Showing posts with label advance fee fraud. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advance fee fraud. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Online Dating Investigations

Background Checks Rise with Internet Dating














More and more websites are popping up in the search results each week that offer Internet dating, online match-making, or ways to meet new people locally, or internationally. As a result, more consumers are trying this method in meeting new friends, business contacts, or potential mates. It's not uncommon these days to here about a married couple who met via the Internet. This booming industry has not gone unnoticed by criminals looking to cash in. Hence, the need for background checks.

Match.com and countless other sites offer the opportunity to meet Mr. or Mrs. Perfect via the Internet. Often times, this potential mate can reside, be employed, or be traveling overseas. It can be very difficult to verify someone's identity through email, photographs and phone calls, especially if he or she is from another country. Scammers use this fact to their advantage.

To avoid being a victim, we recommend the following steps. Never send money to anyone who is not known personally overseas, for any reason. Never reveal any personal data such as bank accounts, credit card number, date of birth, address, etc, to an individual who is not known personally. Get a professional dating background check before proceeding in a serious relationship started via the Internet, especially if this person is in another country, or if the situation is international in nature.

Paul Fletcher of Wymoo International states that "too many clients come to us after the damage is already done. We try to encourage consumers to think of a confidential investigation as a prudent insurance policy, and a way to verify identity."

Industry experts agree that an increase in e-commerce and trends in globalization should continue to fuel the market for online relationship services. Avoiding fraud, it seems, will be an ongoing and increasingly difficult battle.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
Read more
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Nigeria Investigation and Scams

The rush for background checks in Lagos













Nigeria has been hit hard by the recent global economic downturn. Police have worked hard to take down fraud rings and criminal groups operating scams from Nigeria. With commerce at a near stand still, and opportunity hard to come by, the fraud is on the rebound. Nigeria is not alone. The FBI in the United States has reported a similar rise in fraud cases as criminals get more desperate to bring in the money during the depression.

Corporations continue to operate in Lagos despite the rising cases of fraud, and the risks that come with it. Business and investment activity is down, but deals are still getting done, and international ties continue to exist with individuals and businesses in Lagos. One industry that is booming is there is private investigation, since verifying businesses and individuals is essential.

Selecting a private investigator or background check firm in Lagos can be just as risky. Many corporate and individual clients report having their money stolen, or receiving unacceptable work. Paul Fletcher of Wymoo International urges clients to check references and to do their homework prior to choosing a Nigeria investigator. Wymoo is based in the U.S. with a new field office in Lagos. "Choosing a firm based in Europe or the U.S. with a field office in Lagos offers the best chance for quality work."

Nigeria will continue to develop, and as the global economy recovers, Nigeria law enforcement may once again be successful at shutting down the fraud and scams. For now, businesses and individuals are advised to proceed with caution.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
Read more
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Ghana Scams on the Rise

Fraud increases demand for background checks

Ghana appears to have adopted many of the fraud methods used in Nigeria. In fact, many professional scammers have relocated to Ghana in order to escape the "bad reputation" of Nigeria for its high level of fraud. Other fraud operations simply have affiliate, criminal networks in Ghana that they hope will diminish their Nigeria stigma. This transition of advance fee fraud and scams means Ghana is the emerging market for fraud.

Accra is capital of Ghana and the home of an estimated 6 million people, and the population is growing very rapidly. The city continues to attract foreign investment and is the center for Ghana's international commerce and foreign trade.

International business is becoming a way of life here. Doing business in Accra, Ghana can mean opportunity and profit. With this big potential reward, however, comes new substantial risks.

Foreign businesses aren't alone in this increasingly risky market. Similar to a small business in London or Singapore having to verify its business relationship in Accra, many individuals are finding personal relationships in Ghana. Whether its romance or a new business contact, we recommend a background check.

Most of us think the scams, such as advance fee fraud, simply aren't going to happen to us. Unfortunately, as the world has grown wise to Africa's scams, the fraudsters have grown quite sophisticated. Ghana and Nigeria scam checks are important to business owners, since business scammers now have the industry know how, and they use the lingo. Beautiful women (including white women) in Accra definitely exist, but the number of men portraying to be these women is staggering. Here too, the players are professional. They carry on phone conversatons, send email, provide visa and passport copies, and more. Ghana scammers are some of the best.

How can one entering into a business or personal relationship in Ghana learn the truth? We strongly recommend a professional Ghana background check, preferably a firm not based in Africa but with local investigators who understand the local customs, etc. Wymoo International is currently the industry leader for West Africa background checks. According to Vice President, David Wilkerson, businesses and individuals should always "enter into relationships with insurance given the amount of fraud here, and a professional background check is prudent policy."

