International Background Check & Private Investigators: philippine private investigators

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Dating Scams a Common Case for Private Investigators

10/22/2013
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It is unfortunate, but true. Romance scams are one of the most common reasons why people need to hire a private investigator in today's world. Of course, infidelity, pre employment screenings and due diligence are also common reasons, but the fact remains, romance scams have led to a steady demand for background checks. Single people experience pressure from their friends, from their families, co-workers, neighbors, etc to meet someone. Just about anyone you know, if you're single, is trying to help you find that special someone. Society and human nature indicates being single is just “not right. This feeling and pressure to meet someone often leads people to start the search online, when the real world turns up no luck. A quick review of online dating sites shows the industry has flourished and many relationships are now started online. With this popularity, has come a significant number of dating scams.

Many private investigation companies in the U.S. agree. When they receive a call or email from a new client, there's a good chance the call is pertaining to a romantic relationship. And in many of those cases, the client has been a victim of romance scam or dating scam, whether they realize it or not. The fact is, finding your match online is no easy task, and many people are unaware of the risk involved. if you take a look at online dating statistics, surveys conducted in the United States show 87% of people think online dating is a good way to find a partner. Social gatherings or dating someone from work is an option for many people, so with limited options, many try their luck online.

With love scams now being widely published in the media, the general public and law enforcement agencies are more aware of the risk. So, why is it that private investigators say the number of clients from dating scams continue to rise? The answer is simple. William Carter, Vice President of Private Investigation for Philippine PI™, explains that criminals are learning faster than the public, and are staying one step ahead. In other words, as soon as law enforcement and the public knows about one red flag, internet scammers will change their tactics, and use new approaches to scam victims. Dating scams, like all other fraud, continues to evolve and the internet is a great hunting ground. Philippines investigators know better than most, as the Philippines is a high risk country for scams. Charles Alden, CEO of Russia PI™ agrees, and says "scammers routinely change their profile."

For many, getting online dating checks has become a routine, must have form of insurance to keep you safe in the world of online dating. This is certainly a good first step of precaution. However, private investigators say that even when you meet in person, a dating scam or relationship fraud is always possible, so it's important to verify your potential mate in both online and offline worlds.

A. Hathaway
© 2013 A Hathaway

Friday, July 22, 2011

Philippines Private Investigators Caution Parents on Facebook

7/22/2011
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Two weeks after Facebook launched its new application of video- chat, privacy specialists and private investigators are cautioning about the risks for children and youth on the social networking site. Experts say the video chat option on social networking sites like Facebook can be a valuable tool used by honest subscribers, but also a dangerous gateway for criminals to access your children. Philippines private investigators urge parents to be aware of the risk, and keep an eye on online activity.

Law enforcement and private detectives often warn consumers not to send money or to provide personal information over the internet. They say it’s a very bad idea to publish your birthday online, anywhere, and that publish simple things like your full name and date of birth and address is fast way to be a victim of crime like identity theft or even worse. Not to mention bank account information, passwords and other sensitive information. Match-making sites like Match.com and many others, including social networking sites simply have no way to screen the millions over users from locations around the globe. The criminals take advantage of this, and they go after easy targets.

Privacy advocates advise Facebook users to be very careful, review your contact list and do not click on suspicious links displayed in any social network service. Common scams include messages about one of your contacts being stranded some place, or in trouble. Another scam is supported by video chat, where you are able to hear or see your friend, obviously in a very bad video quality so you really won’t be able to really recognize him or her positively. Another one scam is receiving a video call or chat from a so called Facebook representative calling you from a hacked account of a friend or relative, to let contacts know their account is being compromised and contacts should be warned that they can fix this problem by paying Facebook technical support (with a credit card) and the problem will be solved, or the account will need to be closed, they say.

The new proximity of the video application provided by Facebook and Skype as a partner is a greater risk and an open door for teenagers and pre- teens. Philippines private detectives say adolescents are quite active in social media and usually chat from their 4G mobiles or get into video chat at night, alone in their rooms. Parents should be aware that their kids could be at serious risk, since adult criminals, including pedophiles, seek out relationships with such youngsters who do not understand the red flags and dangers behind the computer.

