Showing posts with label online dating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online dating. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
UK Private Investigators Busy with Online Dating













Internet frauds and scams from the U.K. keep rising as the economy worsens for the European Union and the U.K.  In the midst of a possible breakup of the Euro zone, bank runs, uncontrolled illegal immigration from developing countries, and other problems, internet crime and fraud are booming.  Perhaps the U.K. has other bigger fish to fry, but many U.K. victims are demanding their government do something to put the internet criminals behind bars, and online dating and social networking sites do more to protect users.  And the risk is only getting worse.

It takes guts, greed and certain strategic thinking to be a successful scammer. You also need to have certain expertise in internet marketing, psychology and a good source of internet access, that usually comes from internet cafés where it can be different to track your activity.  The availability of internet access all over the city of London, is a great advantage to the criminal conducting online fraud and scams, with even less ways to trace their location where they operate.

UK private investigators try to continuously raise awareness among the internet community, not only back home in Britain, but all over the world.  As romance scams are a growing threat in different parts of the world, targeting western countries mostly, it is important for internet users to know the warning signs.  The U.K. is an interesting market as it has both sides of the story; there are romance scammers located in the U.K. and also, there are many victims. Britain is the second nation in the world, after the U.S. that is most often targeted by romance scams, and loses millions of pounds each year from internet scams.  The global loss from romance scams and fraud is in the billions!  The exact numbers are not known, as most victims never report the crime.

Some experts explain that it is the gloomy weather and somehow the busy business life of average Britons that have kept them an easy target for scammers.  Scammers can operate within the U.K. or from Nigeria and Ghana, Malaysia or the Philippines, Russia and the Ukraine, South Africa, and so on.  British hearts get broke and their bank accounts drained along the way. It is no more about just getting spam mail in your inbox, but the intrusion and violation of trust and privacy.  Romance scams leave victims with a big financial loss and serious emotional heartache.

Dating background checks are now helping internet users stay safe in the U.K., and in fact, if the trend continues, the U.K. could see a meaningful drop in the crime.  More British citizens are now aware of the risk, and choosing to go with a reputable private investigation firm for background check investigation and due diligence, to be sure their online contact is legit.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2013 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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Friday, January 13, 2012
Russia Private Investigators Urge Caution for Online Dating

  • 1/13/2012
  • 1


Online dating fraudsters are like wolves under the full moon in a hot summer night, and won’t hesitate to go after a victim once they’ve detected one. Awareness is your best ally when you have decided to join the lonely hearts club, looking for love over the internet. Russia just happens to be one of the highest risk countries in the world, say experts, so buyer beware.

As the web evolves, scammers seem to have more sources where to get and steal from victims. Dating websites like Match.com or Cupid.com, eHarmony and countless others are a booming business. There are no dating websites for every niche and country. For many foreigners, the idea of a beautiful Russian bride is worth the risk. Many beautiful and honest Russian do in fact use these services looking for an honest man. But, more and more criminals are in the mix. It pays to be skeptical.

Thanks to Skype and the easy access to internet phone lines as well as pre-paid cell phones, romance scammers in general find it easier to contact their victims, and they are harder to trace. Internet criminals can now get a real name, address and phone number and date of birth – a real identity – from the internet quickly and easily from one of the dozens of websites that profit from violating your privacy, such as MyLife, Intelius, Peoplefinder, Spokeo and others. These sites gather your private information, publish it without your authorization, and sell it to the world. Criminals find this especially useful, and use it to conduct their online romance scams against you.

So, the scammers can use a real identity and slowly build your trust. How do you know if this person is real? The answer is, you don’t. Romance scams alone have cost the U.K. and the U.S billions of dollars since the internet dating industry went main stream in 2000. Even as more consumers and subscribers to dating and social networking sites become more educated and aware of the risks, the criminals continue to evolve.

Russia and Ukraine are among the masters in internet scams. Russia private investigators want to raise awareness of men in Western and developed countries. One main thing to keep in mind when looking for love over the internet is if it is too good to be true… well, chances are… it is. And also, apply some common sense and be cautious about revealing too much personal data. Never send money to anyone in Russia or the Ukraine who hasn’t been verified by a professional private investigator or firm with investigators on the ground in Moscow or Kiev.

