top were company logos. At the bottom were signatures. One of them even had the name of a lawyer: Jason Caldwell. Seeing a lawyer’s name made me feel safe. I thought, If a lawyer signed it, this must be real. The papers were called addendums.  They said that once I paid back part of the first loan, I would unlock the next round of money — first $150,000, then $300,000. Matt told me, “Don’t worry, this is just standard paperwork. You will sign the first loan agreement and the addendum at the same time.” He made it sound routine, like it was just part of the process. I signed. I trusted the papers. Everything looked official. But I didn’t know then that Jason Caldwell wasn’t real. His emails came from the same place as Matt’s. The lawyer was fake, the documents were fake, and the promises were fake too. I thought it was a loan, I didn't know it was MCA paperwork. This was the paperwork that kept me paying, waiting, and believing. This was the paper game. And I still had no idea. Take Action Against MCA Fraud If you’ve encountered something similar, visit MCAExposed. The platform is dedicated to uncovering mca scam and sharing real stories to help business owners protect themselves from scams. I believed the contracts- they looked real.

Understanding Merchant Cash Advances Before diving into scams, it is essential to understand what a merchant cash advance is. Quick Access to Funds : MCAs offer fast cash, often within a few days. This speed can be attractive for businesses facing urgent financial needs. Flexible Repayment : Repayment is based on a percentage of daily credit card sales, making it easier for businesses with fluctuating income. No Collateral Required : Unlike traditional loans, MCAs do not require collateral, which can be appealing for small businesses. However, the convenience of MCAs can come at a high cost. Common Merchant Cash Advance Scams As the demand for MCAs grows, so does the number of scams targeting unsuspecting business owners. Here are some common scams to watch out for: 1. Fake Lenders Some scammers pose as legitimate lenders, offering attractive terms that seem too good to be true. They may create fake websites or use official-sounding names to gain your trust. Red Flags : Unsolicited offers via email or phone Lack of a physical address or contact information Pressure tactics to make quick decisions 2. Hidden Fees Many legitimate MCA providers have fees, but some scammers will hide these costs until after you have signed the agreement. What to Look For : Vague language in contracts Fees that are not clearly outlined High upfront costs that are not justified 3. Predatory Practices Some lenders may engage in predatory practices, such as offering loans with exorbitant interest rates or terms that are impossible to meet. Signs of Predatory Lending : High-pressure sales tactics Terms that change after you express interest Lack of transparency about the total cost of the advance 4. Identity Theft Scammers may attempt to steal your personal or business information under the guise of offering an MCA. Protect Yourself By : Never sharing sensitive information unless you are sure of the lender's legitimacy Using secure methods to transmit information Monitoring your accounts for unusual activity How to Protect Your Business Now that you know the common scams, here are some practical steps to protect your business from merchant cash advance fraud. 1. Research Lenders Thoroughly Before engaging with any lender, conduct thorough research. Check Reviews : Look for reviews from other business owners. Websites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau can provide insights. Verify Credentials : Ensure the lender is registered and has a physical address. Ask for References : A reputable lender should be willing to provide references from other clients. 2. Read the Fine Print Always read the terms and conditions carefully before signing any agreement. Look for Hidden Fees : Ensure all fees are clearly outlined. Understand the Repayment Terms : Know how much you will be paying back and over what period. Seek Legal Advice : If you are unsure about the terms, consider consulting a legal professional. 3. Trust Your Instincts If something feels off, trust your gut. Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics : Legitimate lenders will give you time to consider your options. Avoid Unsolicited Offers : If you receive an unexpected offer, take a step back and evaluate its legitimacy. 4. Use Secure Payment Methods When dealing with lenders, ensure you use secure payment methods. Avoid Cash Transactions : Use checks or bank transfers that can be traced. Secure Your Information : Use encrypted methods to share sensitive information. 5. Educate Your Team Make sure your employees are aware of the risks associated with merchant cash advances. Training Sessions : Conduct training sessions to educate your team about potential scams. Create a Reporting System : Encourage employees to report any suspicious activity. The Importance of Due Diligence Due diligence is crucial when seeking a merchant cash advance. Take Your Time : Do not rush into a decision. Consult with Experts : If you are unsure, seek advice from financial advisors or legal professionals. Stay Informed : Keep up with industry news to be aware of new scams and trends. Building a Strong Financial Foundation While protecting yourself from scams is essential, building a strong financial foundation for your business can also help. Diversify Funding Sources : Consider multiple funding options, such as traditional loans, lines of credit, or crowdfunding. Maintain Good Credit : A strong credit score can open doors to better financing options. Create a Financial Plan : Having a clear financial plan can help you avoid the need for quick cash solutions. The Role of Transparency in Financial Transactions Transparency is vital in all financial dealings. When you engage with a lender, ensure they provide clear and concise information about their terms and conditions. This practice not only protects you from scams but also fosters trust between you and your lender. Final Thoughts Protecting your business from merchant cash advance scams requires vigilance and knowledge. By understanding the risks, researching lenders, and being cautious with your information, you can safeguard your business's financial health. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and always prioritize your business's long-term success over short-term gains. Knowledge is your best defense. Check out MCAExposed  to learn from real cases of merchant cash advance scams and keep your business safe from fraud. A business owner carefully examining financial documents to avoid scams.

