Showing posts with label online dating scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online dating scams. Show all posts
Friday, September 13, 2013
What Women Should Know About Online Dating Scams












When we think of romance scam victims, we usually picture senior men or women who fall for the gorgeous looks of a “supermodel”, and lose their minds –and earnings - to the dream of marrying Mr. or Ms. Perfect. Although this does happen, statistics on online dating reveal a different story. In the United States, 19 million women use the Internet to look for a romantic partner. Men use dating sites slightly more than women, but women are much more likely to fall victims of online dating scams.

Most of the cases of scamming reported to the FBI sponsored Internet Crime Complaint Center last year come from women in their fifties, but the most surprising figure is the amount of losses: women in this age group lost an approximate of $34 million, which represents 61% of all reported losses resulting from romance scams. Keep in mind these figures are for the U.S. only, and private investigators estimate that the real losses may be 10 times this amount, due to the fact that very few victims report the crime. Sadly, most victims are too ashamed to admit or report being a scam to the authorities. Others understand there is little or nothing that can be done, so they deal with it and move on without reporting.

It is true that the FBI statistics shed some light on the growing problem with scams and fraud, but it is only the tip of the iceberg. It is also true that by reporting the crime, very little or nothing will be done by the FBI or any other government agency. The numbers simply serve as a warning to the public.

Middle aged women are the most vulnerable in the U.S., according to the statistics. In most cultures, women are raised to be very conscious about their safety. They are constantly warned of an innumerable threats that could endanger their lives. But, as time goes on, and older women become more active on the internet, the threat seems to fade away. Women feel safe inside the comfort of their homes, and don't always realize there are some experienced criminal targeting them for identity theft, romance scam or other crime. International investigators say the risk for scams is only getting worse.

American society has seen a transformation in which women are often the breadwinners, so they have money and hence are an attractive target for online criminals seeking to target you for identity theft, romance scams and other crimes. Knowing that women are now primary targets of fraud on social networks, online dating, and other internet based crime, women need to be alert and highly skeptical when meeting people via the internet. When in doubt, a background check from a reputable private investigation company is a wise move, and can be a valuable tool to minimize your risk.

Internet criminals need information about you to make become their next victim or steal your identity. Private experts and law enforcement agencies warn that many online and real world crimes start by individuals sharing too much information on the internet. If a criminal can find your birth date, address, photo, employer, and interests on the internet, you might just be the perfect victim.

About the Guest Author: Maria Taylor is an Investigation Analyst for Wymoo® International, a professional private investigation firm based in Florida, specializing in international background checks, private investigation and due diligence. Visit the company website at Wymoo.com
 
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Friday, April 20, 2012
How to Spot an Online Dating Scam



In these days of economic struggle, people look for new ways to find financial freedom and love to lessen the heavy burden. Most people believe that to look for love online is safer than to go out there and reach it in bars, movie theaters or just by getting out. Truth is, the internet offers more risk than looking for love the old fashion way. Scams and fraud are widespread.

Romance scams have cost victims millions of dollars since the online dating has gone mainstream. According to the division of Cyber Forensics at Scotland Yard over 55 million pounds were lost last year because of online dating frauds. But how can you avoid being a victim of dating scams? It takes some experience and awareness to spot a scammer. First thing should be to avoid any email, IM or Skype call from someone you don’t know, but if you are looking for love, you might be open to a request if you have posted a profile on Match.com, Facebook or similar site letting others know you’re available and looking. Among the honest folks, criminals too are looking.

Russian brides contact you by email and usually add a link to their profile’s hot pictures, pulling your strings of desire. When in Facebook or dating sites, emails of successful and handsome men and gorgeous women go in to your inbox. Once you have let them in, they tell you about their lives and gain your trust. Usually play the victim out of a failed marriage or have widowed and have children to look after. They are successful business people that happen to be related to the oil industry and end up always traveling to Nigeria, Ghana, the U.K., Malaysia or the Philippines. They’ve come on hard times and they need your help? Sound familiar? Scammers often share a common profile and once you’ve encountered one scammer, it can be good experience to avoid the next.

