Showing posts with label nigeria background check. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nigeria background check. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Nigeria Scams Thriving, Say Private Investigators












Nigeria is a high fraud risk nation, it is the country where 419 scams originated and a large group of internet criminals continue to manipulate and defraud millions from victims around the world, every single day. Although most people think Nigeria’s scamming days are over, and everyone knows about their scams, private investigators completely disagree. The Nigeria private investigator business is booming, and law enforcement agencies say it’s the growth in criminal activity which is driving the trend.

Commercially speaking, Nigeria was put back on track in the early 2000’s, and oil production is a main attraction for international investors- mainly from the United States, Brazil and India. The mixed economy relies mostly on manufacturing and producing goods for other West African consumers. Corruption and crime and inefficiency is part of daily life here. But, with a serious overpopulation problem (estimated at 160,000,000 for 2011), there is a real economic force in the country, in numbers alone. Combine this with the natural gas and crude oil industry and pipelines, and criminals operating freely (not to mention the threat from Muslim terrorists), Nigeria is a complex land full of opportunity and risks. For those businesses in the natural resources market seeking an entrance to West Africa or continental Africa, Nigeria is often the choice. With its exploding population, and buying power of its people, Nigeria is a place for investment for those that can tolerate high risk. And that is where Lagos private investigators come into play.

According to the International Monetary Fund, corruption is hard to avoid and is a serious risk to individuals and businesses. Criminal activity and romance scams are widespread, as is business fraud and 419 or advance fee fraud. Because of the high risk, all personal and business relationships should be verified. Any new business contact or potential investor or supplier, or unknown entity or organization should be screened for fraud. Small businesses, individuals and corporations around the world are now relying on Nigeria background checks and Nigeria due diligence services to minimize the risk in the country. Lagos based private investigators report significant growth, despite the poor economy, and say because of the problem with fraud and scams, business in the private investigation industry is growing at a fast pace.

Of course, not all Nigerians are criminals. Many businesses and individuals operating from Lagos are shining examples of the future Nigeria, where efficiency and transparency is cherished and counted on. As in any investment, the risk-reward relationship is often true, and Nigeria is no exception to the rule.
Internet scams and business fraud is no joke. Billions are lost each year from Nigeria based scams alone, each year. Many crimes go unreported, and those that do get reported, rarely get investigated. This is the Wild West and law and order has yet to arrive. Until the situation improves, be safe and verify.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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Saturday, June 11, 2011
International Background Screening: A Priority for Online Dating









Romance scams are growing risk for online dating subscribers and social networking sites. Sites like Match.com and Facebook offer a lot of benefits, but the risks should not be ignored. Many scams are originating from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, the Ukraine, Russia, the Philippines, Malaysia, the U.K. and even China. Law enforcement agencies like the FBI are receiving daily complaints and reports of victims across the United States, and Canada and Australia law enforcement agencies report a similar and alarming increase in online fraud and scams. The global economic problems are fueling the problem, as criminals seem to be coming out of the word work. Since the internet began, access to global markets and the global economy has increased beyond all estimates. Criminals too, unfortunately, now have access to individuals around the globe and are taking full advantage. International background checks are advised for relationships that are initiated online and when the person on the other end resides in a foreign country, or is traveling in a foreign country. Experts say verify first.

 No county is immune from fraud. Even the U.S. is now forming internet criminal organizations and private investigators and law enforcement agencies are struggling to keep up with the rising crime. Wymoo® International, a full service private investigation firm based in Florida, United States, reports that internet fraud and romance scams are rising faster than most consumers realize. A company spokesperson said that subscribers to social networking sites and online dating sites have a false sense of security when they publish their information on Facebook or Match.com or similar sites, and even the most skeptical consumers can be a victim. Law enforcement agencies agree. Internet users should use caution when publishing details about their personal life on the internet, such as date of birth and address. These details can be used to steal your identity. In addition, a seemingly harmless relationship online can be more dangerous than you might think. Only a professional international private investigator can verify the story behind the profile. Especially in cases involving a foreign country, it can take an expert to verify if your internet flame is who he or she claims to be, and if the photos really match the identity.

Most of the time, online crime organizations are run by men; but this is an equal opportunity world, and women are now starting their own scam operations. The potential monetary reward is significant, so men and women in many developing countries and even countries like the United States are being enticed to commit these types of crime. One of the famous is based out of Chicago.

“The Sweethearts” is a group of women in their 20s to 40s targeting men in their 60s. They go after men who are vulnerable and lonely, and strike on their ego, making them feel that they are back on their game again. Once they make contact, the women work hard to gain the victim’s trust. It can take a week, a month or even a year. Once the trust is establish, the bait and trap is set to request the money, which can come in the form of an emergency or otherwise dire situation, such as a medical condition or accident or economic problems. One of the known victims reportedly lost $400,000 USD in a week! This criminal
organization operates nearly in the open, and Chicago Police Department officers say that many victims don’t press charges against these women, because victims willingly send money.

Under the Obama Administration, the U.S. is in a period of decline, economically and from a cultural standpoint. All superpowers and great nations fall, and the U.S. is no different from Rome, Spain or England. As conditions worsen, criminal activity will rise.

A Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Nigeria Private Investigators & Scams

  • 9/30/2009
  • 1
Nigeria Private Investigators Busy in Lagos











Private investigators in Lagos, Nigeria are increasingly busy chasing scammers and investigating fraud. Some professional investigators are even investigating cases of locals who claim to be investigators, and later steal clients' money. The fraud and internet scam activity here is more out of control than ever.

Lagos is the home for most Nigeria private investigators and there are a few options available for those abroad who have private investigation needs in Nigeria. Lagos is a large and major African city with significant international business activity. In addition to the need for business background checks and due diligence, there is also the need to screen personal relationships.

Relationships, business or personal, initiated over the internet are very susceptible to manipulation and fraud. For those who think it can't happen to them should reconsider. Nigerian scammers have evolved, and techniques used can be quite sophisticated. Anyone can be a victim of scam or fraud.

Industry observers report that the Lagos, Nigeria background check business is booming, with increased demand from international clients from all over the world. When choosing a private detective or investigator in Nigeria, we recommend using the services of a firm based outside of Nigeria, but with field investigators and operations in Nigeria. One such firm, based in the U.S. but with investigators and agents in Lagos is Wymoo International. Choosing a Western company usually ensures a higher level of client service, trust and accountability.

The global recession has hit Nigeria even harder than developed nations. As a result, the scammers are working over-time, and as more people look for romance and business opportunity, the scam operations in Nigeria should continue to grow.

There are plenty of legitimate businesses and individuals in Nigeria initiating relationships via the internet. However, due to the high risk of fraud, it's important to be safe. Get a professional background check prior to engaging in any relationhips involving West Africa nations, especially Nigeria, or Ghana.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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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
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