Showing posts with label russia pi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label russia pi. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Russian Dating Scams Still a Threat, say Investigators


















Russian brides are still in demand, despite the risks and potential pitfalls of seeking out and marrying a Russian beauty.  Western men continue to meet Russian women via the internet on the many websites that specialize in Russian connections, online dating, and match making for marriage.  Meanwhile, victims report higher and higher losses results from Russian dating scams that originate from social networking or online dating sites.  The most common victims come from the U.K., Canada, the U.S. and Australia, as these are the primary targets of Russian criminal conducting cyber crime.  More due diligence is needed to lower your risk.

Internet users have been constantly warned of the risks of relationships over the web, and yet, over 55 million USD was lost last year out of romance scams in Australia alone.  And that was just the reported number for 2011.  It is estimated that less than 10% of victims actually report the crime.  Victims often feel too ashamed and embarrassed to notify their local law police.

Anyone can be a victim of scam, as scammers are constantly evolving and finding new ways to trick their victims. Romance scammers arrange a convincing profile in dating sites like Match.com, Cupid, Facebook or any other and surprise their victims by assuring they are looking for love. Some scammers have become so sophisticated that have invested in software that can change their voices to avoid being caught in their lie.  They invest time and effort building their story and gaining your trust.  When the moment is right, experienced scammers can steal your money or your identity or both.  In some cases, they may never even ask for money, but may instead install a virus on your computer by sending you an email attachment.  Even the most skeptical can be fooled.

Experts say if you are considering a relationship in Russia, it is essential to contact a reputable private investigation firm to conduct a Russian background check to confirm the person of your interest is real. Most people have a hunch that they are being scammed but want to believe.  Others fail to see the warning signs, and think they are being cautious enough to avoid the risk.

Russian dating scams are often carried out by experienced criminals for financial gain only. Most of them use stolen photos from the internet, where there are billions to choose from.  In other cases, an actual model or female accomplice may be used to sit in on web cam sessions. Everything is a lie, well developed in order to get your money. It is a cruel game.

Russia PI™ offers professional services to minimize the risk in online dating.  Services include background checks, due diligence and dating background checks to avoid Russia dating scams. In matters of the heart and internet, verify your partner first, and then decide.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway


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Thursday, February 9, 2012
Russia Investigators Offer Tips on How to Avoid Russian Scams



For years Russians have ruled the market of online dating scams along with the Nigerians, Filipinos and Ukrainians. Russian private investigators from Russia PI™ have seen men from the western world loosing it all in the name of a false love relationships and business fraud.  There are many risks in the Baltic region, and although Russian bride scams are the most widely known, business fraud and  investment fraud in the region are also major burdens for foreigners.

Russian women often hide behind their fake profiles on dating and match making sites.  In other cases, it may not be a woman at all behind that beautiful photograph.  Fake businesses often have elaborate and impressive websites, but there may not be any real company.  No company registration, no real office, nothing.  Only a bank account where you can send your money.

Criminals often work from home or a cyber café, hiding behind false IP address and proxy servers, creating a complicated scam where you may not even know the person you’re communicating with is based in Russia.  He or she may have a U.S.  or U.K. address and phone number, and have the ID and documents and accent to match.  In short, these criminals are good at what they do.

The modus operandi is usually the same. You are contacted by email or social networking site, and there is romantic interest or a tempting business proposal.  Slowly, the criminal will work to gain your trust.  Once he or she has your trust, you might start to reveal your personal data, and this is where the damage is done.  Soon, you will lose your wallet, or jeopardize your entire company.

Scammers typically have some kind of complication, and need help with fees, processing, shipping or an emergency.  Or, a business scam can be so convincing, that you might send your funds to a lawyer or a China or U.K. or Switzerland bank account, only to find out later that the company didn’t exist.  Romance scammers are professionals and basically know the steps to take and the words to say for you to believe them. Your mind tells you something is not right, but your heart is eager to believe. The investment seems risky, but there is so much to gain… What to do?

When getting involved in internet relationships whether they are romantic, friendships or business it is always wise to check on the person you are getting involved with. Verify all international people and businesses.  There are professional investigation services available in Russia and the Ukraine that will find out the truth for you and will conduct a confidential investigation and verification process by a Russia private investigator.  If something does not feel right, listen to your instincts and contact a professional.  If everything seems perfect, perhaps too perfect, contact a reputable private investigator for a free consultation.  Finally, if there are no red flags but the person you are dealing with resides in Russia, be aware that Easter Europe is a high risk environment, and a complete background check or due diligence is always recommended.

Never send money or personal information to anyone abroad who has not been verified.  Ask for references and be careful about sharing your personal information.  Search Google to see what others are saying about the person or company.  Be skeptical and verify.

Best of luck,

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

  • 1/13/2012
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Online dating fraudsters are like wolves under the full moon in a hot summer night, and won’t hesitate to go after a victim once they’ve detected one. Awareness is your best ally when you have decided to join the lonely hearts club, looking for love over the internet. Russia just happens to be one of the highest risk countries in the world, say experts, so buyer beware.