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2008 A. Hathaway
Read more
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
no image

Background checks and the services available.

A Rise in Demand
With more people around the global accessing the Internet, and the global population itself exploding exponentially, the world is making a fast transition to online. Businesses around the world now make their hiring decisions based on candidates they find on the Internet. New websites for match making or online dating are popping up daily. These days, it's not uncommon to find a business partner or even find a spouse on the Internet. In this brave new world, come some sizeable risks.

Verifying the Story
How does an individual in Paris verify a boyfriend's story who lives in Brazil? Or how does a small business in the United States verify a new supplier located in Singapore? And when looking for romance, just how do we know if he or she is really who he or she claims to be? These questions are becoming more common and so is the demand for background checks. The following section describes some of the services available to learn the truth.

Knowing your Options
The services offered for background checks vary greatly. Some websites offer simple searches for public records, while others combine public records searches with actual investigation. We prefer the latter, as real investigation has real results in most cases. Among the top 3 players in the United States are Kroll, Owens Online and Wymoo International. Wymoo has been expanding its market share by concentrating on customer service and custom investigations. All 3 companys have a strong global presence, while Wymoo offers personalized service, surveillance, local investigators and complete narrative reporting. For the Philippines, contact Wymoo's affiliate, Philippine PI.

Pricing the Market
An average background check can cost between $200 and $800, depending on the country of origin and the information needs of the customer. An average background investigation to verify a small business or foreign romance usually ranges between $400 and $600, again depending on the country and specific need for information. Always shop around for service quotes.

Filling the Need
Is it really worth having your international romance, or foreign business partner verified? Absolutely. This is the age of identity theft, relationship scams, advance fee fraud, and these scams are on the rise. Think of a background check investigation as an insurance policy. One can cross his fingers and hope for the best. We recommend contracting an international background check service, and sleeping well at night knowing the truth.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2008 A. Hathaway
Read more
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
no image

What to know and how to recognize the threat

Investment scams have been on the rise around the globe, and unfortunately, have been rising in sophistication. Fraud was introduced to the Internet most notably by the Nigeria 411 scams, i.e. advance fee fraud. Times have changed.

Criminals are using today's worldwide access to the Internet to their advantage. Webhosting accounts for a new website, bank and credit accounts can now be easily opened via the Internet, from anywhere in the world. Having some false identification gives the scammer the upper hand here, as he has essentially created an alias with little, if any, traceable information.

Beware of the False Website

Many investment scams are taking the form of the classic advance fee fraud, but with a higher level of sophistication and (seemingly) credibility. Websites are often created with templates or a design is stolen from another reputable and legal investment company. Once the site is complete, the criminal has created what appears to be a legitimate website and company. The headquarters for these fictitious firms are often located in the United States, so the website claims. These sites are mearly a tool for fraud.

How to distinguish a real investment website from a fraudulent one? Search Google and Yahoo for the company to determine if there are other sites referencing the firm. Check the site itself to see if the firm has contact information. A website without an address or phone number is a red flag for potential fraud or scam. Search phone directories for the firm's telephone number. Lastly, check with the SEC's website for signs on how to recognize these investment scams, and to verify registration of the firm.

The Warning Signs

Although the level of sophistication in these scams continues to rise, an educated consumer can know the difference. Scammers today always contact their victims with an offer - the potential victim has been selected. The firm representative may speak perfect English, and even understand investments and asset management. He may even request you submit an IRS form and other documents. Bottom line, this person will request personal data and/or payment promptly and without ever meeting you. Be skeptical and ask for the firms' references and SEC filing.

How to Be Sure

If you've searched the Internet for references, checked local phone listings, maybe even contacted the SEC for verification, and spoke with company representatives and claimed references - and you're still not sure? Contact a professional international private investigator like Wymoo International or Philippine PI for help. Get the facts on who you're dealing with - then decide.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
Read more
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
no image

A Guide to Investigations and Surveillance

The number of Philippine women involved with European, American, Canadian and Australian men is difficult to estimate. Of course, these aren't the only countries where the Filipinas are escaping to. Filipinas are, in fact, leaving the Philippines in masses. This phenomenon has been taking place for over 20 years or longer, but with the increasing global access to the Internet and the growth of dating websites, scams are on the rise.