Once you think you have found that perfect someone, be safe and verify. Be skeptical and take your time. Get a professional Russia background check and if everything checks out, consider a visit to Russia to get to know her better. Don’t keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best. Be smart and think of verification services as an insurance policy. It’s good to be covered.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Online Dating Investigations

Background Checks Rise with Internet Dating














More and more websites are popping up in the search results each week that offer Internet dating, online match-making, or ways to meet new people locally, or internationally. As a result, more consumers are trying this method in meeting new friends, business contacts, or potential mates. It's not uncommon these days to here about a married couple who met via the Internet. This booming industry has not gone unnoticed by criminals looking to cash in. Hence, the need for background checks.

Match.com and countless other sites offer the opportunity to meet Mr. or Mrs. Perfect via the Internet. Often times, this potential mate can reside, be employed, or be traveling overseas. It can be very difficult to verify someone's identity through email, photographs and phone calls, especially if he or she is from another country. Scammers use this fact to their advantage.

To avoid being a victim, we recommend the following steps. Never send money to anyone who is not known personally overseas, for any reason. Never reveal any personal data such as bank accounts, credit card number, date of birth, address, etc, to an individual who is not known personally. Get a professional dating background check before proceeding in a serious relationship started via the Internet, especially if this person is in another country, or if the situation is international in nature.

Paul Fletcher of Wymoo International states that "too many clients come to us after the damage is already done. We try to encourage consumers to think of a confidential investigation as a prudent insurance policy, and a way to verify identity."

Industry experts agree that an increase in e-commerce and trends in globalization should continue to fuel the market for online relationship services. Avoiding fraud, it seems, will be an ongoing and increasingly difficult battle.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Saturday, January 26, 2008
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  • 1/26/2008
  • 1
Avoiding the scams and knowing who to call.

Whatever it is that draws Western men to the Filipina is up for debate. Most likely, it is the sheer vast number of Philippine women seeking something different, an increase in their standard of living and an escape from the widespread corruption and poverty of the Philippines. Finding the right Filipina is no easy task, however, as the number of scams is higher than ever.

Opportunity Knocks

Distinguishing between the wholesome girl next door, and the scammer is getting tougher all the time. Good Philippine women are definitely out there. The country has no shortage of beautiful women seeking an honest relationship. On the other hand, there is no shortage of gold diggers either, not professional scammers but interested in pure financial gain at any cost. Love and physical attraction simply doesn't matter for these girls. Many girls with their profiles on Internet match making sites are seeking immigration to the U.S., Europe or Canada, and as long as the man has money, the Filipina will likely put out the For Sale sign.

Avoiding the Pitfalls

Sudden or frequent Filipina emergencies, followed by financial requests should be verified. Early in the relationship, if your partner in the Philippines makes requests for financial support, it would be wise to move on to the next potential partner. Fraud and relationship scams run rampant here, and what may start out as help with the bills, may be followed by a long list of bills and emergencies. In short, a scammer or gold digger can slowly create a financial and emotional nightmare.

Verifying her Story

If you've found someone in the Philippines and all looks good, it pays to get a background check. Many men find beautiful and decent brides from the Philippines, but finding the perfect Filipina is never easy. Taking the relationship to the next level has the potential to be costly. It's a prudent decision to be skeptical in a Philippine relationship. We recommend getting a professional and confidential Philippine background check, and for situations that require knowing exactly what the Filipina is doing, and with whom, we recommend Philippine surveillance.

The Investigators

Investigators in the Philippines, unfortunately, can be fraudulent themselves. We recommend choosing a U.S. owned and operated firm, such as Philippine PI or Wymoo International due to the difference in management styles, level of customer service, and reputable investigative techniques. Furthermore, if you have any problems in your investigation, you have the piece of mind that you're dealing with a U.S. firm rather than an individual.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 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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Monday, July 16, 2007
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How to not be a victim of Relationship Fraud

It's no secret that the Philippines produces a good number of foreign brides each year to Western men. Many women seek a better life from the poverty and widespread problems there, others are looking for something different, the money.

There are many successful marriages and lasting relationships that come from the exportation of Philippine brides. There are an equal number of women (and men) scamming Westerners out of the hard earned cash. The Internet has made meeting these women easy, and with beautiful brides awaiting, how does one know the relationship is real? Is she who she says she is?

Most relationships today begin on the Internet, or for a few, with a business trip or vacation to the Philippines. Developing a relationship on the Internet raises the risk level considerably. The best way to avoid fraud and scams (mainly advance fee fraud) is to visit the person and see who exactly you're dealing with. Spend some time in her country and get to know her on a real and personal level. With today's professional fraud groups, it can be difficult to know the difference between love and scam.

