Wednesday, March 18, 2009
International Private Investigators Survey

2009 Survey selects Wymoo as leading investigator








Wymoo International began operations in 2006 and has rapidly taken up market share in Europe, North America and Asia for private investigation services. In 2008, we reported that Wymoo had increased its market share and client base more than 300% from 2007 levels. We also reported that a primary factor in this growth was the fact that Wymoo also achieved one of the industry's highest client satisfaction ratings. The word is out.

A February consumer research study conducted in over 10 countries in Europe surveyed existing private investigators and asked investigators to list the names and provide rankings for various investigation firms in the industry, regardless of the firm's location or size. Participants names were kept anonymous and polling was conducted primarily by phone and email. The results were made available March 10 in London and are designed to be a self assessment of the industry, and also as a measure which will help improve efficiency and investigator service.

Of the 32 private investigation firms mentioned in the survey results, Wymoo ranked #1 in client satisfaction and #3 in most reputable brands or companies. Paul Fletcher of Wymoo says their strategy is simple, "focusing on clients, listening to clients' needs and concerns, and hiring the best global field investigators possible to get the job done." Wymoo's rate of growth is drawing attention from competitors, and the investigation company's focus on quality field investigators over technology could be the firm's main competitive advantage. In fact, Wymoo is one of the few industry participants that openly criticizes the overuse of databases for conducting background checks, frankly stating the "information is often outdated or plain wrong."

About the Firm:

Wymoo® International, LLC is based in Florida, United States with operations in over 100 countries. The Company is privately held with no published number of its exact size, although industry oberservers estimate 30 to 50 field investigators in the group alone. Clients are global in scope and most find the Company via its international private investigators site, and via its subsidiaries, Colombia PI and Philippine PI, a Colombia investigator and Philippines investigator. Wymoo's services are strictly confidential and clients may receive a free quote at any of the Company websites. Services include discreet surveillance, background checks, missing person searches, and due diligence screening. The average case turnaround is 7 days.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway

Read more
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Russia and Ukraine Investigators

Elevated Risk Levels Warrant Extra Caution










Since the 2008 free fall in prices of crude oil, and the near collapse of the global economy, Russia and the Ukraine have entered somewhat dire straights, economically. These are nations that are crippled with fraud and corruption in a strong economy. A recession, unfortunately, always seems to bring out the worst, or in this case, the best of frauds, scams and criminals.

Scammers and criminals operating from the Ukraine and Russia have taken full advantage of the current global conditions, baiting individuals and investors around the world via the Internet. Among the tactics used are fake investment or company websites, inheritance scams, romance scams via match-making websites, and endless others. Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and in some cases, actual government documentation is even used. Scammers target businesses and use business acumen and vocabulary to build confidence in victims. Both romance and business fraud is becoming more difficult to detect.

Investors, individuals and companies are urged to obtain a professional background check or due diligence investigation prior to investing capital, serious time, or emotions in Russia or the Ukraine. Avoiding this verification can be costly.

While the number of PI services in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kiev is still somewhat limited, there are reputable investigation and background companies available. Consumers should consider a professional investigator based in the U.K. or U.S., but with field operations in Russia or the Ukraine for reliable service.

Lastly, business deals and relationships that require an advance fee or line of credit in Russia or the Ukraine are especially suspect, and should be verified. Be safe and smart.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
Read more
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Global Background Screening & Checks

Options for Employers and Individual Consumers










Employers and individuals are increasingly involved in relationships which involve someone overseas. International employment candidates, international romances, or foriegn business partners are quite common in today's globalized and electronically connected world. Verifying identify in these times, however, has become increasingly difficult. Global fraud is on the rise, and verifying an employment candidate or potential mate is more important than ever. The level of risk is rising.

Globalization is by definition global competition, which means many employers now need to search internationally for the most qualified candidate at the most competitve cost. Similarly, internet match-making sites have enabled individuals to find love abroad, without leaving home. This environment has been fueling the demand for international background screening.

Depending on the country or countries involves, consumers do have some choices. The first step is to identify the local market or markets where the subject needs to be verified. If the subject has a background entirely in the U.K., for example, a U.K. private investigator might be perfect. If the investigation firm is not based in the local market, it is important to choose a company with field investigators in the specific country. One such company with a global distribution of field investigators is Wymoo International, which is based in Florida, United States.

Companies to avoid would be those with no office, field investigator, or no mention of the country involved on their website. Companies and websites which offer global background checks but have no field investigator in the local market simply are not capable of conducting a comprehensive background screening, regardless of what database they claim to access.

Beware of companies that claim to offer background checks internationally for $99, for example. Professional investigations, international background screening and due diligence cases can be expensive, so expect to pay a fair price for a professional service and investigator. It's worth the investment.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
Read more
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)