Showing posts with label internet fraud. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet fraud. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
International Background Checks to Avoid Internet Fraud














Spam and viruses have been around since the beginning of the internet, but the risk online in recent years has taken a new form and reached new levels.  Marketing companies offer unbelievable promotions to email databases sold by Hotmail, Google or Facebook, and companies often sell or share your information, or even track your internet activity without your knowledge or consent.  This the day and age of data, and companies and criminals will do whatever necessary to get your personal data.  It is valuable information, and in the hands of a criminal, very valuable.

John Wallace, Director of Background Checks at Wymoo® International explains that more clients around the world are realizing the risk.  Many have become victims or know someone who has been a victim of internet fraud or scams, and they want to avoid the costly expense and trouble. "Background check investigations are becoming a wise form of insurance, and more companies and individuals are taking advantage of the service prior to engaging in international relationships.”

Governments of frequently targeted countries like the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia are making a significant effort on preventing crime and educating their citizens regarding scams and fraud risk.  However, law enforcement and private investigators agree, that the risk is simply too great, and the warning signs often change.  Criminals change their tactics regularly to avoid detection, so internet users have to stay current and know what to watch out for.  The simple fact is that it’s not always possible to know if a person or company is real.  In many cases, especially international cases, it requires the skills, training and resources of a trained investigator to verify.

Romance scam cases are still high on the list of scam types, but investigators caution that fake companies, investments, and even home improvement scams are rising.  The simple fact is, criminals will create professional looking websites, send convincing emails, and try to get to know you on professional networking, social networking, online dating sites and even email.  Their goal is to get your information, steal your money, and leave you for the next victim.

Be safe online and remember to protect your private information.  For individuals and companies you’ve found on the internet, be sure to verify with a reputable investigation company.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2013 A. Hathaway

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012
10 Tips to Avoid Dating Scams













Being a victim of scam or fraud on the internet is a horrible experience. It can take a major emotional and financial toll on you and your loved ones, and can be completely devastating. Making matters worse, many victims find that law enforcement is unable or unwilling to assist in these cases, where criminals often reside and operate overseas in developing countries. Even when the evidence is clear, it can be hard to go after criminals and recover losses.

Among the global victims, the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia lose the most. Annual losses in these countries are in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Experts say that even though internet users have become more educated and skeptical about meeting people online, criminals continue to stay ahead of the curve, and by using new techniques and methods, scams are rising.

International investigators urge internet users to be skeptical, and guard your personal information such as full name, address, date of birth, and so on. Never share ID numbers or credit card numbers with individuals you have never met in person, and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Although scams are evolving, the request for money is always the traditional and most important red flag. Be very skeptical of anyone who claims to be in trouble, danger or in a bad situation that requires your help and your money. Be extra careful when communicating with companies or individuals in high risk countries, such as Nigeria or Ghana in West Africa; Russia, Romania or the Ukraine in Eastern Europe; Philippines or Malaysia in Southeast Asia; and Colombia in Latin America. Ignoring the risk online can lead to major real world problems.

To lower your risk, investigators advise background check investigations to determine if the person is real or a scammer. Professional investigators can verify a person’s identity and background.

Below are some tips to avoid romance scams and internet fraud.

1. Keep personal data to yourself. Scammers rely on the confidence they get from you to have you provide them with information such as full name, date of birth or any other data to use against you, whether to scam you or blackmail you. Share less!

2. Google it! A good start can be searching the subject’s name and email address on Google. It may not tell you much, but it is worth checking to see if someone else has commented on the person. Sometimes, a quick internet search can reveal past fraud cases.

3. Use paid online dating sites only. While major sites like Match.com and eHarmony are not immune from fraud, by any stretch of the imagination, they do have a slightly higher level of protection than some of the other free sites, so it’s worth considering.
4. Stay on the dating site. Many criminals soon after meeting you want you to stop communicating through the dating site or social network site like Facebook. They want to email you directly and call you directly. Keep the barriers between you in place to keep you safe, and use secure emails provided by Match.com and Facebook and others.