Avoid sending money and be skeptical of "emergencies". Get to know the person slowly via the Internet, and follow up with phone conversations if the relationship progresses. Be wary of requests for money. And don't be crazy. If you're thinking of marriage, invest in the effort to visit the Philippines before beginning any serious commitment. Lastly, if all looks good and you think you may have found the real thing, get the confidential background check by Wymoo International, and sleep well at night!

Be safe and happy hunting,

A. Hathaway

Copyright © 2005-2007 A. Hathaway
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Sunday, July 8, 2007
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  • 7/08/2007
  • 1
An overview on Nigeria and its Scam Operations

With approximately 2 billion people now accessing the Internet, it's no wonder that online scams and fraud are affecting more innocent people. Even as the word gets out about relationship fraud, 419 fraud, dating scams, advance fee and other types of fraud practices via the Internet, the number of victims has risen substantially. One of the countries leading the increase in scams, along with S. Africa, Ghana, Philippines, and Russia, is Nigeria.

Nigerian criminals range from beginners to professional scammers. On the professional level, scams can be so convincing that it is truly difficult to differentiate the truth from fraud. In many cases, it is impossible for the average person outside of Nigeria. While many Nigerian relationships established online are fraudulent, such as misrepresentation, or as advance fee scams, it would be wrong to say that all Nigerians or foreigners working in Nigeria are conducting fraud. Many good citizens and foriegners in Nigeria are honest. With the overwhelming level of fraud via the Internet, the question is how tell the difference.

Some guidelines to avoid being a victim:

1. Be skeptical from the beginning with anyone in Nigeria.
2. Don't send money to any person whom you've never met.
3. Be skeptical of any claims of inheritance, or other reward.
4. Verify claims of emergencies with a Nigeria background check.
5. Know money sent via Western Union is likely lost if fraud.

Lastly, if you've been in a relationship with someone working or living in Nigeria, and you're aware of all the warning signs and the problems with fraud in that country, and you're still not sure, or if you are considering sending money, get a background check. The cost can be a small price to pay to prevent fraud and find out the truth. Wymoo International, based in the U.S. with an office in Lagos, specializes in verifying relationships in Nigeria.

Proceed with caution,

A. Hathaway
Copyright © 2005-2009 A. Hathaway
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Thursday, May 24, 2007
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A Consumer Report of Services Available

If you're new to the world of online or Internet dating, you're not alone. Millions of people are joining the long list of available match-making websites in the hope of finding someone special. The impressive growth in the number of online subscribers to such sites is not suprising, as many marriages and meaningful relationships are now being initiated via the Internet.

Along with the success stories, there are some dreadful losses and scams. Risks inherent in online dating include physical harm, financial fraud, scams and identity theft. The fact is, when someone is introduced via the Internet, it is nearly impossible to truly see who that person really is. Emails, beautiful photos, smooth phone conversations, and more, are often the real thing. The problem is knowing when this is actually fraud.

Relationship fraud indicates one of the members in the relationship has misrepresented him or herself, or has false intentions, and of course the most common false intention, is money. The most cautious of individuals dating online can be a victim of advance fee fraud. The scammers are convincing and are often professionial criminals with years of experience.

How do you know if you have the real thing? Know the warning signs. Beware of individuals falling in love too soon. Watch out for any money requests for emergencies, etc. Use extra caution when developing a relationship with an individual in a foreign country. Be skeptical. Move towards speaking on the phone before meeting in person. Never give personal financial information and last but not least, when meeting, do it in a safe and public place.

Be Safe, Get a Background Check

There are a few services that provide assistance to those who want to be cautious. In other words, these companies can confirm that yes, this person appears to be who he or she claims to be and there is no criminal record, etc. It is a smart move to verify his or her story. Below we list a few of our favorites options.

1. Wymoo International, specializes in background checks for online dating and Internet fraud in 100 countries. Based in the United States with offices around with world. Narrative reporting in 7 to 10 days. Offers full confidential investigations.

2. Owens Online, provides a variety of a la carte services for each of their 250 countries covered. Based in the United States and offers a verification service and data reporting for checking criminal, education and employment references.

