Showing posts with label philippine detectives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippine detectives. Show all posts
Friday, April 27, 2012
Philippines Background Checks Prevent Romance Scams



Unfortunately the Philippines has been one of the riskiest countries when talking about dating scams. According to seasoned private investigators, the only way to know if a relationship is true over the internet is by conducting a comprehensive background check by a trained private investigator. You may think, well, love is about trust the other person, but honestly, times are changing and that concept, sadly is no longer true, at least when online dating.

People can be anyone on the internet. A senior woman can pretend to be a sweet sixteen and a con man can pretend to be the lady of your dreams and there’s no way to know. You may ask for photographs, passports and even a birth certificate but you will be surprised to know that, since scammers are professional criminals, they do very well with faking documents.

Philippines detectives have seen a constant flow of western men being defrauded by scams. Most common target countries are Australia and the U.S., whether a couple starting a loving relationship or businessmen meeting someone locally in Manila, the risk is high and fraud is a threat.

Philippines background checks uncover the truth and save you from more bitterness and loss. Investigators have seen victims end up in bankruptcy in the name of love. The cover stories scammers use have been proven along the years and certainly updated and improved, that’s why you believe them…. But next time you have a strange feeling, listen to it, and verify.

Do not give money to a person you don’t know and if your Filipina wife starts to act strange, you better take an in depth look of what’s going on. Be suspicious and do your homework. It is you and the things you value most in life, children could also be included and also might be a victim. Learn the truth by conducting surveillance and get your eyes to see what you might be neglecting. In matters of the heart we all know what’s going on, but some prefer not to see.

Philippine PI has the most professional and well trained local private investigators in the nation, a subsidiary of Wymoo International, experts in international background checks, surveillance, due diligence and top notch client service. You can expect the same from their staff.

Dating background checks in the Philippines will help you determine if your girlfriend is who she claims to be. Surveillance will open your eyes to know if something is really wrong with your spouse and you could also use those elements of proof in court if needed. So, be skeptical and know the risks. There are resources out there to help you, so get the facts verified and be safe.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway



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Saturday, June 11, 2011
Scam Ring Caught, Report Philippines Private Investigators

  • 6/11/2011
  • 1











It’s been almost six months since authorities in Southeast Asia have been working together to detain a major net of criminals operating from Taiwan to Indonesia, from Vietnam to the Philippines. This organized group of criminal scammers worked using low profiles by renting apartments or houses whose only request was to have a broadband connection. In that way, this international group of mobster were able to contact their victims through an internet telephone line such as those provided by Skype, leaving no trace of their location and making it hard for authorities to locate and prosecute them.

According to Philippines private investigators, the criminal net had over 600 members located along the islands of Southeast Asia, and they would make phone calls over the internet to many victims in China, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam, and target developing countries such as the United States, Canada the U.K. and Australia. Scammers in the criminal ring would pose as an official agency or official to extort money from victims, explain Manila based Philippines private detectives. It was hard to determine the identity and location of the criminals because details of the scam varied from one country to the next, and all lines used were internet phones, such as Skype. Con artists used various techniques and scripts to extort money from their victims. Some caller claimed to be local police or government officials, or to be conducting a census, anything to get personal data to be used to steal the victim’s identity. Other callers in the criminal operation would claim to be from a bank, and get the victim to reveal his bank account details over the phone. These criminals worked around the clock for month, and the damage done is estimated to be over $1 million USD. Fortunately, investigators were able to shut them down.

International private investigators say the group in Taiwan collected victims’ bank accounts and phone numbers and pass them to the teams in Vietnam and the Philippines, where they would call victims and ask them to transfer money to a bank account in Thailand. “The tactics used were to surprise the victim, by scaring the person by saying their bank account or credit card had been accessed," a Manila private investigator, explains. Although most people are aware of the risk for fraud and scams, criminals continue operate successfully, and law enforcement is struggling to keep up with the growing threat.