If you just found out you were scammed by a merchant cash advance (MCA) loan  company, you may feel scared and stuck. The good news is there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself. Here’s what to do right away: Step 1: File a Report With MCA Exposed The first thing to do is tell your story. Go to our MCA fraud report page and share what happened. Why this matters : Most government agencies collect reports but do not act on each one. By bringing all stories together in one place, we build a bigger case that shows a pattern of fraud. This helps fight back for every business, not just one. Step 2: Contact an Attorney who knows Merchant Cash Advance Loan Fraud Find a lawyer who knows MCA fraud cases. If you don’t have one, we can connect you. Why this matters : A lawyer can explain your rights. They can protect you from harassment by collectors. They can start legal steps to fight back. Step 3: Keep Making Payments (For Now) Even if you know it’s a scam, keep paying until you have a lawyer. Why this matters : If you stop paying too soon, the MCA company may threaten lawsuits, freeze your account, or pull money in other ways. Staying current protects you until your attorney is ready to act. Step 4: Have Your Attorney Send Notice Once you hire an attorney, ask them to send a letter right away to everyone involved — the broker, the funding company, the processor, and the collector. Why this matters : This puts all parties “on notice” that fraud has been claimed. It locks in your rights and shows you are taking action. Step 5: Keep Everything and Document Everything Save every paper, email, text, and bank statement. Write down dates, names, and what was said. Why this matters : Every little detail can be evidence. Screenshots, emails, and call notes can prove fraud. The more you keep, the stronger your case will be. Step 6: File Official Complaints to Build a Paper Trail File reports with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center ( IC3.gov ), your State Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC.gov ). Why this matters : Each report creates an official record. Even if the agency doesn’t act right away, the paper trail helps your attorney and builds pressure. If many victims report, it pushes regulators to act on MCA fraud as a bigger issue. Final Thoughts If you are a victim of a merchant cash advance scam , you are not alone. Many small business owners have been tricked by fake promises, forged papers, and aggressive collections. The steps are simple: report it, get a lawyer, protect your business, document everything, build a paper trail. MCAExposed is a platform dedicated to exposing merchant cash advance scams . It was initiated to bring scammers to light, gather real stories from business owners, and help protect others from falling into the same traps. Start today by filing your story below: What to do as a victim of MCA Fraud

Merchant cash advances (MCAs) have become a popular financing option for small businesses. They offer quick access to cash, which can be a lifesaver for many entrepreneurs. However, with the rise in popularity comes an increase in fraudulent activities. Understanding the legal implications of merchant cash advance fraud is crucial for business owners. This post will explore the various aspects of MCA fraud, how to identify it, and what legal steps can be taken to protect yourself. What is a Merchant Cash Advance? A merchant cash advance is not a traditional loan. Instead, it is a cash advance based on future credit card sales. Businesses receive a lump sum of cash upfront and repay it through a percentage of their daily credit card sales. This can be appealing for businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans due to poor credit or lack of collateral. The Appeal of MCAs Quick Access to Funds : Businesses can receive cash in as little as 24 hours Flexible Repayment : Payments are tied to sales, making it easier for businesses to manage cash flow Less Stringent Requirements : MCAs often have fewer requirements than traditional loans The Dark Side of Merchant Cash Advances While MCAs can be beneficial, they also come with risks. Fraudulent practices can occur, leading to significant financial losses for businesses. Understanding these risks is essential for any business owner considering an MCA. Common Types of MCA Fraud Misrepresentation of Terms : Some lenders may not disclose all fees or may misrepresent the terms of the advance. This can lead to businesses paying much more than they initially expected Predatory Lending Practices : Some lenders target vulnerable businesses, offering terms that are impossible to meet. This can trap business owners in a cycle of debt Identity Theft : Fraudsters may use stolen identities to secure MCAs, leaving the real business owner responsible for the debt Fake Lenders : Some individuals pose as legitimate lenders, taking advantage of desperate business owners. They may ask for upfront fees and then disappear MCAExposed is a platfrom where you can also submit your mca fraud report. Identifying Merchant Cash Advance Fraud Recognizing the signs of