Showing posts with label ghana scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ghana scams. Show all posts
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Gold Scams Add to the Risk of Investing in Gold


















Institutions and individual investors, and even countries, are pouring their money in gold. And why not? These are uncertain times and gold has been a safe investment since Ancient Egypt and beyond. It is the world's longest going true currency, and offers protection against a global inflation impacting paper money, and the U.S. policy of money printing or "quantitative easing".

As more investors chase the impressive returns on gold, there are more scams and fraud cases emerging. Whether it is a fake website, false buyer or seller, fraudulent gold mine or shipper, or gold company representative, there are endless ways that criminals are trying to convince buyers they have an attractive offer. Once the money is sent to these scammers, the deal is done. Gold scams can be complex and difficult to detect. Criminals know that more people are looking to cash in on gold, so there are now endless ways that scammers target their victims.

Gold scams are the most common in countries like Ghana, South Africa and China. However, international investigation companies and law enforcement emphasize that such scam and fraud cases can impact anyone and be operated from anywhere. Even sophisticated hedge funds and investment analysts can be fooled. It pays to be skeptical when investing in gold.

In 2011 the complaints of investment fraud increased by 8 thousand complaints at the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S. Experts say that gold scams in particular have shot 84 percent last year compared to 2009. West Africa is a large producer of gold, and also a high risk fraud region, so it can be a dangerous combination. How long will the scams be a threat? Experts say as long as gold prices continue to rally, criminals will target potential victims. Gold prices are expected to remain high for quite some time, due to the Obama administration's decision to continue printing money and not dealing with the dangerously high debt levels of the United States.














Precious mineral transactions are not regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or the National Futures Association (NFA). Gold scammers use these claims to get your confidence and are part of their scam approach, in some cases. In other cases, scammer claim to be a legitimate gold mine or seller in Ghana. The Precious Mineral Marketing Company (PMMC) in Ghana is the institution that protects the investor from Ghana scams involving gold, and all exchange of minerals should be made through them. Traders or companies can contact this government agency to verify any claimed gold dealer, minor or shipper in West Africa.

As with any investment, be skeptical of claims that promise the gain of large sums of money with little or no risk. If you are a seasoned trader or investor, you know there's no such thing as a free lunch, especially in the financial markets. When possible, invest in gold bullion direct from a reputable gold seller in the United States, such as Blanchard or Northwest Mint. 


Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway 




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Thursday, May 27, 2010
Online Dating Scams a Higher Risk than Ever

Internet Scams and Fraud Rise in Bad Economy







Internet dating scams and relationship fraud represent a greater risk than ever, and this is one industry that is booming in the bad economy. Fraud and scam operations around the globe, especially in nations such as Nigeria and Ghana, but also in new areas defined by internet dating scam risk, such as Malaysia and the U.K., are reporting high incident of online scams. The Philippines, Ukraine and Russia are high risk zones and are all at high levels. Consumers should take extra precaution.

More often than not, the Internet dating scams begin on well known sites, such as Facebook, eHarmony or Match.com. Online criminals are using more sophistication techniques, and it is now more difficult to detect who the real person is and who is the criminal. Who wants to steal your money, and who is truly interested in a relationship? It’s no longer an easy question to solve. Professional scammers now use software to conceal their IP address, they use internet phones to show any number they wish, they appear to be educated and play the role of Mr. or Ms. Perfect. In some cases, they even have real ID or documentation supporting their claims of identity. Public records might even match their story. Because of this, consumers often have to call on the services of a professional private investigation company.

One U.S. company which has been leading the industry in international background checks is Wymoo® International. The firm is now a leader in international private investigation and verification services, and global investigation services include dating background checks, pre-employment, due diligence, infidelity and surveillance, among other confidential and discreet investigation services. The company is known to use professional field investigators in over 100 countries, and relies less on generic and automated database search technologies, which are often outdated or inaccurate. Management has made it clear they intend to remain focused on the best field investigators worldwide, and the firm cites this strategy as a reason for their impressive growth and customer satisfaction record.

Even if you don’t hire an international private investigator, industry experts offer the following advice. Be skeptical of anyone met online, even if you met on popular sites such as Facebook or Match.com. Be aware that criminals target people on these sites (and many others) and scams are often initiated there. Be careful never provide your personal data or send money to anyone who has not been verified. Be skeptical of any person or company requesting money, for any reason. Finally, if the relationship is progressing, hire an international background check company to verify the individual or entity, and minimize your risk for scam or fraud. Ignoring the risks can often be costly indeed.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ghana Investigation and Scams

Accra Private Detectives Confront Online Fraud













During the past few years, online fraud and scams originating from Ghana have seen a steep increase. Victims are primarily English speaking people from the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia, although no country is immune. Many Ghanaians are frustrated with the nation's increasingly bad reputation. Many citizens and analysts suggest that the scammers are actually Nigerians who cross the border to conduct fraud via the Internet, since Nigeria based scams are no longer as effective.