3. Kroll, offers a wide array of services to assist clients around the world with fraud prevention and background screening. Based in the U.S. with offices in 19 countries. Employment, education and public records. Company advisory but supports individuals.

Prices of these services may vary depending on the country involved and the information needed. If the relationship is progressing, especially if international, the price of an early background check is often a prudent investment.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway

Read more about warning signs of advance fee fraud at Wikipedia.
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Friday, May 18, 2007
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What to know when seeking a Colombian Bride

Colombia is a poor country and has a rising reputation for relationship fraud. Of course there are plenty of good, beautiful and honest women seeking marriage with foreigners. There is also an active population of scammers, fraud schemes and old fashioned gold diggers. Some women seek financial gain and lifestyle upgrades, an escape from poverty. Others are actually seeking a loving relationship, marriage and something new and exciting. How to tell this difference is the big question.

If she asks for money, put the brakes on. Beware of family or medical "emergencies" where the woman needs cash and financial support fast. Know that sending money via Western Union is likely lost in the event that she's a scammer. Understand that the scammers are professional criminals and are very difficult to distinguish between an honest and trustworthy woman.

Educated yourself by reading about scam and fraud methods. Knowing about the different scams will help you recognize any foul play. The schemes and fraud efforts vary in strategy, but all have one thing in common, money. Money is usually requested in the form of advance fee fraud, where the criminal needs help with school, medical, rent, family, visa, etc. You can read more about the fraud types at Wikipedia's site for relationship fraud and advance fee fraud. This is a major step in prevention.

Once you understand the fraud types and warnings signs, consider a trip to Colombia. Get to know her and her country. See for yourself who you're dealing with. This is a key step in not only preventing fraud, but also important in establishing a meaningful relationship. Take time to get to know her. A Colombian woman in a hurry to marry is a major red flag and warning sign.

Lastly, if all checks out, get a professional background check by a firm with a local presence in Bogota and Barranquilla. Wymoo offers confidential investigations and has years of experience dealing with potential brides and relationships in Colombia.

Best of luck, and do your homework!

A. Hathaway
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Wednesday, May 16, 2007
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What to know when considering a Russian Bride

Russia is a poor country and has a reputation for relationship fraud. Of course there are plenty of good, beautiful and honest women seeking marriage with foreigners. There is also an active population of scammers, fraud schemes and old fashioned gold diggers. Some women seek financial gain and lifestyle upgrades, an escape from poverty. Others are actually seeking a loving relationship, marriage and something new and exciting. How to tell this difference is the million dollar question.

If she asks for money, put the brakes on. Beware of family or medical "emergencies" where the woman needs cash and financial support fast. Know that sending money via Western Union is likely lost in the event that she's a scammer. Understand that the scammers are professional criminals and are very difficult to distinguish between an honest and trustworthy woman.

Educated yourself by reading about scam and fraud methods. Knowing about the different scams will help you recognize any foul play. The schemes and fraud efforts vary in strategy, but all have one thing in common, money. Money is usually requested in the form of advance fee fraud, where the criminal needs help with school, medical, rent, family, visa, etc. You can read more about the fraud types at Wikipedia's site for relationship fraud and advance fee fraud. This is a major step in prevention.

Once you understand the fraud types and warnings signs, consider a trip to Russia. Get to know her and her country. See for yourself who you're dealing with. This is a key step in not only preventing fraud, but also important in establishing a meaningful relationship. Take time to get to know her. A Russian woman in a hurry to marry is a major red flag and warning sign.

Lastly, if all checks out, get a professional background check by a firm with a local presence in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Wymoo offers confidential investigations and has years of experience dealing with potential brides and relationships in Russia.

Best of luck, and do your homework!

A. Hathaway
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Saturday, May 12, 2007
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Relationships Scams and the new Advance Fees
A warning for those in the world of Online Dating

The number of websites offering Internet match-making, online dating or relationship services has increase exponentially. With 2 billion Internet users worldwide as of January 2007, it is no wonder that more and more people are exploring the idea of meeting someone special via the Internet. There are plenty of success stories. This article, however, is a brief look at the darker side of online dating, and the potential pitfalls and risks.

Wymoo International, a global background check and investigative firm, has offered the following true case which occurred in 2006. Names and details have been changed or omitted to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the client. Some of the criminals in this case were eventually apprehended, although the client never fully recovered his financial or emotional loss. The aim here is to prevent future victims.

