Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Background Checks International

Comparing International Investigation Service










International background check agencies remain few and far between. There are no shortage of agencies that claim to offer international background checks, but only a few truly have the capability to offer services at the global or international level.

Whether you're interested in an international missing person search, internet dating verification, surveillance, due diligence on a foreign company, or a corporate investigation involving a foreign subsidiary, the choices remain limited. Previously, consumers had no choice but to use a local investigator, even if this meant dealing with lower quality service, and a serious language and cultural barrier. Times are changing.

Globalization and the rise of e-commerce is allowing new investigation agencies to truly go global. One firm that has led the movement in international private investigation is Wymoo® International. Wymoo now offers its services in over 100 countries, and operates through its network of global professional field investigators. Other companies such as Kroll are also putting more weight on their international services. International relationships are clearly on the rise, including romance and foreign hires, and these relationships need to be verified.

International background checks are often made complicated by different regulations and privacy laws within each country. Therfore, it is essential to use a company that has field investigators who know the local language, political and court system, and know how to access critical information. Searching databases from abroad isn't realistic. In fact, relying on databases for an international check is dangerously imprudent.

Most investigators will offer you a free investigation quote which includes the cost, turnaround time, and the services they can offer. Communication and reporting should be confidential.

As markets become more global, expect more international services to become available. When choosing among them, remember to ask the following question. Does the Company have experienced field investigators in the country or region?

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway

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Monday, June 22, 2009
Russian Dating Scams

Avoiding Russia & Ukraine Dating Scams











Russia and Ukraine dating scams and bridal fraud continue to operate throughout both nations, and victims are now more widespread than ever. Dating sites in the U.K., United States, Canada and Australia are now infiltrated with scammers seeking victims, not to mention the sites which specifically cater to men seeking Ukraine or Russia brides or relationships.

Law enforcement struggles to identify known scammers and criminals of fraud via the internet, especially in the Ukraine and Russia, where corruption remain at high levels. Of course, there are many decent and honest women in Russia and the Ukraine who are online seeking an honest relationship with a foreigner. The challenge remains how to identify the good from the bad.

Internet scams and dating fraud is now a serious and costly international issue. The annual loss from such scams, from the Ukraine and Russia alone, is estimated at well over $5M USD. Victims end up losing their money via common schemes such as assisting with education, paying for medical expenses, visas, rent, flights, or other emergencies or travel arrangements, otherwise known as advance fee fraud, online dating scams, etc.

For those seeking an honest woman via the internet in Russia or the Ukraine are advised to proceed with caution and to contract the services of a professional background check service. Due to the high level of fraud here, there are now competent private investigators operating in Kiev, Moscow and St. Petersburg who can assist clients with verifying identity, background checks, verifying education and employment, and identifying fraud.

Wymoo® now has field investigators based in Kiev and Moscow and offers clients a free and confidential investigation quote via its website. Consumers are advised against using local Russian owned agencies due to reports of fraud among those agencies.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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