Experts says be aware that no site is immune from fraud. Even popular sites like Facebook, eHarmony, Match.com and ChristianSingles have no way of screening their members. You are out there with everyone, the good and the bad. Be careful about sharing private information online that could later be used against you. And NEVER send money to anyone overseas you haven’t met or had verified by a reputation private investigator. Dating background checks are effective and strongly recommended for any relationship begun online. Be safe and skeptical.

Even as consumers become more aware of the risks, criminals are also getting more sophisticated. Anyone can be a victim. Internet criminals don’t always ask directly for your money. They may just slowly gather information from you until they have enough to steal your identity, and drain your bank account. Victims can be left devastated, emotionally and financially. It’s a serious crime and romance scams are increasing worldwide. It’s up to you to be safe and verify.


Best of luck,

A Hathaway
 © 2012 A Hathaway

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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Romance Scams on the Rise: Dating Background Checks Advised

Investigators See More Risks in Online Dating













Private investigators report a significant increase in the demand for online dating background checks. Major sites like Match.com also have posted important scam warning information on their websites to inform subscribers in response to the increased risk for fraud and scams. Despite all the information available on the internet about the warning signs, the fact is, it can be very difficult to determine who is the real thing, and who is the scammer online. Experts say in many cases, the only to be sure is to have the subject verified with a professional dating background check.

Industry observers and private investigation firms report the problem is likely to worsen. The reason is that more and more people are now connecting and starting relationships online, often with persons in other countries. Sites like Match.com, eHarmony and Facebook have millions of subscribers, and currently there is no system in place to adequately screen all the users. The result is a percentage of the users are criminals who engage in advance fee fraud, identity theft, romance scams and other attempts to steal your money or personal data. If a person resides in a foreign country, the only way to truly verify and investigate that individual is through an international private investigator or professional international background company.

Experts warn that many companies claim to offer international background checks, but actually only search databases, which are often dated or inaccurate. In fact, outside the United States, Canada, the U.K. and Australia, searching databases is of little value, and only a professional investigation or international background check company, such as Wymoo® International, with international offices or field investigators is capable of verifying persons outside those countries. When shopping for an investigator, be sure to ask how the investigator or company will verify the individual. If they have no investigator or agent in that country where the subjec resides, keep shopping.

To protect yourself from scam or fraud when dating online or using social networking sites, investigators offer the following advice. Be very skeptical of emergencies, requests for money, accidents, etc where the indivdaul requests assistance in a foreign country. Do not reveal your date of birth, address or other information that could be used to steal your identity. If you are considering a serious relationship, contact a licensed private investigator in the area where the subject resides. If the individual lives outside your home country, hire a reputable international background or private investigation firm to verify.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 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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Sunday, May 2, 2010
Investigators Caution: Online Dating Scams Rising, Background Checks Advised

Investigators Report Increase in Online Dating Scams







Online dating websites are booming and consumers now have hundreds of match-making and internet dating sites to choose from. In addition to popular websites such as Match.com and eHarmony, millions are connected to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Experts warn that persons met via the Internet should be verified to minimize the risk for scams.

International background check services are available and recommended for any relationship which is begun over the Internet, and when the person involved is not known personally. Without the assistance of a professional investigator or background check company, it can be nearly impossible to verify if someone is who he or she claims to be when the subject resides in a foreign country. Private investigators recently have reported strong demand in background checks as the risk for scams and fraud increase, and more people are now connecting online.

A dating background check is simply a background check or verification process which involves a subject who was met over the Internet, and where the relationship is romantic in nature. If a relationship is progressing and there is a chance for a serious relationship, industry observers emphasize getting a background check early, since many consumers contact private investigators after the damage is done, and the fraud or scam complete.

Of course most people on the Internet on social networking sites and online dating websites are good people and honest. Criminals have unfortunately taken advantage of this situation, as nearly all such websites don't provide any verification process for their subscribers. As a result, many scammers are now targeting such websites and targeting the consumers online. The criminals pose as Mr. or Ms. Perfect and work to gain the victim's trust and heart - and later their money. Scammers are increasingly sophisticated in their techniques and distinguising the good from the bad is no an easy task, and a professional background is advised.