In February 2006, Paul McCrae, a successful U.S. business person, decided to explore the world of online dating. He signed up on a popular U.S. dating site and was soon contacted by Stephanie Blair of the United Kingdom. Stephanie appeared to be an honest, educated and hard-working girl. She was working in St. Petersburg, Russia as a financial analyst for a bristish investment bank. She made no requests for money, she sent daily emails and routinely phoned Paul in the U.S. She sent gifts for his birthday, and never expressed interest in moving to the States.

Months passed and the relationship progressed with phone calls, emails, letters, gifts, chatting via a webcam, etc. Paul, eventhough he had never met Stephanie in person, felt he could truly trust this person. Her pictures and voice were beautiful. She had a good job in St. Petersburg, came from a good family, and she had studied at a London university. She appeared to be the real thing. Paul finally agreed to visit her in Russia. He was in love.

In October, two weeks prior to Paul's scheduled flight to Russia, Paul received a phone call. It was Stephanie. She was crying. She had horrible news. She had been in a car accident and had a broken leg, broken ribs, and required a surgery on her lower back. She could not walk and was flown to a different hospital in St. Petersburg where the surgery was to be performed. The hospital required payment in advance, and Stephanie's credit cards were not accepted. She was desperate and needed cash.

Stephanie went through a total of 3 surgeries that same week. Paul spoke with staff at the hospital who updated him on her condition and the costs. She was expected to fully recover but it would take time. The total medical care cost was $38,000 USD, all of which was paid for by Paul, who wired the money to the hospital representative via Western Union. After the final payment, Paul never heard from her again. The fraud was complete.

How did this happen? Paul had known this person for 9 months. He had trusted her, and she had never asked for money until her accident. They had plans together for their future. Paul was skeptical, approached the relationship with caution, but believed in her and loved her completely. His total loss was close to $40,000 USD, and the emotional damage substantial.

Stephanie was a professional criminal. She new how to play the game. She knew she had to invest time and money in the relationship for the big pay off. In fact, she worked for a business operating in international fraud. Male managers directed and paid the women employees a handsome salary, while instructing and teaching the female employees how to play the role.

Paul contacted Wymoo International after the relationship had ended. The investigation uncovered the criminals behind the scam and authorities in St. Petersburg and Moscow were alerted to the criminal's identity. The group was broken up and at least one person ended up in police custody. Warnings on blacklists and the Internet were made about the others. Paul recovered part of his financial losses but will never forget the experience.

The moral of the story is, if involved with anyone in a foreign country via a relationship on the Internet, get a background check. Be safe and sleep well at night knowing your intuition is right. Don't be a victim of the new advance fee fraud.

Be safe and happy hunting,

A. Hathaway
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Wednesday, May 9, 2007
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International Scams and the new Methodology

So you've heard about the Nigeria 419 scam, and about the Russian and Philippine brides-to-be scamming American and European men out of thousands. You're street smart, and you're not going to fall for some foolish game. You won't be sending money off to Africa. You wonder, how can anyone be so foolish, to send thousands of dollars off to Ghana, Nigeria, Russia, the Philippines, Colombia or South Africa, to someone they've never even met? All you need is a little common sense, you say. But, is it really that simple to prevent? Does it really take a fool?

There are approximately 2 billion Internet users worldwide. Many have just recently discovered the world wide web. Many are senior citizens, many are honest, hard working and trusting folks who expect the same of others. The truth is, advance fee fraud has come along way since the early days of emails claiming the individual has won big, or has been selected to participate in an amazing business opportunity, with the only catch being the advance fee to release the winnings, the cash, etc. Sure, the public is more educated now about scams. So, why then is the number of victims rising rapidly in almost every country in the world?

Wymoo International, an international background check and investigative firm, recently reported on the methodology and fraud schemes employed, and how so many intelligent people worldwide become victims. According to David Wilkerson, Vice President of Wymoo, "criminals have evolved advance fee fraud into endless variations and use sophisticated techniques to conceal their identity. They seek out their victims on dating websites such as Match.com and countless others, where they proceed to establish long and seemingly meaningful relationships via the Internet. They make phone calls to the victim; they send flowers; they send email and instant messages. In other words, they invest significant time in their scam and victim. They may claim to be a doctor or relief worker in Africa. They may claim to be in love and making arrangements to leave the country. Or, they may have been in a terrible accident and need financial support, etc." In response to whether or not it takes a fool, Wilkerson replied that "victims are from all walks of life, doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, pilots to single mothers. Bottom line is that the criminals are professionals and very convincing." A scammer may work a plot for up to 6 months or even 1 year before requesting money. And a professional scammer in Africa or E. Europe can earn up to $200,000 USD annually.

