Showing posts with label colombia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colombia. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
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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
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Friday, May 18, 2007
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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
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Wednesday, May 9, 2007
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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
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Saturday, April 14, 2007
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A Summary of the Crime, and How to Avoid it.

Kidnapping in Latin America, or express kidnapping, remains a prominent and serious problem in many countries from Mexico to Argentina. The popularity of the crime among criminals first gained popularity in Colombia and was used in conjuction with operations of drug lords, and other extortion and terrorist groups. With the widespread use among professional drug and crime families, the practice of kidnapping began to spread to ordinary street criminals in the hopes of obtaining the same large rewards, at a relatively low cost. The trade then made its way from Colombia to countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. While the crime has been on the decrease in Colombia, other countries such as Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico have recently experienced a sizeable increase in cases. Argentina reports of kidnappings have remained relatively stable, primarily in and around Buenos Aires. Peru has also struggled to eliminate the crime. To date, kidnapping remains a serious threat to Latin America's residents, business persons and foreign tourists.

What is kidnapping or express kidnapping? Generally speaking, individuals of wealth are targeted for abduction and quick release upon payment. In one scenario, a victim may be taken from his or her home in an affluent neighborhood and kept for months until a large ransom can be paid for the victim's release. In some cases, body parts, especially ears, may be mailed to the abductee's family to terrorize those to make payment. Although safe release is the bargain made to those who pay ransom, only about 65% are actually released unharmed. Some victims are even murdered, regardless of the ransom. In an express kidnapping, a tourist or business person may be approached on the street, forced into a vehicle and taken to an ATM machine, where he or she is told to withdrawal money. These "express" kidnappings usually see the victim released without serious injury upon the withdrawal.

As the crime has propagated, the fear itself may be used alone. In recent years, victims have received a call that a family member has been abducted. The victim may even hear the family member crying out for help. He or she is then instructed to deposit money to an account for the loved one's safe release. The situation can be real but at other times, the "kidnapper" is only using the phone to conduct the crime, and the claimed abductee is never actually abducted or in harm's way. Hence, the fear alone of kidnapping in Latin America has become a widespread and serious problem.

How to avoid this horrible crime? Avoid taking unregistered taxis, and taxis off the street at night in cities like Mexico City, Bogota, Caracas, Sao Paul, Rio and Buenos Aires. Use safe "sitio" taxis or take taxis from restuarants and hotels, whenever possible. Avoid the green beatle taxis in Mexico City at night. Avoid wondering the streets of Caracas, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City at night. Dress down, and understand the risks of flaunting wealth in the form of cars, clothing and jewelry in Latin America. By doing so, you increase your chances of becoming a victim. If you receive a call that a loved one has been abducted, and the caller requests a ransom, first, cooperate and inform the caller you are going to get the money and make the deposit. Second, hang up the phone and contact that loved one to confirm that he or she has indeed been kidnapped. Lastly, if someone other than a police officer approaches you on the street and attempts to force you into a vehicle, or force you to walk in any direction, fight like hell to escape and yell for assistance.

If on business or soon to be traveling in Latin America and wish to obtain additional information, contact Cinnamond Global, an international consulting firm specializing in Latin America, or Wymoo International for confidential background checks, and Kroll, also for advisory and background checks in any of these countries. For more reading, visit ERRI's page on the subject.

The future of the kidnapping trade depends largely on Latin America's ability to fight widespread corruption among police ranks, and to overhaul its corrupt and inefficient legal systems. Fixing those problems from Mexico to Argentina, however, is no easy solution. While these economies remain in the developing stage, crime and poverty - and kidnapping - will remain a real threat. Until the future arrives, exercise extra caution.

Be safe,

A. Hathaway
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Monday, April 9, 2007
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The appeal of foreign brides and the primary risks.