Major red flags include working overseas, sudden emergencies or illness, requests for money, and so on. Investigators warn however that the combinations are endless. In conclusion, online dating is a risk-reward game, and the risk continues to rise.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway
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Thursday, April 22, 2010
Global Background Checks & Online Dating

Online Dating Increases Demand for Background Checks






Internet match-making sites like Match.com and eHarmony are in high demand worldwide, and combined with social networking sites like Facebook, more and more people are meeting via the Internet than ever before. With this new platform for meeting friends, business contacts and romance, comes new risks and consumers are increasingly turning to international private investigators. Industry observers agree it's wise to have online relationships verified. The alternative can be costly.

Scammers and criminals of fraud are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their techniques. Unfortunately, as methods of conducting fraud and dating scams increase in complexity, it is becoming much harder to determine who is the real thing on the Internet, and who is the criminal. International background checks are strongly advised for consumers who are considering a serious personal or business relationship with any individual overseas, especially if the relationship was begun online.

Experts claim that close to 90% of the relationships begun via the Internet are honest and open relationships, with no elements of fraud or scam. Because of the millions of users connecting with others online, however, the other 10% is a very large number of consumers worldwide. In other words, it's prudent to be cautious and get a dating background check before getting serious in any Internet romance. Private investigators often see clients after the damage has been done, and victims have had their identity stolen, or bank accounts drained. Therefore, it's a wise idea to get the background check early to minimize the risks involved.

What are the warning signs? Private investigators advise consumers to be skeptical of relationships too good to be true. Be extra cautious if the subject claims to be living or working abroad. Never send money to any individual overseas who is not known personally or verified by a professional private investigator. Be skeptical of any deals which require an advance payment. If the subject claims to have been an in accident or needs cash in the event of an emergency, do not send money or panic. Contact a professional private investigator for assistance.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway
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Monday, April 5, 2010
Internet Dating and Scam Check

Don't Be a Victim - Get a Background Check







These days, it seems that everyone is online, and increasingly common, people are meeting online. Websites such as Match.com and Facebook and eHarmony and hundreds more have changed the way people meet, socialize and find romantic partners. People from all over the world are now connecting online. With millions of customers on social networking and online dating websites, relationships are now commonly initiated via the Internet, rather than the old fashioned way. This is creating significant and new risks for consumers, and increased demand for investigators.

Many times, the individual on the other end of the world wide web is exactly who he or she claims to be. However, this can be very difficult to know for sure and verify. Mr. or Ms. Perfect, in many cases, can be rather misleading about his background, or even be a criminal conducting fraud. To avoid being a victim of fraud or scam, or identity theft, and to verify the person's identify and background, a dating background check is advised.

Online relationships with the greatest risk, and the hardest to verify, are international relationships. It can be very difficult to determine if the person is who he or she claims to be, and often verifying this requires the work of a professional private investigator or international background check company in the specific country or geographic region to uncover the facts.

There are plenty of honest and trustworthy people on the Internet. The problem is how to separate the good from the bad. Sites like Match.com, eHarmony and Facebook and many others allow scammers to approach their victims easily and from anywhere in the world. Criminals seek to obtain their objective which is normally advance fee fraud or a romance scam, and the techniques are now more sophisticated and difficult to detect.

Industry insiders and private investigators advise never to send money or personal data to anyone overseas who has not been verified. If the relationships seems to be going somewhere, a background check is a prudent decision and a good way to minimize your risk. Better to be safe than sorry.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Background Checks International

Comparing International Investigation Service










International background check agencies remain few and far between. There are no shortage of agencies that claim to offer international background checks, but only a few truly have the capability to offer services at the global or international level.

Whether you're interested in an international missing person search, internet dating verification, surveillance, due diligence on a foreign company, or a corporate investigation involving a foreign subsidiary, the choices remain limited. Previously, consumers had no choice but to use a local investigator, even if this meant dealing with lower quality service, and a serious language and cultural barrier. Times are changing.

Globalization and the rise of e-commerce is allowing new investigation agencies to truly go global. One firm that has led the movement in international private investigation is Wymoo® International. Wymoo now offers its services in over 100 countries, and operates through its network of global professional field investigators. Other companies such as Kroll are also putting more weight on their international services. International relationships are clearly on the rise, including romance and foreign hires, and these relationships need to be verified.