What does all this mean? Approach relationships via the Internet with a skeptical eye. Beware of requests for money from persons in another country if you have never met that person. Lastly, even if you think you truly know the person, and you have every reason to trust him or her, get the professional background check. The hardest thing about being in this business, says Wilkerson, is too many clients get the background check after the fact, rather than being skeptical and safe from the beginning.

Play it safe,

A. Hathaway
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Friday, April 20, 2007
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How to Answer: Who sent me that email?

With roughly 2 billion Internet users at the start of 2007, it can be difficult to determine who is actually sending an email, and from what country. Spam operators often use sophisticated software, server misrepresentation and other techniques to conceal their identity. Companies that spam often hire a third party company to do their mass mailing, and receive all the complaints. Individuals or small groups of spammers use any means available to send bulk email to as many recipients as possible (millions) and not be identified. A recent trend of spammers is to use "zombie" PCs, which are virus-infected PCs, where an average Internet user unknowlingly sends spam from his own system. The latest estimates put email spam at over 90 billion emails being sent daily. This amounts to over 80% of all emails in the world on any given day. Others send less volume but single out their victims by emailing lottery emails, Nigeria 419 scams and prize offers. Many unsuspecting Internet users initiate contact with criminals via chat rooms and dating websites. Once the relationship scam starts, it can be difficult to know that the individual claiming to live in Paris is truly writing from Ghana. Below we offer some options and general advice.

1. If it's spam, don't reply.

If the email is plain spam, never reply to the sender. Sending an email asking to be taken off their list, or telling the spammer exactly what you think, will only verify your email account as active. The spammer will then send more spam, and may sell your address to other spammers resulting in an overload of spam.

2. Who sent that email, and from where?

Tracing the IP address and routing will usually provide some basic information on the sender, depending on what, if any, efforts are employed to conceal the sender's identity. Many sites offer this service. Perhaps one of the best is Visualware's Email Tracker Pro. The software offers a free 15 day trial to test the program. After the trial period the user has the option to buy a license $29.95. We found this program to be reliable and current, i.e. Visualware regularly updates global server information which helps tracking. To trace an email received, you will need the IP address of the email message, and to do that you will need to examine the Internet header of the mail message. For more information on how to view the header of an email message recieved, ReadNotify offers good visual instructions.

3. Knowing the Limitations

Tracing the IP address from an email received, even if using a reliable software such as Email Tracker Pro, and when the sender makes no attempt to conceal his identity, may not provide all the information you're looking for. Remember, IP addresses are from servers and servers can be and usually are physically apart from the Internet user. For example, an author of an email in Tennessee sending email via AOL, may be labeled as Virginia given the location of AOL's servers. In fact, the geographical distance can be much greater than that, at times, even in a different country. Some users in England, for example, use IP address from servers in France, therefore an IP trace could indicate the user is in a different country. A woman sending emails from rural Russia, 400 miles from Moscow, may still show up as being located in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Knowing the limitations enables the user to use the IP and email tracing tools available as tools, not as conclusive location data.

4. Professional Services Available

Depending on the importance of confirming a sender's location, some professional options are available. Some international background check companies employ some of the same software available to law enforcement and federal agencies determined to track the sender of an email message. Wymoo International is one firm that specializes in confirming physical location of individuals and businesses around the world. The background check group usually conducts traces on email samples provided by clients, but also can verify results with physical visits and public records.

Technology is changing rapidly. As technology makes it easier to trace the senders of email messages, so too does the technology to conceal a sender's identity. We'll return to this topic soon with the changing methods to see who is behind the email.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
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Monday, April 9, 2007
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The appeal of foreign brides and the primary risks.

From a United States, Canada and Western Europe perspective, we can examine the demand factor for foreign brides, and it doesn't take long to uncover the reasons explaining the interest. For some of those living in the leading developed world, find something different or "exotic" can be the appeal. For others, the appeal may be to find someone from a different culture, who offers a fresh perspective, and arguably, a more natural and pure mentality not driven by the West's competitive economics. The physical attraction is easy to pinpoint, as some of the world's developing nations offer the most incredible women in the world - this is not debatable. Countries such as Russia, Romania, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela produce what many consider the best female talent available on the planet.