Although the internet is a vast camp for criminals, this time it was possible to trace the callers and arrest them because authorities worked together and more importantly, victims made a big effort by informing law enforcement and cooperating with cases. Working together made the arrests possible. Law enforcement and Philippines private detectives warn never to reveal personal information or financial data to anyone via the internet or phone who has not been verified. If you’re not sure, ask if you can call the bank or government office bank, or contact them through the official website. This way you can be sure you know you’re dealing with the actual agency or financial institution, and avoid fraud.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway
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Friday, February 4, 2011
Philippine Investigator Scams on the Rise, Caution Advised

  • 2/04/2011
  • 1
More Complaints Filed on Philippines Investigators










Officials at the U.S., Canadian and Australian Embassies in Manila report a significant rise in the number of complaints involving websites or persons claiming to be private investigators in the Philippines. The problem is not new, but contacts at the Embassies say that complaints are up more than double the levels reported in 2009, which is an alarming rate. Individuals and companies are hiring private investigators in the Philippines for help, and all too often say experts, they are fastly becoming a victim of fraud, scam or theft. In some cases consumers report that the investigators attempt to do the work, but simply aren't qualified. The fact that many people are seeking an investigator to avoid being a victim of a scam in the first place, is a frustrating situation, and law enforcement has been slow to act. Caution is advised.

The Philippines is a nation rife with fraud, online dating scams, romance scams, marriage and internet fraud. Corruption and exportation of brides in the Philippines are entrenched in the nation's history and culture. Many Western men seek to find a bride here, and many companies seek to invest in the country via Manila. However, there is significant risk for investors, businesses and individuals. As a result, the services of a professional private investigator are often essential. Background checks, due diligence, private investigations and surveillance is in demand in the Philippines. The problem is finding someone competent.

Because of the lack of law and order, and the high demand for investigators, many criminals and amateurs are now posing as professional Philippines private investigators, offering their services on online message boards and creating professional looking websites. The truth is, less than 5% have professional training in a law enforcement academy, or military program. Most do not have a college education. Most lack the necessary and expensive equipment to investigate properly. And many of those claiming to be investigators are just plain fraudsters.

Experts offer the following guidelines:

1) Beware of an investigator who prefers bank transfers, Western Union or PayPal. Once the payment is sent, there is no way to get the money back. A real company accepts payments directly via its secure website using your credit card. If something goes wrong, at least you can call your credit card company and report the fraud, and possibly issue a chargeback.

2) Go with a company that is based in the U.K., U.S., Canada or Australia. The reason is that these highly developed countries have strict laws and accountability for business, and you can expect a higher standard and higher quality service. Companies based in the Philippines are 10 times more likely to deliver substandard service and unprofessional results.

3) Check to see if the company's website is verified by McAfee, the Better Business Bureau, and Truste. An individual or local Filipino won't pass the strict qualification standards set by these organizations. Also, you can check the BBB to see if the company has any history of complaints. (Click on the BBB logo on the Philippine PI™ website, for example, and you can see the firm has had zero complaints in the past 4 years.)

4) Understand that professional investigation services for background checks, due diligence, surveillance and investigations can be expensive. Expect to pay more for a quality service. Choosing by price alone is a bad idea.

5) Ask the investigator to tell you specifically where he or his field investigators received their training. If the investigators have no training in the Philippine Army, National Bureau of Investigation or Philippine National Police, the FBI, U.S. Military, or similar, it would be best to keep shopping.

William Carter at U.S. based Philippine PI™ agrees. Consumers should be very selective when shopping for a private investigator in the Philippines. "We see a lot of cases where a client chooses an investigator based on price, and we later see the client come back explaining that he or she was scammed, had their money stolen, or the investigator didn't do a professional job. Professional and reputable services cost more." Embassy officials agree, and some Embassy websites even have warnings about such scams.

Choosing an unskilled investigator can have disastrous results. In many such cases, the work is not confidential or discreet, leading to major complications for clients. As always, go with a professional, and get the job done right the first time.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway
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Monday, May 31, 2010
Philippines Background Checks Advised, Romance and Dating Scams Rising

Philippines Investigators Report Increase in Scams






Philippine romance scams and relationship fraud is big business, and the recession hasn't had any impact on this industry. Private detectives and individual consumers report a sharp rise in scam and fraud in the Philippines compared to 2009, and this increase doesn't include the demand for other types of cases, including infidelity and pre-marital cases. Private investigators in the Philippines are in demand, because the risk for relationship fraud and infidelity is at high levels. The Philippines, apparently, has a long way to go in addressing the problem of internet related crime and scams, of which most are initiated via the Internet. Philippines private investigators are working overtime.