fraud is the first step in protecting your business. Here are some red flags to watch for: Red Flags to Watch For Unclear Terms : If the lender is not transparent about fees or repayment terms, be cautious Pressure Tactics : Legitimate lenders will not pressure you to sign immediately. If you feel rushed, it may be a scam Lack of Documentation : Always ask for written agreements. If a lender refuses to provide documentation, it is a warning sign Unverified Lenders : Research the lender thoroughly. Check for reviews and verify their legitimacy Legal Protections Against MCA Fraud If you suspect you have fallen victim to MCA fraud, there are legal avenues you can pursue. Understanding your rights is crucial. Steps to Take if You Suspect Fraud Document Everything : Keep records of all communications, agreements, and transactions. This documentation will be vital if you need to take legal action Contact Authorities : Report the fraud to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They can provide guidance and may investigate the lender Consult a Lawyer : A legal professional specializing in financial fraud can help you understand your options and represent you if necessary Notify Your Bank : If you suspect identity theft, inform your bank immediately. They can help protect your accounts The Role of Legal Counsel Having a lawyer who understands merchant cash advances can be invaluable. They can help you navigate the complexities of MCA agreements and protect your interests. When to Seek Legal Help Before Signing : Always consult a lawyer before entering into an MCA agreement. They can help you understand the terms and identify potential issues If You Suspect Fraud : If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process Negotiating Terms : If you are struggling with repayment, a lawyer can help negotiate better terms with the lender Protecting Yourself from MCA Fraud Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help protect your business from MCA fraud: Tips for Prevention Research Lenders : Always check the lender's reputation. Look for reviews and ratings from other business owners Read the Fine Print : Take the time to read all agreements carefully. Look for any hidden fees or unclear terms Ask Questions : Do not hesitate to ask the lender questions. A legitimate lender will be happy to provide clarity Seek Professional Advice : Consult with a financial advisor or lawyer before making any decisions The Importance of Financial Literacy Understanding the financial landscape is crucial for any business owner. Being financially literate can help you make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to fraud. Building Financial Literacy Educate Yourself : Take courses or read books on business finance. The more you know, the better equipped you will be Network with Other Business Owners : Join local business groups or online forums. Sharing experiences can provide valuable insights Stay Informed : Keep up with industry news and trends. Awareness of current issues can help you spot potential fraud Final Thoughts on Merchant Cash Advance Fraud Merchant cash advances can be a useful tool for small businesses, but they come with risks. Understanding the potential for fraud and knowing how to protect yourself is essential. By being informed and vigilant, you can navigate the world of MCAs safely. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always do your due diligence and seek professional advice when necessary. Protecting your business is paramount, and being aware of the risks associated with merchant cash advances is the first step in safeguarding your financial future. MCAExposed.com  is a platform dedicated to uncovering merchant cash advance scams  — helping business owners stay informed and protected. A business owner carefully examining financial documents to avoid fraud.

The mask comes off and the MCA fraud is exposed For weeks, I believed I was working with Matt Owens. He both sent me emails, texts, and papers to sign. I thought he was a real person doing real business. At the time for the second loan to start, I tried to contact him. For days I tried calling and texting. No responses. When I finally reached someone else at SuperFast Capital , they told me, “We don’t have anyone here named Matt Owens. We don’t have a lawyer named Jason Caldwell either.” My stomach dropped. The names I trusted weren’t real at all. They were fake identities. Behind both of them was the same man: Gabriel Shamuelov. He used fake names, fake signatures, and fake promises to trick me into signing and paying. The people I thought were helping me never even existed. That was the moment the mask came off. And it was the moment I knew this wasn’t just bad business — it was merchant cash advance fraud. The truth was sinking in. This wasn’t help for my business. It was a trap. I was about to find myself in a web of MCA fraud. Protect Yourself from MCA Scam Don’t wait until it’s too late — visit our website MCAExposed to read real stories from business owners who faced fraud. You can also share your own experience at mca scam to help others stay protected.