From a United States, Canada and Western Europe perspective, we can examine the demand factor for foreign brides, and it doesn't take long to uncover the reasons explaining the interest. For some of those living in the leading developed world, find something different or "exotic" can be the appeal. For others, the appeal may be to find someone from a different culture, who offers a fresh perspective, and arguably, a more natural and pure mentality not driven by the West's competitive economics. The physical attraction is easy to pinpoint, as some of the world's developing nations offer the most incredible women in the world - this is not debatable. Countries such as Russia, Romania, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela produce what many consider the best female talent available on the planet.

The potential reward of a woman from a foreign country and culture is real, but so are the risks. Some in nations such as the Philippines, Colombia, Russia and others in Eastern Europe have begun to cash in on this foreign interest, scamming foreigners out of millions of dollars each year. Scammers mix themselves in with the honest women on websites, typically, sending beautiful photographs and gaining the foreigner's trust before asking for money, and more money. In addition to the relationship, advance fee and Internet fraud, there is the risk of blending two cultures in the form of language and cultural barriers, and pulling one away from his or her own home country to live. As in the financial markets, the risk-reward relationship here is directly related. For those willing to take sizeable risks, the potential reward can be substantial. On the other hand, it is wise to proceed with caution and do your homework to avoid the many pitfalls.

Is obtaining a beautiful and honest woman from Russia, Colombia or Brazil really an option? If so, what is the best way to make it happen? Based on experience we recommend visiting the country of interest in person, seeing not only the country's women but also the culture first hand. If you don't speak the language, seek out a woman in the country who speaks your language, at least basic conversation. This hurdle alone can save a great deal of money and heartache. Remember that with poverty (as in Russia, Colombia and Brazil) comes cases of women seeking financial gain, and nothing more. Approach women with a skeptical eye, and if visiting the country isn't an option, use utmost caution and due diligence in screening these women. We recommend a confidential background check from a firm like Wymoo once any relationship starts progressing - before any money is ever sent. Too many people have lost big. That being said, there are no shortage of winners out there who are happily married.

Are there any websites that are immune to such cases of fraud? The answer, unfortunately, is no. No website is immune from gold diggers, relationship or advance fee fraud. It just isn't possible to screen all the individuals paying for memberships on Internet matching sites. There are many beautiful women in the market. Sifting through those is only becoming more difficult.

Best of luck in the search,

A. Hathaway
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Wednesday, March 7, 2007
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An Emerging Market for Fraud?

Colombia has struggled to overcome its reputation as a corrupt country, where narcotic production and cartels run rampant. Even though Pablo Escobar was eventually murdered in 1993 in Medellín, numerous other cartels have sprung up to salvage the remaining business. And of course, the export opportunities continue to support the illegal operations. The drug operations have decreased, however, with improvements in Colombian law and police efforts throughout the nation. Colombia's economy continues to improve and Bogotá resembles more of a European city than perhaps any other Latin American metropolis, more so than even Buenos Aires. But, poverty still reigns in Colombia, driving the growth of international fraud and scams.

The drive toward a free market economy and increased pressure on narcotics has led to a rise in other types of crime, particulary white collar and Internet fraud. In recent years the number of e-commerce or Internet scams originating from Colombia has increased 500 to 600% from December 2000 levels. One group that has been quick to cash in on the existing opportunity is the beautiful Colombian women, or the men who often control those women. Globalization has made love for sale big business.

Scam operations are increasingly widespread, targeting websites that cater to American, Canadian and European men. The fact that Colombia has some of the most beautiful women in the world, with limited rule of law, has made the South American nation a competitor with operations in the Philippines and Russia. Victims are targeted on sites like Match.com, Barranquillagirls.com, and many others. Some ladies are honest and seeking relationships. Others, however, sell romance at a heartbreaking price.

How to avoid these scammers? Understand that no website is immune from fraud, and money sent to Colombia via Western Union or other wire service, is likely lost in the event of fraud. These are the best "gold diggers" in the business, so approach relationships with caution. Visit Colombia and see the true story, if possible. When in a relationship that is progressing, have her checked out. Only a reputable and professional firm like Wymoo with a physical presence in Colombia can uncover the truth.

Finally, most Colombian women are very, very beautiful and decent. The corrupt minority, however, is growing fast.

All the best,

A. Hathaway
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