Most people in the Philippines are honest and decent people, but few argue the nation has its problems with exportation of women, internet scams and fraud, infidelity, and online dating scams. Many women search for a foreigner, or anyone who can send them money or take them out of the Philippines. In many cases, the husband or boyfriend of the Filipina is aware of the scam, and may even control the criminal operation. The scammer uses the emotions of the victim to accomplish the goal, which usually comes in the form of dollars or euros. Investigators and match-making websites agree, a Philippine background check is a wise choice and smart insurance policy. Many women may even marry or have serious relationships with a foreigner while they are married in the Philippines, to increase their family's income.

Investigators stress that fraud and scams reach all levels of Philippine society, including business scams and corporate fraud, and all kinds of advance fee fraud. But, internet dating scams appears to be the highest risk this year, with the majority of case loads by private investigators in Manila reporting infidelity or dating scams. Philippine PI™ maintains the largest team of professional investigators in the Philippines and is known for its quality service and reporting. The firm reported a "significant increase" in romance scams from 2009, and offers good advice on its website for selecting a Philippines private detective.

When involved in a relationship with a Filipina, investigators offer the following warning signs which normally indicate additional caution is advised, and a Philippines private investigator may be required. Be skeptical of overnight claims of love, emergencies or sudden illness, requests for financial assistance, model type photographs, problems with visa or passport, times or days when the subject is out of contact, etc. Be skeptical and realistic.

The Philippines is a great country with many potential rewards, great beaches and beautiful women. The risk here for fraud and scams is real, so be informed and proceed with caution.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway
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Thursday, April 29, 2010
Philippines Private Investigators Report Rise in Dating Scams: Background Checks Advised

Background Checks Rise with Dating Scams & Fraud






Private investigators in Manila and Cebu, Philippines report a surge in background check and surveillance cases due to a sharp rise in internet match-making, and online scams. Online dating websites report a similar rise in volume, as people seem to be looking beyond the global economic turmoil, and thinking more about their personal lives and romance. More people online dating in the Philippines means more scam cases.

According to the largest Philippines private investigator in Manila, clients are becoming more savvy and more aware of the risk for scams. Consumers are considering a background check or pre-marital check as an insurance policy, due to the high risk in the Philippines. This is a relief for many in the industry since clients have typically contracted a private investigator after the damage has been done, and the scam complete, or the money drained or stolen completely. Having the background check or pre-marital check earlier enables clients to be informed and minimize the risk for scams which are all too common.

Philippine background check services vary greatly in prices and professionalism. As a general rule, consumers should be skeptical of "companies" or investigators based in the Philippines. When possible, consumers should consider a U.S. or Europe based private investigation company with operations in the Philippines, such as Philippine PI, which is based in the United States but has professional field investigators on the ground throughout the Philippines. Going with a Western firm ensures a more professional investigation and a higher level of customer service in most cases. While it may mean slightly higher prices, most clients quickly find they get what they pay for in the Philippines. The risk for fraud is also a problem with businesses.

Industry observers stress that although there is a high risk for scams and fraud in the Philippines, and choosing a private investigator can be a difficult process, there are many rewards for doing business in the Philippines, and many meaningful and lasting relationships have been formed with Filipinas via the Internet. Due to the high risk, investigators and dating sites agree that it is wise decision to have relationships verified.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway

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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Best Philippines Background Checks

Choosing a Philippines Background Check Service






Due to the high risk for fraud and scams in the Philippines, Philippines private detectives and Philippine background checks remain in high demand. Finding a competent and credible private investigator in the Philippines, however, is no easy task. Many are untrained locals who lack professional investigation experience. Finding a real professional truly makes all the difference.

In most cases, clients are best off going with a U.S. or Europe based investigation agency, rather than choosing a local Philippine based investigation company or investigator. With a U.S. or Europe based company, clients often receive higher levels of customer service, and the companies themselves are more accountable and transparent, on average. While a Philippines based investigator may offer lower prices, often it means money down the drain. Uncovering evidence requires expertise.