Teenagers use social networks and internet for more than just catching up with friends and doing their homework assignments. Sometimes kids accept strangers in their profiles as friends because they think he or she could be a neighbor or another school friend of a friend. Or, they just want more “friends” if you can call a Facebook contact that. The new Facebook video application is already causing some problems and complaints regarding the child safety from watchdog groups.

Privacy experts and investigators suggest:

- Supervise your children when they are online.
- Talk to your children about the risks they can face online, especially about strangers.
- Make sure your child’s account has a unique passwords with numbers and letters.
- Constantly update your privacy settings
- Leave profile information blank or restricted if you want, as this is the first information criminals and scammers check when hunting for victims.

Of course Facebook may claim it is the responsibility of the parents to allow their children to access this network, and wash their hands with that. After all, there is big money at stake. With Facebook now generating ad revenue with overpriced pay per click ads, the company is looking to cash in on all their loyal subscribers, and their subscribers’ children. The social media giant does include a short list of ways to stay safe while using video chat. However, the list falls short in explaining the real risks involved . (Facebook never says you can report the person to them, since you are responsible for who you accept as a “friend”). In short, be safe and skeptical. Experts say be sure your kids only video chat with people they know personally and trust.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Scam Ring Caught, Report Philippines Private Investigators

6/11/2011
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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

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Philippines Private Investigators and Social Media Scams

5/14/2011
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In the Philippines, the access to social networks and the internet has reached nearly all corners of the 4,000 inhabited islands that make up the Philippines. Philippines private investigators warn that the risk coming from the Philippines is significant, and Southeast Asia based criminals are using social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace and Twitter to target victims, where scammers make friends with online social partners, and then gain their trust, later to steal their identity and money. It is a frustrating tread, and investigators and law enforcement advise caution. Cyber criminals use these sites to gather personal data and information for cyber attacks, romance scams, and criminal identity theft techniques.

Users should avoid clicking suspicious links in emails, especially in links to shortened URLs in posted social networks or they could regret being victims of phishing scams and dangerous software which can be downloaded into their computer or device, and later provide the criminal or scammer everything he or she needs to steal funds from the victim, or gather sufficient data for identity theft. When dealing with someone in the Philippines, due to the increased risk, a Philippines background check is advised.

Shorten URL links really hide long rather complicated web addresses. These links are posted in social networks supposedly related to current topics that spark curiosity, and users click on them and the link is spread throughout all their contacts that, at the same time, target others by clicking on them and so on. This is another way scammers can access valuable personal information from social network users and also infect their mobile devices and computers with malicious viruses and malware.

The attacks originating from the Philippines, and worldwide, are up sharply. Smart phones such as Blackberrys and iPhones are now being used on the move, and consumers often use such devices for online banking and other sensitive financial transactions. This has been a profitable trend for criminal conducting internet fraud, say Philippines private investigators, as most users on a mobile device operate with less security than a home computer. The key is awareness and prevention. Law enforcement agencies recommend never to share your personal data on the internet with someone who is unknown or unverified, and be very careful regarding unknown emails or links in social media posts.

Philippines private detectives say the risk will remain, as cyber crime evolves with the changes in the internet, as well as with the education level of consumers. As soon as consumers recognize one scam technique, the criminals will find a new way to access your computer, steal your identity and your hard earned money. With millions of social network users, avoiding scams just got more difficult.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Philippine Scammers Target Online Dating Members with Romance Scams

2/10/2011
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Criminals Seeking Victims on Internet Dating Sites

These days it seems that everyone is online dating or using a social networking site. Sites like Match.com and Facebook have millions of members worldwide, and there are countless others. More people are connecting online, and finding relationships and romance on the internet than ever before. There are more than just honest people among the users, however. Each year the FBI receives more complaints about online dating scams, and 2010 was no exception. According to three FBI field offices contacted for this article, scams from online dating and social networking sites are booming. Philippines private detectives familiar with the cases estimate the scams are growing at a rate of 20 percent per year. Site members are advised to proceed with caution.