The potential reward of a woman from a foreign country and culture is real, but so are the risks. Some in nations such as the Philippines, Colombia, Russia and others in Eastern Europe have begun to cash in on this foreign interest, scamming foreigners out of millions of dollars each year. Scammers mix themselves in with the honest women on websites, typically, sending beautiful photographs and gaining the foreigner's trust before asking for money, and more money. In addition to the relationship, advance fee and Internet fraud, there is the risk of blending two cultures in the form of language and cultural barriers, and pulling one away from his or her own home country to live. As in the financial markets, the risk-reward relationship here is directly related. For those willing to take sizeable risks, the potential reward can be substantial. On the other hand, it is wise to proceed with caution and do your homework to avoid the many pitfalls.

Is obtaining a beautiful and honest woman from Russia, Colombia or Brazil really an option? If so, what is the best way to make it happen? Based on experience we recommend visiting the country of interest in person, seeing not only the country's women but also the culture first hand. If you don't speak the language, seek out a woman in the country who speaks your language, at least basic conversation. This hurdle alone can save a great deal of money and heartache. Remember that with poverty (as in Russia, Colombia and Brazil) comes cases of women seeking financial gain, and nothing more. Approach women with a skeptical eye, and if visiting the country isn't an option, use utmost caution and due diligence in screening these women. We recommend a confidential background check from a firm like Wymoo once any relationship starts progressing - before any money is ever sent. Too many people have lost big. That being said, there are no shortage of winners out there who are happily married.

Are there any websites that are immune to such cases of fraud? The answer, unfortunately, is no. No website is immune from gold diggers, relationship or advance fee fraud. It just isn't possible to screen all the individuals paying for memberships on Internet matching sites. There are many beautiful women in the market. Sifting through those is only becoming more difficult.

Best of luck in the search,

A. Hathaway
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Monday, April 2, 2007
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A rough guide for dating online, and avoiding fraud.

Welcome to the world of online dating. The Internet romance and match-making business has existed since the early days of the web, but only in 2000 did the industry become a major global service. Internet dating website services have gone from an emerging market in 2000 to a full-blown competitive corporate industry with well over $2B USD in revenue at stake annually, as of 2006. As Internet usage and access continue to increase worldwide, as well as a decline in barriers to entry for new competitors, the industry is expected to continue to grow and attract new customers worldwide and maturing in 2010.

Who are the players in this market? Many names have done well establishing their brands early, such as Match.com, eHarmony, AmericanSingles, LavaLife and FriendFinder. Smaller and niche dating market sites continue to enter the game, as more and more Internet users are becoming more comfortable online, and therefore more comfortable with the idea of meeting someone special via the Internet. Success stories are out there, but so are the cases of fraud, international scams and big financial losses. More than ever, people are getting involved emotionally with someone they've never met, or someone who lives in another state or country. With this less personal contact comes the need for a professional background check from a confidential firm.

Buyer Beware: A few of the warning signs
Be skeptical and exercise caution if the individual:
1. Claims to be working, traveling or living in Nigeria.
2. Falls in love quickly, too quickly without reason.
3. Suddenly has an emergency, requesting financial aid.
4. Requests assistance with visa, airfare from Russia.
5. Requests financial assistance via Western Union.
6. Sends pictures that appear to be from a magazine.
7. Claims to be from S. Africa, Ghana or the Philippines.

Recommendations: The Basics
These tips could save you time, money and heartache:
1. Don't rush; take your time getting to know someone online.
2. Never give personal information to somone you've never met.
3. Never send money to anyone you have never met in person.
4. Use caution: Philippines, Colombia, Russia, Ghana, Nigeria.
5. If appropriate, use the phone to get to know the person.
6. If meeting the person, always meet in a public, safe place.
7. If progressing, obtain a professional background check.

Finally, the industry provides more options for more individuals around the world to find friends, romance and meaningful relationships. In this view, online dating is clearly beneficial to consumers. With this new market, however, comes new risks and safety concerns. There are many success stories that have helped fuel the growing trend of Internet dating. Unfortunately, this growth has also been equalled in the number of criminals and professional scammers seeking monetary reward. We stress the need for caution, and if progressing, to obtain the services from a reputable firm such as Wymoo International for assistance.

All the best and happy hunting,

A. Hathaway




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