Some of the better known sites include Filipinaheart.com and Cebuanas.com, but the list is extensive and new websites emerge each month. Some relationships begin in person, while a large majority are begun on the Internet. For those initiating on the Internet, the risk for relationship fraud and scam is at an all time high. Potential victims should be extremely wary of any Filipina asking for money early in the relationship. If there is a chance this woman could be the one, whether in the Philippines or beyond (Colombia, Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, etc), a background check can save a great deal of money and heartache. In short, due to the number of fraud and scam cases in international relationships, it is better to be safe than sorry. The alternative can be costly.

Our three favorite background check services are Owens OnLine, Wymoo International and Philippine PI. Owens OnLine offers a professional service at a reasonable price, although their services are more tailored to business clients. Wymoo International and Philippine PI are industry leaders for confidential investigations for individuals. Wymoo covers over 100 countries worldwide. For the Philippines, however, we recommend Philippine PI because of their local presence throughout the islands.

Depending on your need for information and the Company you choose, professional Philippine investigators cost between $350 and $600. Philippine surveillance may be more, depending on the number of hours worked. Surveillance service should provide detailed reports with photo or video evidence. The insurance and verification is an increasingly wise investment.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway

© 2005-2009 A. Hathaway, All Rights Reserved
Read more
Friday, August 10, 2007
no image

Where to go when you need Answers

The Philippines has been, and continues to be, a major exporter of brides. What drives this exportation of women is not exactly known, but clearly the corruption, poverty and limited amount of opportunity in the Philippines is a factor. The supply and demand continue to be strong, with the women choosing men in Western Europe, the United States, Australia and Canada. With this international match making, has come some problems.

International marriages and relationships begun on the Internet have contributed to a sharp rise in fraud cases and relationship scams. In addition to the unknown factor of getting to know a Filipina on the Internet, the fact is that the Philippine culture is one where many things are for sale, including love. That is to say in a poor country like the Philippines, opportunity and money talks. The problem for the Western men in the United States, Canada and Western Europe is how to know if it's love or money talking. To be sure, in most cases, it pays to hire a PI.

Whether you're looking for a background check to confirm her story, or if you suspect infidelity and require surveillance for clear evidence, we recommend hiring a reputable background check firm like Wymoo International. Wymoo and its subsidiary, Philippine PI, have offices in Manila and Cebu with years of experience assisting clients in uncovering the truth. Depending on your specific needs, you might need surveillance on the subject or a comprehensive background check to verify claims of education, employment, marital status, address, etc.

Professional investigations and Philippines detectives can be somewhat costly. However, not knowing the truth about a relationship in the Philippines can be even more expensive. Find out the truth by contacting a professional. In the Philippines, a land of fraud and scams, one cannot afford to simply hope for the best.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2005-2009 A. Hathaway, All Rights Reserved
Read more
Thursday, July 19, 2007
no image

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
Read more
Monday, July 16, 2007
no image

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
Read more
Sunday, July 8, 2007
no image

  • 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
Read more
Thursday, June 14, 2007
no image

A Brief Comparison of Background Checks

International investigations and background checks are increasing in demand as businesses, organizations, corporations and even individuals are impacted by globalization. Whether or not globalization is a positive for the world and the existing cultures is up for debate. The need to verify individuals and organizations across foreign borders, however, is not.

Organizations and individuals increasingly require the service of a background check firm for due diligence and for peace of mind. A firm in Europe seeking an employment candidate in Malaysia wants to be prudent in its hiring decision. Management wants to confirm his identity and professional experience. In addition, the company likely wants to check for any criminal background, and other red flags. Individuals around the world are increasingly dating and establishing new relationship via the Internet. A background check to confirm a lover's identity overseas is not only important, but an essential path to preventing fraud.

So, what options are available if you want to confirm your business partner's identity in Colombia? How can you verify a website and small business located in Russia as a legitimate concern? How can you be sure about sponsoring your Russian fiancee for a visa? And how can the small business in London conduct due dilignece when forming a partnership with a firm in Mexico City? The examples are endless. The answers on where to find assistance, however, are suprisingly limited. We list a few below for our top choices for professional investigations.

From an international perspective, investigating outside of one's home country, we recommend three major firms who provide reliable, professional background checks and customer service.

Wymoo International, Owens Online and Kroll are at the top of our list. Depending on the services required, one of the three may be the best option. We suggest contacting each to learn about the services offered, and to determine which firm offers the best services and pricing for your specific situation. Wymoo offers a highly personalized client service and wide range of investigation in over 100 countries. Their signature market is in confirming international relationships, an area where they clearly lead the competition. Owens offers an impressive list of 250 countries, while Kroll may be suitable for more business clients.