5. Don’t open attachments from strangers. Some criminals now send attachments to their chat mates which can install viruses on your computer to steal your passwords and even your identity. If you don’t know the person well, avoid opening email attachments.

6. Be skeptical of soldier stories. Military scams are up sharply, so if you are communicating with a soldier who claims to be in Iraq or Afghanistan, for example, be skeptical!

7. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. If you met Mr. or Ms. Perfect online and they fell in love with you overnight, don’t get too caught up in the story. Ask yourself if there are any red flags. If you’re not sure, contact a reputable international investigator for help.

8. Avoid scams with emergency or money needed. If you’ve met someone online who claims to have a major emergency, traveling abroad, or needs money, this is a major red flag and you may be communicating with a criminal. Stop and consider the risks.

9. Never send money to any person you’ve never met. No excuses.

10. Consult a professional. International private investigators and professional background check investigations can verify individuals, check identity, and screen for fraud. If you have met someone on the internet and think there is potential in the relationship, minimize your risk and contact a professional investigator for advice. A background check can save you time and money and protect you from fraud. It is wise insurance to have!

If you suspect you are dealing with a criminal or a scammer, cease contact immediately. If you think you have truly found someone, consider a dating background check to be safe.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway 
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Company Verification Used to Prevent Internet Fraud















Internet fraud is a growing problem and a growing portion of that fraud is taking place with false or fictitious companies using professional looking websites.  Scam victims believe that the website is a real company, and proceed to submit their credit card information to the website or company, or even initiate a business relationship with the company, and even send funds to their new partner’s bank.  False websites can assume the identity of a real company, or simply be false.

Fraud experts say it’s important to use websites with Trust seals like Trust, the Better Business Bureau and McAfee, so you know you’re dealing with a real company and that the website or company has at least been verified at a basic level.  You won’t find a false website with any of these logos with an active link to the verification page.  Also, investigators say to search the internet to see what others are saying about the company, and be very skeptical if you find no or too little information.  Any real company should have a good amount of information online.

Companies in India, China, Latin America and Africa, as well as Southeast Asia can offer attractive investment opportunities to foreign investors.  The question remains, how do you know you are dealing with a real company or a legitimate investment opportunity?  International business deals run a high risk for fraud and scams, especially if the contact is made via the internet.

Company verification and international due diligence services are more important than ever.  International investigators with offices or agents on the ground can verify business registration, offices and facilities, reputations, ownership and more.  Screening the company or website for fraud is becoming more and more important, as the losses from internet fraud and identity theft can be staggering.  It’s important to verify first, before agreeing to any terms or business deal.

Millions of dollars are lost each year in the U.S. and even companies are trying to find better ways to keep their businesses and employees safe.  International opportunities and reaching out to new suppliers and businesses overseas can be profitable and lucrative, as long as the company or representative is legit, and who they claim to be.  That is where due diligence comes in.

International investigators advise caution when dealing with a new company, and to verify unknown businesses and contacts with foreign companies prior to sending detailed information about your business or financial situation.  If such sensitive information lands in the wrong hands, you could be a victim of internet fraud, identity theft and other financial losses and headache.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway


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Wednesday, July 4, 2012
UK Background Checks Used for Online Dating














Romance scams is the most common form of scam involving users of social networking and online dating sites, which usually come disguised as a friendly or innocent contact, and even the most skeptical can fall victim or become targets. Of course, regions of the world like West Africa, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia and others lead the way in originating scam cases, but the business is profitable. Criminals now operate or have accomplices operating in the U.K. and the U.S., so it is no longer a developing country threat. Romance scams can and do originate from just about everywhere, and if you use online dating, caution and background checks are advised. In the U.K., consumers are increasingly relying on professional background check firms to verify their online partners, and avoid the risk from romance scams and internet fraud.

