Showing posts with label philippines private detectives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippines private detectives. Show all posts
Friday, November 18, 2011
Philippines Background Checks More Important than Ever

  • 11/18/2011
  • 1


As the world’s economy keeps scaring people through a boomerang effect that began three years ago and some economist predict will last seven more, scams in the Philippines and the entire Asian region seem to be evolving. Criminals and internet scams are not cyclical, they in fact do quite well in an economic downturn. Business scams are often the highest volume in recessions, while romance scams and online dating scams seem to stay steady regardless of the economy. Given the ongoing uncertainly and trouble in the global economy, business fraud levels are very high, and the Philippines remains a high risk area, and for investigators considering conducting business or starting a new relationship in this island nation, a professional background check is key.

Philippine scammers are becoming more sophisticated and experienced criminals can be far more devastating than the average internet scammer. Criminal groups conducting online business fraud and scams can now be organized and highly effective, with management or bosses coordinating the scams even from other countries, such as Malaysia or Hong Kong. The NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) in Manila says business fraud is a greater risk than ever for foreign firms looking to invest in the Philippines and Malaysia. Joint law enforcement agencies between the two countries have had some success, but when one network gets shut down, another quickly rises.

Professional investigators say that Philippines background checks and due diligence is the key to avoid being a victim. Foreigners and international investors from other countries are targeted by criminals in Southeast Asia. Sophisticated and organized crime targets multinational corporations to small companies to individuals by using professional looking but fake websites, emails that seem to be from a reputable company but are in fact from another sender, and even referrals from sites like Linkedin and Twitter, and other online commerce and investing websites. Managers looking for opportunity abroad can easily be caught up in the scams, fake offers, and investment scams.

Law enforcement and private investigators say the trend is likely to continue to worsen in 2012, as the global economic situation shows little sign of improvement. American companies who have suffered from the socialist policies of the Barrack Hussein Obama administration are increasingly looking abroad to survive, where risk levels are higher, and the potential for fraud is a serious risk. For those companies that have no experience in due diligence and international background checks, it can be a dangerous game when screening Asia business opportunities. Be safe and verify. Talk to a professional international investigation firm about the risks and verification options. Both Wymoo® International, a leader in international private investigation, and Philippine PI™, a reputable investigation firm specializing in the Philippines and Asia, report that scam cases have risen in response to the economic downturn. Business leaders should consider company and individual verifications as a cost of doing business, and a prudent insurance policy.

Professional investigation firms in the Philippines like Philippine PI™ stress the need for real background checks to be performed by seasoned investigators with a proven track records in law enforcement, military or police training who can perform in situ and verify firms and people.

Trained Philippines investigators conducting background checks can verify information first hand by going to the sites or companies, obtaining discreet testimony and statements from informants, conducting on the ground research, covert surveillance, checking business registration and civil registries, immigration records, court documents and verifying company operations.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Philippines Private Investigators: Social Networks a Growing Risk



2011 has been a gloomy year from an economic standpoint, and there seem to be no clear lights on the horizon. Entrepreneurs and people in general are downsizing and cutting expenses to make ends meet. On the other hand, it seems the outlook for online criminals is brighter than ever, and the FBI and Metropolitan Police in London both say that internet scams and fraud are growing at an alarming rate. If one country stands out among a consistent leader in the world of internet scams, it is the Philippines. Philippines private investigators and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) say that dismal economic conditions have supported the growth in crime via the internet, and Philippines dating scams targeting social networks are on the rise.

In times of crisis, people are more vulnerable. They keep working hard and studying harder to have a better future. They hold on. Often people look for more meaningful lives and new relationships, and in today’s internet world, many people seek out new relationships online. Social networking sites now have hundreds of millions of subscribers. Facebook alone has over 750 MILLION users, so a large part of the global population is now on Facebook. What Facebook is and why it’s popular remains a mystery to many, and some see no point in posting meaningless information to have “friend” click on like, if they like that. Regardless, sites like Facebook are huge and connecting the world like never before. But, criminals are also taking advantage of the situation, and law enforcement and private investigators say scammers are on social networking sites in increasing number, looking for new relationships and new victims to scam.

Philippines private detectives in Manila say they are seeing a steady rise in the number of victims who have been scammed by a Filipina or Filipino they met on Facebook or Friendster, or similar site. Many scammers feel they have better success finding victims on social networking sites because these sites have less security, they are free, and victims have the perception that the sites are safer than paid match-making sites, such as Match.com. Experts say this false sense of security is precisely what lands victims in trouble. Many people go online to make new friends or connect with new people in different parts of the world. In some cases, what they find, is that their identity has been stolen, or the bank accounts drained and their hearts broken.

Internet is the promise to find good friends, best lovers and a better work with just a click. But the truth is that in many cases, not everyone is who he or she appears to be behind the computer. Experts say it’s more important than ever to verify the facts, and if a relationship shows signs of promise, consider hiring a reputable private investigator for a complete background check. Investigators advise never to send money overseas to anyone who hasn’t been verified.

In the Philippines, cybercrime has increased by up to 25% in the past six years. The Technical Intelligence Division of the NBI registered 144 cases back in 2005 and more than 240 cases in 2010. The number went from three to five cases per week. A growing percentage of those scam cases involved social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Friendster and Twitter. The island nation holds 7% of the total number of Facebook users and is a poor nation, but also a country with widespread access to the internet, where even the poorest citizens are savvy internet users. Romance scams are booming here, and scamming via the internet is part of the culture. Experts say that most scam cases, a very large majority in fact, go unreported to police.