One of the most common merchant cash advance scams looks simple on the surface. A broker or funder promises a business owner a real term loan — something stable, long-term, with lower payments. But there’s a catch: “You can only get the loan if you first sign a Merchant Cash Advance.” For many small businesses, this sounds reasonable. They need money now, and they believe a conventional loan is right around the corner. So, they take the MCA, expecting that once they prove themselves, the loan will come through. But it never does. The promised loan is a complete misrepresentation — a carrot dangled to make the business sign an MCA deal that drains their cash flow with daily or weekly debits. Once the ink is dry, the broker disappears, the phone calls stop, and the “loan department” never existed in the first place. Why This MCA Carroting Scam Works False hope: Business owners believe they’ll soon refinance into a safer product. Urgency: The MCA is presented as a quick bridge while the “real loan” is processed. Paper trail: By the time the merchant realizes the loan isn’t coming, they’re already locked into the MCA contract. Why This Matters This isn’t just bad business — it’s fraud. Making false promises to induce someone into signing a financial agreement is a deceptive practice. Industry lawyers and regulators know about this tactic, but very few cases have gone to court. That’s why awareness matters. The more merchants recognize the scam, the harder it is for brokers to keep using it. Understanding Merchant Cash Advances Merchant cash advances (MCAs) are often marketed as quick solutions for businesses in need of immediate cash. However, they come with high costs and risks. The Mechanics of MCAs MCAs work by providing businesses with a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of future sales. This can seem appealing, especially when cash flow is tight. But the reality is that the fees can be exorbitant. The Hidden Costs Many business owners fail to realize how much they will end up paying. The effective interest rates can be significantly higher than traditional loans. This can lead to a cycle of debt that is hard to escape. What You Can Do Be skeptical of “future loan” promises. If a broker says you’ll qualify for a better loan later, get it in writing — and check if the company even offers real loans. File reports. If this happened to you, make a record. Report it to your state attorney general, the FTC , and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center . Share your story. At MCA Exposed, we collect merchant reports to show how widespread these practices are. One voice can be dismissed, but many together create pressure for action. The Importance of Reporting Reporting these scams is crucial. It helps build a case against fraudulent practices and holds predatory companies accountable. How to Report When you report an MCA scam, include as much detail as possible at MCA fraud report. This includes the name of the broker, the terms of the agreement, and any communications you had. Staying Informed Knowledge is power. Stay informed about the latest scams and tactics used by brokers. Follow reputable sources and join communities that focus on protecting small businesses. Conclusion Awareness is your best defense against merchant cash advance scams. By understanding how these scams work and taking proactive steps, you can protect your business. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Victim of an MCA Scam MCA Exposed is a platform that exposes the reality behind merchant cash advance scams  targeting small businesses. If you’ve been affected or want to learn more, visit the site to read real stories, report your experience, and protect others from falling into the same trap.

