Thursday, July 19, 2007
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Is Ghana as bad as its reputation for scams?

The short answer is: Yes! A closer look, especially after some experience and time in Accra, the nation's capital, clearly reveals the fact that not all citizens of Ghana are bad people. In fact, it's largely the contrary. Where poverty runs deep, as it does in Ghana and Nigeria, however, the attraction to easy money has caught the attention of many, and scam operations are growing faster and more out of control than any time in history.

Are there any beautiful, white and English speaking women in Ghana? The answer to this question is: Not many. Scammers in Ghana have learned from their neighbors in Nigeria, the founder of the imfamous 419 scam. These days, scammers are increasing their level of sophistication and it no longer takes a "fool" to be a victim of scam. Ghana fraud rings invest careful time with their victims, setting up a relationship of trust, confidence and if possible, love. Once the romance is established, the scammer makes his move. This is typically in the form of an emergency, help with a visa, a large inheritance and legal problem, etc.

Is it possible to have a real, honest and lasting relationship with someone in Ghana? Yes, it is possible. Are there foreigners living and working in Ghana who speak English? Yes, of course. Does the level of fraud and professional scams being operated from that country warrant the need for a ghana background check to verify any relationship in Ghana? Yes, absolutely! It's the only way.

The moral of the story is, no matter what the circumstances, no matter where the person was met, either on the Internet or in person, if the individual is from or currently living in Ghana, due to the extreme level of scam activity in that country, we strongly advise a background check, of which Wymoo offers the most comprehensive West Africa investigators in the region. And lastly, never send money to any individual overseas who is not known in person or who has not been verified via a professional.

Be safe and best of luck,

A. Hathaway
Copyright © 2005-2007 A. Hathaway
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Monday, July 16, 2007
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How to not be a victim of Relationship Fraud

It's no secret that the Philippines produces a good number of foreign brides each year to Western men. Many women seek a better life from the poverty and widespread problems there, others are looking for something different, the money.

There are many successful marriages and lasting relationships that come from the exportation of Philippine brides. There are an equal number of women (and men) scamming Westerners out of the hard earned cash. The Internet has made meeting these women easy, and with beautiful brides awaiting, how does one know the relationship is real? Is she who she says she is?

Most relationships today begin on the Internet, or for a few, with a business trip or vacation to the Philippines. Developing a relationship on the Internet raises the risk level considerably. The best way to avoid fraud and scams (mainly advance fee fraud) is to visit the person and see who exactly you're dealing with. Spend some time in her country and get to know her on a real and personal level. With today's professional fraud groups, it can be difficult to know the difference between love and scam.

Avoid sending money and be skeptical of "emergencies". Get to know the person slowly via the Internet, and follow up with phone conversations if the relationship progresses. Be wary of requests for money. And don't be crazy. If you're thinking of marriage, invest in the effort to visit the Philippines before beginning any serious commitment. Lastly, if all looks good and you think you may have found the real thing, get the confidential background check by Wymoo International, and sleep well at night!

Be safe and happy hunting,

A. Hathaway

Copyright © 2005-2007 A. Hathaway
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Sunday, July 8, 2007
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  • 7/08/2007
  • 1
An overview on Nigeria and its Scam Operations

With approximately 2 billion people now accessing the Internet, it's no wonder that online scams and fraud are affecting more innocent people. Even as the word gets out about relationship fraud, 419 fraud, dating scams, advance fee and other types of fraud practices via the Internet, the number of victims has risen substantially. One of the countries leading the increase in scams, along with S. Africa, Ghana, Philippines, and Russia, is Nigeria.

Nigerian criminals range from beginners to professional scammers. On the professional level, scams can be so convincing that it is truly difficult to differentiate the truth from fraud. In many cases, it is impossible for the average person outside of Nigeria. While many Nigerian relationships established online are fraudulent, such as misrepresentation, or as advance fee scams, it would be wrong to say that all Nigerians or foreigners working in Nigeria are conducting fraud. Many good citizens and foriegners in Nigeria are honest. With the overwhelming level of fraud via the Internet, the question is how tell the difference.

Some guidelines to avoid being a victim:

1. Be skeptical from the beginning with anyone in Nigeria.
2. Don't send money to any person whom you've never met.
3. Be skeptical of any claims of inheritance, or other reward.
4. Verify claims of emergencies with a Nigeria background check.
5. Know money sent via Western Union is likely lost if fraud.

Lastly, if you've been in a relationship with someone working or living in Nigeria, and you're aware of all the warning signs and the problems with fraud in that country, and you're still not sure, or if you are considering sending money, get a background check. The cost can be a small price to pay to prevent fraud and find out the truth. Wymoo International, based in the U.S. with an office in Lagos, specializes in verifying relationships in Nigeria.

Proceed with caution,

A. Hathaway
Copyright © 2005-2009 A. Hathaway
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