Depending on the individual case, an international background check or investigation may cost between $200 and $800 USD. Pricing is usually based on what information the client requires, and in which country. Given the amount of fraud, scam and misrepresentation in the global marketplace, the background check is a key insurance policy against loss, whether emotional or financial, or both. Do your due diligence and verify relationships abroad. The alternative may be more expensive!

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway

Copyright © 2005-2007 A. Hathaway
Read more
Thursday, May 24, 2007
no image

A Consumer Report of Services Available

If you're new to the world of online or Internet dating, you're not alone. Millions of people are joining the long list of available match-making websites in the hope of finding someone special. The impressive growth in the number of online subscribers to such sites is not suprising, as many marriages and meaningful relationships are now being initiated via the Internet.

Along with the success stories, there are some dreadful losses and scams. Risks inherent in online dating include physical harm, financial fraud, scams and identity theft. The fact is, when someone is introduced via the Internet, it is nearly impossible to truly see who that person really is. Emails, beautiful photos, smooth phone conversations, and more, are often the real thing. The problem is knowing when this is actually fraud.

Relationship fraud indicates one of the members in the relationship has misrepresented him or herself, or has false intentions, and of course the most common false intention, is money. The most cautious of individuals dating online can be a victim of advance fee fraud. The scammers are convincing and are often professionial criminals with years of experience.

How do you know if you have the real thing? Know the warning signs. Beware of individuals falling in love too soon. Watch out for any money requests for emergencies, etc. Use extra caution when developing a relationship with an individual in a foreign country. Be skeptical. Move towards speaking on the phone before meeting in person. Never give personal financial information and last but not least, when meeting, do it in a safe and public place.

Be Safe, Get a Background Check

There are a few services that provide assistance to those who want to be cautious. In other words, these companies can confirm that yes, this person appears to be who he or she claims to be and there is no criminal record, etc. It is a smart move to verify his or her story. Below we list a few of our favorites options.

1. Wymoo International, specializes in background checks for online dating and Internet fraud in 100 countries. Based in the United States with offices around with world. Narrative reporting in 7 to 10 days. Offers full confidential investigations.

2. Owens Online, provides a variety of a la carte services for each of their 250 countries covered. Based in the United States and offers a verification service and data reporting for checking criminal, education and employment references.

3. Kroll, offers a wide array of services to assist clients around the world with fraud prevention and background screening. Based in the U.S. with offices in 19 countries. Employment, education and public records. Company advisory but supports individuals.

Prices of these services may vary depending on the country involved and the information needed. If the relationship is progressing, especially if international, the price of an early background check is often a prudent investment.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway

Read more about warning signs of advance fee fraud at Wikipedia.
Read more
Friday, May 18, 2007
no image

What to know when seeking a Colombian Bride

Colombia is a poor country and has a rising reputation for relationship fraud. Of course there are plenty of good, beautiful and honest women seeking marriage with foreigners. There is also an active population of scammers, fraud schemes and old fashioned gold diggers. Some women seek financial gain and lifestyle upgrades, an escape from poverty. Others are actually seeking a loving relationship, marriage and something new and exciting. How to tell this difference is the big question.

If she asks for money, put the brakes on. Beware of family or medical "emergencies" where the woman needs cash and financial support fast. Know that sending money via Western Union is likely lost in the event that she's a scammer. Understand that the scammers are professional criminals and are very difficult to distinguish between an honest and trustworthy woman.

Educated yourself by reading about scam and fraud methods. Knowing about the different scams will help you recognize any foul play. The schemes and fraud efforts vary in strategy, but all have one thing in common, money. Money is usually requested in the form of advance fee fraud, where the criminal needs help with school, medical, rent, family, visa, etc. You can read more about the fraud types at Wikipedia's site for relationship fraud and advance fee fraud. This is a major step in prevention.

Once you understand the fraud types and warnings signs, consider a trip to Colombia. Get to know her and her country. See for yourself who you're dealing with. This is a key step in not only preventing fraud, but also important in establishing a meaningful relationship. Take time to get to know her. A Colombian woman in a hurry to marry is a major red flag and warning sign.

Lastly, if all checks out, get a professional background check by a firm with a local presence in Bogota and Barranquilla. Wymoo offers confidential investigations and has years of experience dealing with potential brides and relationships in Colombia.

Best of luck, and do your homework!