Now the largest professional Philippines private investigator, Philippine PI™ is based in the United States but maintains a team of over 12 full time field investigators in the Philippines, and the firm has established relationships with various Embassies, the NSO (National Statistics Office), the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and Manila and Cebu police agences. The firm maintains one of the highest rates of client satisfaction in the industry, and offers full service and discreet private investigation, background checks, due diligence, surveillance, infidelity and pre-marital checks, missing persons, as well as criminal and corporate fraud investigations. Each of their investigators is professionally trained, with experience in law enforcement or military.

When shopping for a private investigator or Philippines background check company, be sure to ask the following key questions. Does the company list its company address and phone number on its Contact Us page? Does the company and website display professional affiliation seals, such as Truste, McAfee or the Better Business Bureau? Does the company website utilize secure connections (SSL) so that your communication is secure? (You should see a lock on your browser). Does the company offer a secure payment method via its own secure website? Does the site display a Privacy Policy? If the answer to any of these questions is no, keep shopping! After all, you get what you pay for.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Philippines Private Investigators Compared

Choosing a Philippines Private Detective







These days, there appears to be plenty of demand for prudent and experienced private investigators in the Philippines. However, the supply situation is quite different. On the surface, there seems to be a large selection of private detectives offering services. A closer examination reveals that only a few of the "investigators" have any professional experience, and the number of real investigation companies is actually very small.

Philippines-based private investigators are often local citizens trying to earn a living. In other cases, the investigator may not even work the case, and simply steal the client of his or her hard earned money. Consumers in need of a private investigator for a background check, discreet investigation or surveillance are advised to avoid investigators based in the Philippines, especially those requiring payment by PayPal or Western Union. This usually indicates an individual, not a company, and could be a scam or amateur at best. Local one man operations lack experience and resources critical to an investigation.

Real Philippines private detectives should offer multiple forms of payment, including secure payment with a credit card via the company's secure website. Choosing a firm based in the U.S. or Canada but with operations in the Philippines ensures a higher level of service, on average. Selecting a local "investigator" may be cheap in the short run, but it's likely cheap for a reason.

Professional private investigations and Philippines background checks require professional investigators, and such services can be expensive.The largest private investigation firm with operations in the Philippines is now Philippine PI™, based in the U.S. but with a full team of field investigators and agents in the Philippines. Philippine PI™ is verified by Truste, McAfee and the U.S. Better Business Bureau. There are other investigators in the U.K. and Canada that operate in the Philippines, and they are also recommended over the local Joe. Remember any reputable firm should have references online and from previous clients.

Because of the high risk of business fraud, infidelity, as well as dating and relationship scams in the Philippines, hiring a private investigator is a prudent decision. Choosing a private investigator based on price alone, however, could be a costly error. Be safe with a trusted and professional detective agency.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Philippines Detectives & Dating Scams

Private Detectives Investigate Scams










Online dating has boomed worldwide, and in the Philippines there is no exception. More and more women from the Philippines are seeking love and a new life abroad. To find their way out of poverty stricken Philippines, many women are opening accounts for online dating. It's no surprise that the level of dating scams are on the rise, and private investigators are quite busy.

Experienced Philippines detectives are accustomed to foreign clients seeking private investigation advice for a Filipina. In recent years, the level of complaints involving Philippines based investigators has skyrocketed, suggesting that not only is there a problem with Philippine women scamming, but now there is a problem with investigators scamming foreign clients.

The rise in fraud and romance scam cases has made finding a respectable Filipina more difficult than ever. To complicate matters, selecting a private investigator is now more difficult than ever. How did this happen? As the demand for investigations rose, many ameaturs tried to supply the market. The reality is few investigators in the Philippines are properly trained and financed to conduct a professional private investigation.

For those seeking a romantic relationship in the Philippines, as well as foreigners seeking investigation or background check assistance in the Philippines, extra caution is advised. Be very skeptical of both women and investigators who request money via Western Union. When seeking an investigator, we recommend reading the Philippines Investigator Advisory.

The global recession has hit Manila, Makati and Cebu hard and employment is scarce in the Philippines. As more women seek a way out, more individuals and so-called investigators are sure to try to join the market. Consumers should be skeptical of any "investigator" with no references, no professional website, and no proven track record of investigation.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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