International background checks are often made complicated by different regulations and privacy laws within each country. Therfore, it is essential to use a company that has field investigators who know the local language, political and court system, and know how to access critical information. Searching databases from abroad isn't realistic. In fact, relying on databases for an international check is dangerously imprudent.

Most investigators will offer you a free investigation quote which includes the cost, turnaround time, and the services they can offer. Communication and reporting should be confidential.

As markets become more global, expect more international services to become available. When choosing among them, remember to ask the following question. Does the Company have experienced field investigators in the country or region?

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 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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Thursday, May 8, 2008
Ghana Scams on the Rise

Fraud increases demand for background checks

Ghana appears to have adopted many of the fraud methods used in Nigeria. In fact, many professional scammers have relocated to Ghana in order to escape the "bad reputation" of Nigeria for its high level of fraud. Other fraud operations simply have affiliate, criminal networks in Ghana that they hope will diminish their Nigeria stigma. This transition of advance fee fraud and scams means Ghana is the emerging market for fraud.

Accra is capital of Ghana and the home of an estimated 6 million people, and the population is growing very rapidly. The city continues to attract foreign investment and is the center for Ghana's international commerce and foreign trade.

International business is becoming a way of life here. Doing business in Accra, Ghana can mean opportunity and profit. With this big potential reward, however, comes new substantial risks.

Foreign businesses aren't alone in this increasingly risky market. Similar to a small business in London or Singapore having to verify its business relationship in Accra, many individuals are finding personal relationships in Ghana. Whether its romance or a new business contact, we recommend a background check.

Most of us think the scams, such as advance fee fraud, simply aren't going to happen to us. Unfortunately, as the world has grown wise to Africa's scams, the fraudsters have grown quite sophisticated. Ghana and Nigeria scam checks are important to business owners, since business scammers now have the industry know how, and they use the lingo. Beautiful women (including white women) in Accra definitely exist, but the number of men portraying to be these women is staggering. Here too, the players are professional. They carry on phone conversatons, send email, provide visa and passport copies, and more. Ghana scammers are some of the best.

How can one entering into a business or personal relationship in Ghana learn the truth? We strongly recommend a professional Ghana background check, preferably a firm not based in Africa but with local investigators who understand the local customs, etc. Wymoo International is currently the industry leader for West Africa background checks. According to Vice President, David Wilkerson, businesses and individuals should always "enter into relationships with insurance given the amount of fraud here, and a professional background check is prudent policy."

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2008 A. Hathaway
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Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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Background checks and the services available.

A Rise in Demand
With more people around the global accessing the Internet, and the global population itself exploding exponentially, the world is making a fast transition to online. Businesses around the world now make their hiring decisions based on candidates they find on the Internet. New websites for match making or online dating are popping up daily. These days, it's not uncommon to find a business partner or even find a spouse on the Internet. In this brave new world, come some sizeable risks.

Verifying the Story
How does an individual in Paris verify a boyfriend's story who lives in Brazil? Or how does a small business in the United States verify a new supplier located in Singapore? And when looking for romance, just how do we know if he or she is really who he or she claims to be? These questions are becoming more common and so is the demand for background checks. The following section describes some of the services available to learn the truth.

Knowing your Options
The services offered for background checks vary greatly. Some websites offer simple searches for public records, while others combine public records searches with actual investigation. We prefer the latter, as real investigation has real results in most cases. Among the top 3 players in the United States are Kroll, Owens Online and Wymoo International. Wymoo has been expanding its market share by concentrating on customer service and custom investigations. All 3 companys have a strong global presence, while Wymoo offers personalized service, surveillance, local investigators and complete narrative reporting. For the Philippines, contact Wymoo's affiliate, Philippine PI.

Pricing the Market
An average background check can cost between $200 and $800, depending on the country of origin and the information needs of the customer. An average background investigation to verify a small business or foreign romance usually ranges between $400 and $600, again depending on the country and specific need for information. Always shop around for service quotes.

Filling the Need
Is it really worth having your international romance, or foreign business partner verified? Absolutely. This is the age of identity theft, relationship scams, advance fee fraud, and these scams are on the rise. Think of a background check investigation as an insurance policy. One can cross his fingers and hope for the best. We recommend contracting an international background check service, and sleeping well at night knowing the truth.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2008 A. Hathaway
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