A. Hathaway
Read more
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
no image

What to know when considering a Russian Bride

Russia is a poor country and has a reputation for relationship fraud. Of course there are plenty of good, beautiful and honest women seeking marriage with foreigners. There is also an active population of scammers, fraud schemes and old fashioned gold diggers. Some women seek financial gain and lifestyle upgrades, an escape from poverty. Others are actually seeking a loving relationship, marriage and something new and exciting. How to tell this difference is the million dollar question.

If she asks for money, put the brakes on. Beware of family or medical "emergencies" where the woman needs cash and financial support fast. Know that sending money via Western Union is likely lost in the event that she's a scammer. Understand that the scammers are professional criminals and are very difficult to distinguish between an honest and trustworthy woman.

Educated yourself by reading about scam and fraud methods. Knowing about the different scams will help you recognize any foul play. The schemes and fraud efforts vary in strategy, but all have one thing in common, money. Money is usually requested in the form of advance fee fraud, where the criminal needs help with school, medical, rent, family, visa, etc. You can read more about the fraud types at Wikipedia's site for relationship fraud and advance fee fraud. This is a major step in prevention.

Once you understand the fraud types and warnings signs, consider a trip to Russia. Get to know her and her country. See for yourself who you're dealing with. This is a key step in not only preventing fraud, but also important in establishing a meaningful relationship. Take time to get to know her. A Russian woman in a hurry to marry is a major red flag and warning sign.

Lastly, if all checks out, get a professional background check by a firm with a local presence in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Wymoo offers confidential investigations and has years of experience dealing with potential brides and relationships in Russia.

Best of luck, and do your homework!

A. Hathaway
Read more
no image

  • 5/16/2007
  • 1
What to know when considering a Philippine Bride

The Philippines is a poor country and has a reputation for relationship fraud. Of course there are plenty of good, beautiful and honest women seeking marriage with foreigners. There is also an active population of scammers, fraud schemes and old fashioned gold diggers. Some women seek financial gain and lifestyle upgrades, an escape from poverty. Others are actually seeking a loving relationship, marriage and something new and exciting. How to tell this difference is the key question.

If she asks for money, put the brakes on. Beware of family or medical "emergencies" where the woman needs cash and financial support fast. Know that sending money via Western Union is likely lost in the event that she's a scammer. Understand that the scammers are professional criminals and are very difficult to distinguish between an honest and trustworthy woman.

Educated yourself by reading about scam and fraud methods. Knowing about the different scams will help you recognize any foul play. The schemes and fraud efforts vary in strategy, but all have one thing in common, money. Money is usually requested in the form of advance fee fraud, where the criminal needs help with school, medical, rent, family, visa, etc. You can read more about the fraud types at Wikipedia's site for relationship fraud and advance fee fraud. This is a major step in prevention.

Once you understand the fraud types and warnings signs, consider a trip to the Philippines. Get to know her and her country. See for yourself who you're dealing with. This is a key step in not only preventing fraud, but also in establishing a meaningful relationship. Take time to get to know her. A Philippine woman in a hurry to marry is a major red flag.

Lastly, if all checks out, get a professional background check by a firm with a local presence in Manila and Cebu. Wymoo offers confidential investigations and has years of experience dealing with potential brides and relationships in the Philippines.

Best of luck, and do your homework!

A. Hathaway
Read more
Saturday, May 12, 2007
no image

Relationships Scams and the new Advance Fees
A warning for those in the world of Online Dating

The number of websites offering Internet match-making, online dating or relationship services has increase exponentially. With 2 billion Internet users worldwide as of January 2007, it is no wonder that more and more people are exploring the idea of meeting someone special via the Internet. There are plenty of success stories. This article, however, is a brief look at the darker side of online dating, and the potential pitfalls and risks.

Wymoo International, a global background check and investigative firm, has offered the following true case which occurred in 2006. Names and details have been changed or omitted to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the client. Some of the criminals in this case were eventually apprehended, although the client never fully recovered his financial or emotional loss. The aim here is to prevent future victims.

In February 2006, Paul McCrae, a successful U.S. business person, decided to explore the world of online dating. He signed up on a popular U.S. dating site and was soon contacted by Stephanie Blair of the United Kingdom. Stephanie appeared to be an honest, educated and hard-working girl. She was working in St. Petersburg, Russia as a financial analyst for a bristish investment bank. She made no requests for money, she sent daily emails and routinely phoned Paul in the U.S. She sent gifts for his birthday, and never expressed interest in moving to the States.