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

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

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

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

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

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway
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Saturday, November 26, 2011
Russia Private Detectives Offer Checklist for Hiring Investigators



The Russian Federation has been favored with the increase of the use of technology and software development. It is the 10th largest economy in the world and the government has begun a project of country infrastructure development, with targets set for 2020. But Russia is also a well known country for the most terrible internet scams since the very early days of online fraud, from the typical romance scams to complex business scams and identiyy theft rings, defrauding individuals and companies in Western world of millions and millions of dollars. Many fake employers and job candidates can appear and disappear, changing identity to continue their crimes.

There are good and bad private investigators in Russia and Ukraine and there are lots of fraudsters claiming to offer intelligence and investigation services. Some websites appear to be professional, but when payment is sent, it is lost forever. Some private detectives attempt to do the work, while others simply take the money and run. Finding a reliable and trustworthy professional, with the proper training and resources, is not an easy task. How can you tell that you are hiring a reputable Russia private investigator? Here are some basic points to consider when selecting a Russia private investigator. This checklist can help you to avoid being a victim.

1. In the cyber age a company without a website is basically nonexistent or a scam. Walk away from a claimed “company” that has no professional website. Also, if their website looks unprofessional, it may be a sign that you’re dealing with an individual.

2. Investigators incur expenses when conducting real investigations. In today’s world, you often get what you pay for. If an investigator claims to be able to “easily” get the evidence you need and handle your case, at a great or very cheap price, be suspicious! Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Expect to pay a realistic price.

3. Walk away from investigation firms requesting Western Union or PayPal payments only. Professional and reliable investigators and real companies accept credit card payments and provide SSL secure check for payment via their website, or bank transfer.

4. If the investigator is unwilling to discuss your case over the phone, take your business elsewhere. A reputable private investigator may prefer email, but he or she should be willing to schedule a brief phone conversation to discuss your case and needs.

5. Search the internet for references on the company’s reputation. See if other people have complained or had good or bad experiences. If you’re still unsure, ask for references.

6. Look for privacy and trust seals like Truste, McAfee, Verisign and the Better Business Bureau. Private investigation involves sensitive information and should be a very discreet and confidential service. It’s essential that your private information stays private.

7. Make sure your investigators speaks and writes clear and proper English and responds to emails promptly and clearly. Customer service is part of the job and a good indication of what you can expect after you pay. Be skeptical, and ask questions.

These are just some basic facts to keep in mind when hiring Russia private investigators that can keep you safe from fraud and unreliable service. There are good PIs in Russia and the Ukraine, but there are no shortage of crooks out there, and incompetent and untrained investigators can lead to disaster. Stay safe and contract the services of a reliable professional.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Ukraine Background Checks Help Reduce Internet Risks



Cyber crime has surpassed the traditional form or crime in many countries around the world. A survey conducted by the government security department among British citizens revealed that over two million people have fallen victims of a scam or fraud over the internet, whether credit card electronic cloning, phishing and virtual auctions, romance scams, identity theft or account hacking. Countries like Britain and Germany are top users of the internet in the world along with the United States, though the extreme cautiousness of the Germans have kept them safer than most Americans, Canadians, British and Australians. The U.S. and U.K. rank as the leaders in internet victims compared to other countries, and sadly, the trend is only getting worse. The fact is criminals are advancing online faster than website security and law enforcement can keep up. One country that poses a major threat is the Ukraine, and caution is advised.

In Russia the panorama doesn’t look much different either. The internet represents good business for top technicians that develop anti- virus protection software and other security vendors on the internet, but on the other hand, Russia and the Ukraine are two countries widely known as one of the most professional and avant garde cyber criminals where romance scams and advance fee fraud are now a thing of the past, for amateurs really. The threat from the Ukraine and Russia is bigger, and criminals are after big money, targeting corporations and individual accounts.

Russia private investigators are very busy these days in their home country and also in the Ukraine. Clients range from multi-national corporations to small business owners to individuals. Internet extortion and hacking are the latest trend among criminals in the Ukraine, and it does not stop there. Russian criminals have now joined crime rings in other countries like China, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines, all together away millions from stolen credit cards, hacking bank account information and even extorting bank accounts holders in telephone scams. Investigators comment that even there has been some operations where over 1,500 fraudsters have been detained this year, criminals have become more effective, and the risk is high.

Security agencies around the world are starting to work together but it will take a long time for real progress to be made, according to industry experts and private investigators. The reason is that jurisdiction and language and cultural barriers make coordination among law enforcement a challenge, not to mention political conflicts where certain nations simply aren’t willing or interested in working together. Meanwhile, online scammers, fraudsters and extortionists will evolve and will become more capable and a greater threat. They target your account information, your personal data to be used for identity theft, and they are growing in number.

Investigators say internet users around the world need to understand that no site is 100% safe. Be very careful posting your private data on sites like Facebook and Match.com and other major social networking and online dating sites, where criminals often target potential victims. Be wary of suspicious emails and delete them. Never reveal your personal information over the phone or the internet to any person or business who has not been verified. If the person or company you’re dealing with is located in a foreign country, there is an increased risk for fraud. Proceed with caution and when in doubt, contact a reputable private investigation firm to discuss a Russia or Ukraine background check or due diligence investigation to minimize your risk online.