Be safe and stay skeptical online. If in doubt, consider a Philippines background check.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Philippines Private Investigators: The Real Story

  










From the Locals to the Pros

In the Philippines, the private investigation industry is so bizarre, that it is a research topic in of itself. No other country in the world offers so much variation in the quality of work, type of work, and qualifications of investigators than the Philippines. In this Southeast Asia island nation, private investigators range from some of the worst in the world (equal to offerings in Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, Boliva and some others) to experts challenging the skills of even the most qualified in the U.S. and U.K. When we say worst trained, that is to say no training whatsoever. In fact, many people claiming to be private investigators in the Philippines simply steal clients’ money and never conduct the investigation.

Other “investigators” are locals who are desperate for work, and do their best with a cheap digital camera, the internet and phone. The experts, on the other hand, are usually former intelligence officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and have received training at the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) as well as at United States military and law enforcement academies in states like Georgia and Hawaii. Some are former federal agents from the U.S. who are Filipino born, and who have decided to retire in their native land. Because of the huge variation in quality and training, Philippines private investigators should be chosen carefully. Going with a professional is worth the investment.

Getting What You Pay For

The Philippines is a developing country, rife with fraud, scams, criminal activity and infidelity, and romance scams. On the flip side of the same coin are countless beautiful beaches, friendly women, and economic opportunities for foreign investment in Manila and Cebu. Because of the large difference in pay scale between the unqualified and uneducated versus the qualified and college educated population, prices in just about any service vary widely. In the Philippines, the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is perhaps more true in private investigation than anywhere else. Hiring a local Filipino with a cheap digital camera, who has no professional training or higher education, can be as economic as taking the family out for a popcorn dinner. When you receive the “investigation report” in an email, in the form of two poorly written paragraphs with no photographs or supporting evidence, be thankful you received anything at all.

Many such “bargains” are simply crooks eager to steal your money, or worse, they may contact the subject of investigation and blackmail you for more money. Handling sensitive issues such as background checks, due diligence and confidential private investigation or discreet surveillance requires professional training. There are risks involved and relationships at stake. Consumers should take precaution to avoid being a victim of scam or negligence, and understand professional Philippines private detectives cost more.

Choosing a Competent Investigator

Finding a professional private investigator at a fair price can be easier said than done. Consumers should realize that among the dozens of options advertised, there are only 2 or 3 professional investigation and background check firms operating in the Philippines, and they are typically based outside the Philippines. Reputable companies of significant size and operations tend to base their company or incorporate outside the Philippines in developed nations like Canada, Australia, the U.K. or the United States. This is often done to be closer to corporate and individual clients, as most clients for investigation reside outside the Philippines. Business transparency and accountability is higher in the developed countries, and there is an enhanced level of trust in doing business, and stronger culture of client service. Companies owned or U.S. or U.K. managed usually have stricter hiring requirements for field investigators in the Philippines, and ongoing training is often mandatory. “The difference between a professional firm and local, untrained investigator in the Philippines is major,” said John Wallace, Director of Background Checks at Wymoo® International.

“We receive a significant number of clients who say they were scammed by a local who either didn’t do the job, or who were obviously untrained.” Experts recommend consumers shop carefully when looking for a real Philippines private investigator and to check references and search Google to see what others are saying about the company. If a company has no press releases on Yahoo, MSNBC or other major news outlet, chances are you’re dealing with a very small company or individual. If the website has no well regarded security seals such as McAfee, Truste or Better Business Bureau, it might be wise to keep shopping. Look for a secure payment method on the company website, not a link to PayPal or Western Union. Ask lots of questions and find out where the company is based. If you submit your payment to a Philippines based company and the service is unacceptable, you may not have any options to get your money back. Don’t shop based on price alone. Consider the quality of service and reputation, and choose wisely.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway



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Thursday, February 10, 2011
Philippine Scammers Target Online Dating Members with Romance Scams

  • 2/10/2011
  • 1
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

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Friday, October 22, 2010
Philippines Private Investigators Work More Background Checks for Scams

Philippines Private Detectives & Background Checks














Philippines scams are booming. The largest private investigation company in the Philippines, Philippine PI™, recently reported significant rise in the number of internet dating scams affecting clients from the U.S., Europe, Canada & Australia. Investigators say the risk from romance scams and fraud in the Philippines is at high levels. A company spokesperson stated that background checks and investigations for romance scams are up 30%, and consumers should be extra cautious in relationships.

Philippines private investigators says fraud and scams are booming. Due diligence and pre-employment screening may be down, but infidelity and romance scam cases more than make up for any losses due to the bad economy. U.S-based Philippine PI expects to report a 25% growth rate for 2010 and cites risk related to romance scams and fraud as supporting the growth.

According to the Philippine PI™ management team, the focus on hiring the most qualified investigators has made all the difference. “We only hire and work with field investigators with a proven track record in military or law enforcement, and that has made all the difference,” said William Carter, Vice President of Private Investigations. “Corporate and individual clients rely on our expertise and coordination with agencies like the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).” Sources say the Company has contacts at embassies in Manila, the Philippines Bureau of Immigration, and the NSO (National Statistics Office).

Because of the global recession, economic opportunity in the Philippines is few and far between. Finding a good job or source of reliable income is harder than ever, according to many Filipinos in Manila, Cebu and Davao. This desperate environment has driven many Filipinas to work scams via the internet, in order to seek a possible better life, or to get a source of income, no matter what the cost. This activity is coming at an unfortunate time, when Philippines government agencies are struggling to improve the nation's international reputation. Detectives advise consumers and businesses to contact a competent Philippines PI for help with background checks, private investigation, pre-employment and due diligence, and to think of these investigation services as a form of insurance policy to minimize the known risk.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway

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