Months passed and the relationship progressed with phone calls, emails, letters, gifts, chatting via a webcam, etc. Paul, eventhough he had never met Stephanie in person, felt he could truly trust this person. Her pictures and voice were beautiful. She had a good job in St. Petersburg, came from a good family, and she had studied at a London university. She appeared to be the real thing. Paul finally agreed to visit her in Russia. He was in love.

In October, two weeks prior to Paul's scheduled flight to Russia, Paul received a phone call. It was Stephanie. She was crying. She had horrible news. She had been in a car accident and had a broken leg, broken ribs, and required a surgery on her lower back. She could not walk and was flown to a different hospital in St. Petersburg where the surgery was to be performed. The hospital required payment in advance, and Stephanie's credit cards were not accepted. She was desperate and needed cash.

Stephanie went through a total of 3 surgeries that same week. Paul spoke with staff at the hospital who updated him on her condition and the costs. She was expected to fully recover but it would take time. The total medical care cost was $38,000 USD, all of which was paid for by Paul, who wired the money to the hospital representative via Western Union. After the final payment, Paul never heard from her again. The fraud was complete.

How did this happen? Paul had known this person for 9 months. He had trusted her, and she had never asked for money until her accident. They had plans together for their future. Paul was skeptical, approached the relationship with caution, but believed in her and loved her completely. His total loss was close to $40,000 USD, and the emotional damage substantial.

Stephanie was a professional criminal. She new how to play the game. She knew she had to invest time and money in the relationship for the big pay off. In fact, she worked for a business operating in international fraud. Male managers directed and paid the women employees a handsome salary, while instructing and teaching the female employees how to play the role.

Paul contacted Wymoo International after the relationship had ended. The investigation uncovered the criminals behind the scam and authorities in St. Petersburg and Moscow were alerted to the criminal's identity. The group was broken up and at least one person ended up in police custody. Warnings on blacklists and the Internet were made about the others. Paul recovered part of his financial losses but will never forget the experience.

The moral of the story is, if involved with anyone in a foreign country via a relationship on the Internet, get a background check. Be safe and sleep well at night knowing your intuition is right. Don't be a victim of the new advance fee fraud.

Be safe and happy hunting,

A. Hathaway
Read more
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
no image

International Scams and the new Methodology

So you've heard about the Nigeria 419 scam, and about the Russian and Philippine brides-to-be scamming American and European men out of thousands. You're street smart, and you're not going to fall for some foolish game. You won't be sending money off to Africa. You wonder, how can anyone be so foolish, to send thousands of dollars off to Ghana, Nigeria, Russia, the Philippines, Colombia or South Africa, to someone they've never even met? All you need is a little common sense, you say. But, is it really that simple to prevent? Does it really take a fool?

There are approximately 2 billion Internet users worldwide. Many have just recently discovered the world wide web. Many are senior citizens, many are honest, hard working and trusting folks who expect the same of others. The truth is, advance fee fraud has come along way since the early days of emails claiming the individual has won big, or has been selected to participate in an amazing business opportunity, with the only catch being the advance fee to release the winnings, the cash, etc. Sure, the public is more educated now about scams. So, why then is the number of victims rising rapidly in almost every country in the world?

Wymoo International, an international background check and investigative firm, recently reported on the methodology and fraud schemes employed, and how so many intelligent people worldwide become victims. According to David Wilkerson, Vice President of Wymoo, "criminals have evolved advance fee fraud into endless variations and use sophisticated techniques to conceal their identity. They seek out their victims on dating websites such as Match.com and countless others, where they proceed to establish long and seemingly meaningful relationships via the Internet. They make phone calls to the victim; they send flowers; they send email and instant messages. In other words, they invest significant time in their scam and victim. They may claim to be a doctor or relief worker in Africa. They may claim to be in love and making arrangements to leave the country. Or, they may have been in a terrible accident and need financial support, etc." In response to whether or not it takes a fool, Wilkerson replied that "victims are from all walks of life, doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, pilots to single mothers. Bottom line is that the criminals are professionals and very convincing." A scammer may work a plot for up to 6 months or even 1 year before requesting money. And a professional scammer in Africa or E. Europe can earn up to $200,000 USD annually.

What does all this mean? Approach relationships via the Internet with a skeptical eye. Beware of requests for money from persons in another country if you have never met that person. Lastly, even if you think you truly know the person, and you have every reason to trust him or her, get the professional background check. The hardest thing about being in this business, says Wilkerson, is too many clients get the background check after the fact, rather than being skeptical and safe from the beginning.

Play it safe,

A. Hathaway
Read more
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)