The following summarizes allegations contained in a federal lawsuit. The defendants dispute these allegations. As of the writing of this article, no court has yet ruled on these claims. Who they are (as alleged): Our complaint says Top Choice Financial LLC was the servicing arm of the entire operation. On paper, they were the Authorized Sub-Servicing Agent and General Agent of the Purchaser, meaning they handled the flow of funds after funding began. Their name appeared in the small print of the contract, but they were never introduced to us during the funding process. According to our complaint, they are not just a payment processor; they were a key link between the paper funder, Alternative Capital Group LLC, and the actual funder and investment platform, Supervest. Publicly, Top Choice describes itself as a technology and syndication platform that connects brokers and funders. But behind the scenes, they were the company that connected fraudulent brokers to shady investment platforms. Acting as the middleman and moving the money between the entities, they exist to prevent Supervest from having to use its own entity name in contracts. In fact, according to publicly accessible case files, the LLC Manager of Alternative Capital Group LLC is Steve Kirincic, who is the Director of Business Development at Supervest. This is a critical detail because Supervest owns Top Choice Financial LLC. Which means that the flow of money is as follows: Private investor → Supervest → Top Choice Financial → Alternative Capital Group → Merchant What they say they do (as alleged): Their website, TopChoiceFinancial.com , paints a polished picture. They claim to offer “syndication services, detailed deal tracking, portfolio reporting, and transparent communication to help funders maintain strong relationships with syndicate partners.” They also advertise low-cost ACH processing, saying they can automatically debit merchants daily, weekly, or monthly and provide “real-time updates on payment status, such as NSF or rejections.” In reality, our complaint says that Top Choice’s ACH systems were used to withdraw money from merchants like us under false pretenses — to enforce contracts born of fraud and forgery. What they did in our case (as alleged) After funding, Top Choice began withdrawing payments weekly from our business account. When we discovered the fraud and sent demand letters, our complaint says Top Choice never stopped debiting our account. They did not investigate the claims, pause servicing, or contact us for clarification. They continued pulling money on behalf of others in the pipeline. If Top Choice Financial were truly an independent company and were acting of its own free will, it would have been quick to contact us to verify the claims. Since they claim to be the ACH processor, they are responsible for ensuring the legality and enforceability of all money movements that they conduct. Our complaint says that by continuing to service and enforce payments under a fraudulent contract, Top Choice Financial became an aider and abettor of the fraud. How their system fits into the fraud (as alleged) The pipeline worked like this: EZ Advance found the merchants Alternative Capital Group appeared on paper as the “Purchaser” Top Choice Financial handled the ACH Processing Cure Payment Recovery handled customer service for the Merchant Supervest financed the deals and shared in the profits We say Top Choice was the connection that made it all work — their software and ACH system automatically pulled the money, ensuring the pipeline kept flowing even after fraud complaints were raised. What we discovered (as alleged) Our investigation revealed that Top Choice Financial was acquired by Supervest and operated out of the same New York office. According to public filings and eyewitness verification at 61 Broadway, Unit 1901, both companies share or once shared the same location, and even the same employees. When we sent formal demand letters to multiple addresses for Top Choice, every piece of mail came back return to sender . We had a representative visit the building to confirm the address. Security confirmed that Supervest used to occupy that unit, but said there was no listing for Top Choice Financial. This overlap, we allege, shows the companies were not truly independent — but rather different faces of the same operation. What this means (as alleged) Our complaint says Top Choice Financial LLC was the servicing engine that kept a fraudulent network running. They handled ACH debits on fraudulent contracts They ignored written notices of fraud They shared offices and staff with the investment platform that funded the deals They operated as both a collections servicer and internal tool for the broader enterprise We allege that Top Choice’s systems were integrated with the funding and syndication process, allowing them to control both the merchant’s payments and the investor’s returns — a conflict at the heart of the case. The bottom line about Top Choice (as alleged) Our complaint says Top Choice Financial LLC wasn’t just a back-office processor — they were an active part of an enterprise that turned fraudulent MCA agreements into automated, enforceable payment streams. They were the hands pulling the money, the system hiding behind other names, and the company that helped keep the scheme alive even after the fraud was reported. The Court will decide the facts. Want to check the details yourself? This post summarizes our allegations. Read the filed complaint for the full story and exhibits. (Allegations only; the Court will decide.)   Click here to view the complaint If this happened to you:  Please make a mca fraud report so we can track patterns and help other merchants. MCAExposed’s job is to expose any mca scam and protect business owners from fraud. The Company Information (All information below is publicly available and is only listed for your convenience) : Entity Name: Top Choice Financial LLC, NYDOS ID 7335750, filed 05/22/2024 Top Choice Financial LLC, DEDOS ID 5036973, filed 02/09/2021 Possible Related Entities: Supervest, Inc., DEDOS 7757361, filed 12/17/2019 Supervest MCA, LLC, DEDOS 7553118, filed 08/08/2019 SV Capital Management, LLC, DEDOS 7112224, filed 10/31/2022 Supervest Investments LLC, DEDOS 4985712, filed 02/04/2021 Supervest Technologies, LLC, DEDOS 4643705, filed 01/06/2021 Associated Phone Numbers: 609-553-9092 Associated Email Addresses: info@topchoicefinancial.com Website: TopChoiceFinancial.com Associated Addresses: 61 Broadway, unit 1901 New York, NY 10006 1500 Broadway, 2022, New York, NY 10036 Associated Individuals: Nicole Orme https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/find/person/p86860482r6nun4n8406