Romance scammers trap their victims with proven credible stories and slowly gain your trust. Once that’s attained they set the trap and eventually, the victim will usually fall for it. Most victims say the scammer never asked for money, so they didn’t understand how it could be a risk? Caution: Many criminals many never ask for your money directly, but slowly gather information about you which can be used to steal your identity or even blackmail you down the road. The threat is real and yes, even in the U.K., scammers are operating and targeting other U.K. citizens online.

Money requests come usually in the form of an emergency that can’t wait or a settlement, an inheritance or the arrival of your loved one – to purchase their flight ticket or pay for passport or visa or a custom permission, investment, loan, etc. Advance fee fraud affects millions of British nationals year after year and basically no person, company or organization is 100% immune.

Online dating sites such as Match.com, eHarmony, Facebook and countless others have no effective way to screen their millions of users and subscribers for possible fraud.

Private investigators operating in the U.K. have reported notable increase in the demand for professional dating background checks by reputable private investigation firms. As clients want to be sure they're not going to be the next victim, many are playing it safe and verifying their online partner. Experts say it’s a wise insurance policy to have in today’s high risk world.

It is important that if you are considering getting involved in an online relationship you should check the person in the early beginning of the relationship, rather than to wait when it is too late and nothing can be done. When romance scams come from Nigeria, Ghana, the Philippines, Russia, the Ukraine or Colombia, losses are nearly impossible to recover. Verify first, and then decide if the relationship is right for you. Protect your private information, and stay skeptical!

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway


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Thursday, May 24, 2012
Romance Scam and Internet Fraud Infographic Reveals Risk

Are You Safe Online? The Statistics Tell the Story     

Internet Fraud and Scams
Click here for larger version

Romance scams and internet fraud are now impacting individuals and economies around the world. Law enforcement, governments and private enterprise have yet to find an effective way to combat the growing problem. As internet users become more aware of the risks, criminals become more savvy at scam techniques used to steal your money. Scam and fraud methods range from romance scams, investment scams, identity theft and business fraud. Some private investigators and fraud experts caution that the situation is spiraling out of control. What is certain, is that as more people connect and begin relationships online, there is greater risk for misrepresentation and fraud. Wymoo® International has released an important infographic revealing the global impact of this trend.

Below are just a few alarming statistics from the research:

These numbers represent only a small fraction of the actual numbers worldwide, as most victims do not report the crime to authorities because they feel too embarrassed.

There are over 200,000 romance scam victims each year in the U.K., from dating and social networking sites.

Identity theft costs the United Kingdom over $2.7 billion pounds a year, and results in over 1.8 million victims a year, according to the National Fraud Authority.

The Office of Fair Trading in the U.K. reports there are over 3 million British victims a year.

Annually, there are more than 10 million victims of identity fraud in the United States, resulting in financial losses of over $50 billion USD in the U.S. in 2011 alone.

The FBI sponsored website, IC3.gov, received complaints from romance scams reporting losses of over $50.4 million USD in 2011, and only a small percentage report the crime.

Most internet criminals make contact with victims through online dating sites and social networking sites, such as Match.com and Facebook and countless others worldwide.

One in three internet users worldwide regard the web as a good place to find a partner. However, an estimated 25% of all internet profiles contain false data or photos.

There are now over 1,500 online dating sites in the United States alone.

In Australia, there are over 800,000 scam and fraud victims annually. These crimes result in over $1 billion USD in losses each year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In Australia, government officials estimated that only 2.5% of all internet crimes are reported.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, only 5 percent of all victims report the crime.

Investigation companies like Wymoo and internet privacy advocates urge consumers to guard their private information and avoid posting personal information on the internet, whenever possible. Think twice before “sharing” personal data online, and know that no site is 100% immune from fraud and scams. The smaller your internet footprint the better, say investigators. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly working cases where the criminal obtained information about his victim via the internet. The more data a criminal can find about you, your age, date of birth, address and place of employment, the easier it is for you to be a victim. Stay safe. Know the risk, and when in doubt, consult a reputable private investigator for a discreet background check.

Stay skeptical and safe online.  Verify first, then decide.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway


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