Showing posts with label nigeria scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nigeria scams. Show all posts
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Nigeria Scams Still Top of the List of Internet Threats

  • 6/15/2013
  • 1

The so called 419 scam that originated in Nigeria may now be a thing of the past or viewed as a fool's crime by many internet users.  Most internet users think they're too smart, too aware to ever be a victim of any Nigeria scam.  After all, they say, they're not going to fall for some obvious Nigeria scam email. International background check companies and private investigation firms agree that Nigeria criminals have evolved and the threat has only gotten worse.

Many crime victims today that have fallen for an internet scam or online fraud may not even be aware that the criminals are based in Nigeria.  That's right!  Nigerian scammers have had years to practice their trade, and con artists now have criminal accomplices based in Malaysia, the U.K. and even the United States.  Thanks to globalizations and uncontrolled illegal immigration, many Nigeria criminals can be operating from just down the street, in Washington DC, London or even Kuala Lumpur.  So, as you're talking to Mr. or Ms. Perfect on the phone with a U.S. or U.K. phone number, you will have no idea the person is actually part of a Nigeria crime ring, or using a Skype number with a local phone number, but actually based in Nigeria.  It can be hard to verify.

Reputable international investigation companies such as Wymoo International report that Nigeria criminals now assume real identities from the internet in places like Facebook or any other site.  For example, a criminal can search Facebook or the web for John Doe, who lives at 32 Walker Street in New York, and take his photo and date of birth, and even get his employment information from the internet, thanks to his company website and Facebook page.  Now, when you try to verify this person by searching Google, you're convinced your internet criminal is the real thing.

Expert international investigators agree with law enforcement agencies that in most cases, only a highly trained investigator with global resources can properly verify an individual met over the internet.  Clients should think of the service as a form of insurance.  Because dating and social networking sites have no way to screen all their users, a dating background check is often the only reliable way for internet users to determine the truth behind the profile.

Remember that no site is totally safe.  Internet criminals have access to all the same sites as you do, and sites like Facebook, Match.com and eHarmony have become popular hunting grounds for both honest people and scammers.  Be safe online.  Verify, and then decide.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2013 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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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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