In today’s virtual world, it pays to be skeptical and cautious. Professional background checks are increasingly an effective tool in the battle against scam and fraud.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway 

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Friday, August 12, 2011
Russia Private Investigators Discuss Dating Scams


After several months of writing back and forth and even phone calls and web cam chats, there has never been a single request for money. And then, you take the relationship to the next level and would like to meet this beautiful woman. She seems perfect, but you are aware of the risk. Finally, the two of you agree that you will fly her to your home country. You agree to help her with her plane ticket, passport and visa. It will be an investment, and relatively expensive. You can’t put a price on love. You might also need to pay for a travel agency to help with her visa, or even help her with some bills so that she can leave work and visit you. Everything seems legit and you don’t mind helping out. You even provided her with a copy of your passport, so her travel agent has all your information and can expedite your visa. She has pictures of you, your address, a copy of your passport, and your home phone number and date of birth. You send the money, and she has all your personal details. You’ve just been a victim and it’s about to get worse.  Welcome to Russian dating scams.

Next you might find yourself in London or Toronto or New York or Sydney airport waiting for your online romance. She’s your perfect match. You might buy some roses or chocolates to surprise her when she lands. You’re ready for the grand rendez vous. All passengers are finally arriving and you’re looking for her among the passengers. She never showed. What happened?

You rush home to check your email to find out what happened. Finally, she contacts you. There’s been a problem. Things are complicated. For one reason or another, she wasn’t able to visit you and she’s in serious problems. She’s sorry but she needs your help more than ever.  What should you do?

Russia private investigators say this is a common scenario in romance scams involving Russian women. The sad fact of the matter is, in this case, the victim lost thousands of dollars, and even had his identity stolen (after providing all his details). Romance scams and Russian internet fraud is serious business, and there are many victims. The risk is high and relationships should be verified. Experienced criminals can fool just about anyone, so don’t think it couldn’t happen to you – it could. Scammers target victims on sites like Match.com, eHarmony and Facebook, and Russian bride sites, but if you’re on the internet meeting people, you’re at risk.

Detectives in Moscow deal with these situations on a regular basis. American, Canadian and British and Australian men have been duped and devastated, by the thousands. And to make matters worse, experts say the internet crimes and scam levels are actually rising.  Investigators say caution is advised.

Money often flows down the drain after falling for a beautiful blue eyed Russian or Ukrainian woman. Investigators say be skeptical, very skeptical. Avoid providing personal details and data, and any request for money should be a major red flag. If in doubt, contact a reputable Russia private detective such as Russia PI™ for verification and evidence on the subject.

Private investigators around the world and particularly in Russia and the Ukraine keep telling us to be careful and not to hesitate to verify any relationship that begins on the internet. Professional and discreet background check investigations can save you time and money, and lots of heartache. Experts say it’s a wise form of insurance to lower your risk online.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway




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Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Background checks for Russian Brides



Men in the western world seem to be getting more aware of the risks involved in online dating due to the increasing amount of information available online, where victims and Russia private investigators have played a leading role in letting people know about the rising risk of romance scams.

Russia, the Ukraine, the U.K. and Spain are the among the European countries that have seen a significant increase in internet based crime, romance scams, marriage fraud and other forms of advance fee fraud. These cases affect individuals around the world, primarily in countries such as Canada, the U.S. and Australia, and the scams usually target English speakers. This growing type of fraud and crime takes in millions of dollars every year, and law enforcement agencies such as Interpol and the FBI have yet to develop an adequate system or technique to prevent and identify these online criminals.

According to an investigation conducted by Forrester Research Inc., a technology and market research company, online dating is now the third largest producer of revenue among all paid content sites, generating more than 950 million USD every year, a figure that they point out will increase 10% by 2013. Romance scams has been around for centuries, but the internet has helped such con artists to gain easy access to false identities, aliases and stolen profiles from public records and online dating and social networking websites, such as Match.com and Facebook. These people are professional criminals that know the emotional strings to pull to make you fall for them, and their one target is your money.

How to tell when are you at risk? Of course following your gut instinct is vital. If you detect information that seems false, or if the situation seems too good to be true, it’s a major red flag. Be very skeptical of requests for money, accidents, inheritances, emergencies, international romances that require some form of assistance with a visa or passport, request for assistance with airfare or education, etc. Scammers will often claim to be in an accident or in a desperate situation involving themselves or family. The key is to never provide payment or personal data to anyone via the internet who has not been verified. If you feel there is a potential for a real relationship, and your partner is overseas, consider contacting a professional private investigator to verify the individual, to make sure you know who you’re dealing with.

Russians are known for their beauty, but often times there is a criminal behind the beautiful photos. Some criminal operations are run by men, and may be connected to organized crime in Moscow. Russia background checks are advised and strongly advised given the high degree of risk in Eastern Europe. When dating online or using social networking sites, be skeptical. When in doubt, contact a reputable private investigation firm or international background check company. Such confidential services can lower the risk for fraud, give you peace of mind, and let you focus on the relationship.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway.

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