The economy in the Philippines continues to struggle, and the country remains a nation with high levels of corruption, and limit opportunity. Law enforcement agencies in the Philippines such as the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), PNP (Philippines National Police) and other agencies stress they are already overwhelmed with criminal cases and investigations. Agents must prioritize their cases, and unfortunately, romance scams and online dating fraud usually fall close to last on the list. Making matters more complicated, it can be difficult and costly for a foreigner to file a criminal case in the Philippines. Because online dating site and other accounts are often opened using a false name, and money transfers can be picked up with a fake ID or by a criminal accomplice, such cases can be difficult to prosecute.

Many US, Canadian, UK and Australian victims ask why more can't be done to prevent these types of romance scams, marriage fraud, and other online dating scams. A lack of law and order is understandable in the Philippines, but many citizens in the developed world demand something to be done. Agents at a Florida FBI field office say it can be frustrating to hear of the damage done in these cases, and it's not easy to explain to victims that not much can be done. Prosecuting criminals across country borders is a difficult process, no matter what the crime. Scams and fraud via the internet are especially challenging, since in most cases, the identity and/or location of the criminal may be unknown. Philippines private investigators say never to send money to anyone who is not known personally, and be skeptical of anyone you have met via the internet. Never reveal your personal data, such as date of birth, credit card information, address, and other senstitive data to an individual over the internet.

Because prosecuting these criminals is such a difficult and time consuming process, law enforcement and private investigators agree, the safest bet is prevention. Be skeptical. Be aware of the high risk for dating scams and other fraud in the Philippines. Know that no internet dating or social networking website is immune from fraud and scams. There is simply no effective way to screen the millions of members, so there are criminals among the users. If you feel you have potential for a real relationship, get a Philippines background check with a professional and reputable investigation firm such as Philippine PI™. Experts warn the risk is too high to ignore, and extra caution is advised.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway

Friday, February 4, 2011

Philippine Investigator Scams on the Rise, Caution Advised

2/04/2011
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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

Monday, May 31, 2010

Philippines Background Checks Advised, Romance and Dating Scams Rising

5/31/2010
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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

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Philippines Private Investigators Report Rise in Dating Scams: Background Checks Advised

4/29/2010
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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.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Best Philippines Background Checks

3/09/2010
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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.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Manila Private Investigators in Demand

2/10/2010
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Philippines Detectives Working Overtime

Philippines private investigators are once again in high demand, as companies and consumers abroad with relationships in the Philippines try to avoid the high level of fraud and scams. Business fraud, infidelity and surveillance, and background checks are among the case types being requested by international clients in Manila and Cebu. It's unclear if the poor economy is entirely to blame. What is clear is that the level of scams and fraud in the Philippines is at an all time high. While this is bad news, this has been good business for Philippines private detectives.

Partly responsible for the high case loads of Philippines private detectives is the high percentage of Philippine women who meet foreign men via the Internet. The Philippines is well known for its online dating scams, and advance fee fraud cases involing Filipinas seeking financial gain. Although most Filipinas are honest and decent women, the scammers have certainly tarnished the country's image and the reputation of its beautiful women. Industry observes report that Philippine dating scams are at a record level, fueling the demand for private detectives.

Business fraud in the Philippines is also higher than in recent years. Case levels for due diligence and corporate fraud in Manila are nearly double what they were in 2007, according to one private investigation company in Makati. Companies are urged to request a background check or due diligence on any potential business partner in the Philippines. To avoid Philippine dating scams, consumers are advised not to send money for any reason, unless the subject is known very well personally or has been verified by a reputable professional private investigator.

The economic situation in the Philippines remains grim. Private investigators who have been in high demand due to the increase in fraud and scams have no doubt fared the crisis well. Insiders suggest the private investigation business in the Philippines should remain strong, and as the economy recovers, due diligence cases and pre-employment screenings should rebound. But, what will become of the scams and fraud is yet to be seen.