Several investigation companies with operations in Accra have taken an impressive stand at exposing the online or internet based scams. This type of fraud usually involves some form of romance and/or cash transfers or gems. The scams are always indentified by the advance fee which usually comes in the form of an emergency or business complication. Whether the efforts can shut the scammers down, however, remains to be seen.

Complicating matters is the fact that local government and police in Ghana is largely corrupt with little incentive to stop the crime. In some cases, police in Ghana may receive payment from criminal groups to halt any investigation or inquiry. Time will tell if Ghana can avoid the international reputation that followed Nigeria's infamous scams. The clock is ticking and the country's reputation is at stake, not to mention the potential victims.

Bottom line, any individual or company with personal or commercial relations in Ghana is strongly advised to contract a professional investigator for a ghana background check service. Due to the high level of risk, it's a wise insurance policy.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Online Dating Scams & Background Checks

Internet Dating Investigations on the Rise












The rise in online dating worldwide has changed the way men and women meet around the globe. As more and more people become accustomed to doing business on the Internet, so too are more and more people finding romance over the Internet. New match making sites appear in the search results each week, and from the U.S. to China to Argentina, consumers are finding love online. With this new playing field, however, come sizeable risks.

Honest people seeking new relationships aren't the only ones taking advantage of the new services. Criminals are also finding their way onto the match making websites, including major sites such as Match.com and eHarmony. No matter what a site may claim, no dating website is immune from fraud and scams. In fact, international scam cases have risen along with the rise in dating websites. And with the rise in scams and fraud, the demand for professional background checks has never been greater.

Beware of any individual overseas proclaiming his or her love prematurely. Be skeptical of any sudden emergencies that require financial assistance. If there have been no requests for money, and everything seems to be legit, consider a background check as an insurance policy. Many victims end up losing money and learning the hard way. A background check early along in the relationship can save you time and money, and also prevent you from potential heartache and emotional distress.

Several services are now available that offer international background checks and surveillance. Probably the most respected in the business is Wymoo International, which also runs a separate division for Philippines detectives, known as Philippine PI. Whichever firm you decide to use, consider the service an insurance policy, and when it comes to fraud and scams, it's better to know sooner rather than later. These types of services are usually strictly confidential, so the subject will never know, and you can sleep easy!

Happy hunting,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2008 A. Hathaway
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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
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Friday, January 18, 2008
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Internet dating fraud and how to stay safe

Global access to the Internet and the sharp rise in online dating sites have created new opportunites and new threats. Industry leaders such as Match.com, eHarmony, Yahoo Personals and Cherry Blossoms were among the first to establish the market for online dating. Since then, new websites are popping up on a weekly basis, and relationship scams are on the rise.

The Warning Signs

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't take a dope to fall victim to online dating scams. Criminals searching the match-making sites are increasingly professional and sophisticated in their tactics. Scammers first contact their victims via email, then by telephone - they may even send flowers and carry on a relationship for months. Their pictures are beautiful, their personality so perfect. Then, the "emergency" happens. The young man or woman has been in a terrible accident, and yes, he or she needs money. More scammers are taking the time to build the trust level, once that trust is established, the victim is sold and the money lost.

Red Flags and Countries

The leading countries in the world for relationship fraud are those in West Africa, the former Soviet Union block nations, and the Philippines. However, due to increasing technology being used by the scammers, as well as globalization, criminals now work from just about every nation on the globe. Easy access to technology has made this possible. These days, a scam can originate from England or the U.S. just as easily as from Nigeria.

Playing it Safe Online

Remember that no site is immune. Match.com and the many others are all affected by persons seeking to commit relationship fraud. Know that scams and relationship fraud can come from any country in the world. Be wary of anyone who falls in love too fast or sudden emergencies and request for financial assistance. Be very careful about revealing personal information, and anyone (even Mr. or Ms. Perfect) who requests such information.

Getting the Verification

Due to the dangers (and potential) of meeting someone special via the Internet, we advise consumers to get a background check to confirm the person's identity. If the relationship is getting serious, we recommend verifying the person's story with a professional background check firm such as Wymoo or Philippine PI for the Philippines detectives. This kind of service is confidential and can give you the piece of mind you're looking for. At the least, the service can help you make an informed decision.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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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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