Showing posts with label nigeria private investigators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nigeria private investigators. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Nigeria Romance Scams - The Crime that Won't Die



Organized crime over the internet has taken millions of victims for millions of dollars, and the crime goes on largely unchecked.  With wide ranging levels of sophistication and scam tactics, it seems no one and no website is immune from internet scams and fraud.  Doctors, lawyer, professors and even police officers have reported being scam victims to Nigerian fraud, and as the criminals improve their methods, scam victims are actually increasing.  Although education and aware about fraud online has grown, the criminals are staying one step ahead.  It is the crime that won’t die.

Nigeria private investigators and law enforcement agencies including the FBI have warned internet users about the risk for Nigeria 419 fraud, romance scams, and business fraud that takes place via the internet.  With scam victims rising in number, embassies and government agencies are trying to get control of the situation, as West Africa police have had little impact in the criminal operations.

Women and senior citizens in developed countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.K. and the United States are the most targeted victims.  Scams can take the form of romance, business or investment, and both individuals and businesses are targeted.  Think you can’t be a victim?  Experts say in many Nigerian fraud cases, the word Nigeria is never even mentioned.  Criminals now have accomplices working in the U.K. and U.S., Spain and Malaysia.  They may have a London address, phone, accent, British passport and so on.  Detecting who is a fraud and who is real is becoming more difficult.  In many cases, only an experienced private investigator or investigation company can verify the information and get the evidence.

Profiles and information found over the internet is so easy to fake, it can be hard to know what is real information and what is false.  Sites like Facebook and Twitter, Linkedin and countless others, including Match.com and other romance sites, are great places for criminals to hunt for their victims, and post false profiles that attract their prey.  They may even contact you or your company directly, offering a professional and convincing business proposal or investment.  Many victims report they had no way to know.  Everything seemed legitimate, and then their money was gone.  In other cases the criminal is after only information, to be used for identity theft and other crime.

Experts say be very skeptical of profiles online that seem too good to be true, whether it’s business or personal.  Although there are many legitimate gold and oil deals occurring in West Africa, investigators say due to the high risk, it is essential to verify all people and businesses for any deal, offer or relationship in Africa pertaining to gold, mining or the oil and gas industry.

Private investigators at the most professional firms around the world advise internet users to be extremely careful, as they are not just talking about being brokenhearted, which is bad, but what is worse is losing everything you have worked so hard for: life savings, self esteem, a loyal wife or husband, your children, friends… and more.  International investigators have seen it all, and individuals and businesses are urged to verify first, and then decide if the relationship is worth pursuing.  Too often investigators see clients seek help after the damage has been done.  To be safe, proceed with caution and verify international relationships.  When communicating with companies or persons in West Africa, especially Nigeria, consult a professional for advice.  A professional private investigation company can lower your risk, and keep you safe.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway
 
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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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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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