Showing posts with label u.k. private investigators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label u.k. private investigators. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
U.K. Private Investigators See Internet Fraud Risk Growing

 

In the United Kingdom, 3.5 million people have been victims of fraud and scam over the internet and the average amount of money lost per person is £875.  Most of these scam victims were targeted when shopping online, phishing scams or online dating or romance scams.  Experts say the reported cases are far lower than the actual numbers, as most victims feel too ashamed to report the crime to authorities, and it is estimated that only 1 out of 5 victims report internet crimes to the police or government.  As a result, governments don’t know how serious the problem has become.  Private investigators, on the other hand, are overwhelmed with requests. While the government is considering internet security a top priority, the population still believes it is its own responsibility to stay safe while surfing or connecting online. Most users think they know the basics of internet safety to keep away from scams, but statistics indicate otherwise.

U.K. investigators confirm that one of the main reasons internet users are hacked is because of the careless attitude they have over their passwords, making accounts easy to hack. Bank and financial institutions report that there should be a co- responsibility between the institutions and the users, and some users claim that internet providers should also share responsibility for protecting consumers.  The blame and finger pointing goes around,  as no one wants to take the responsibility, and no one yet knows how to effectively deal with the growing problem.

Truth is that the same amount of precaution should be taken online just as when you walk to an ATM or the physical bank itself. You don’t share your PIN or account number with anyone, therefore online should be the same. And even some people believe they know the basics to be safe online while doing any transactions involving their finances and banking, there is a high number of users that cannot tell the difference between a bogus phishing email versus an official email.  And as criminals improve their methods, sometimes there is no way to be sure.

Bankers recommend that whenever you get a communication from any bank institution you are related with, to always verify if it is legitimate by calling the bank to confirm. Some cyber criminals send emails pretending to be a bank, charity or financial institution to get users account information very easily. In other cases, internet criminals may target victims on online dating sites and social networks, where internet users throw caution to the wind, and “share” everything that criminals need to steal your identity.  Consumers should guard their personal data, and keep it off the internet as much as possible.  The more personal data about you on the internet, the higher your risk.

U.K. private investigators recommend always verifying your contacts and relations whether over the internet or in person and to conduct international background checks to verify any person or business overseas.  The risk for fraud is growing, so stay vigilant and verify. 

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
U.K. Background Checks Fight Scams

Background Checks & Investigators in Demand








The global recession and economic turmoil worldwide has fueled a rise in international scams and advance fee fraud cases. One nation that has seen a significant increase is the United Kingdom, where complaints and reports of scam and fraud cases have skyrocketed. According to one source, internet and dating scams reported to the MET (Metropolitan Police Service) in London have nearly doubled since the recession officially began in 2008. Consumers have become more educated in knowing the warning signs, but unfortunately the crimes keep evolving.

Although the online scams and fraud vary from case to case, by far the most common form is the classic advance fee fraud. In this type of scam or fraud, which can take on the form of endless combinations and scenarios, an advance fee is always required to recieve something in exchange, whether it be an insurance settlement, an inheritance, an arrival of a loved one (such as purchasing the plane ticket for an online dating partner) or the delivery of goods. Advance fee fraud effects individuals and organizations alike, and almost no one is immune.

Private investigators operating in the U.K. and elsewhere in Europe report sizeable increases in the demand for international background checks. Clients want to be sure they're not going to be a victim, and in other cases when it is too late to screen for fraud, clients are seeking justice or a recovery of financial losses.

Industry experts suggest the high level of criminal activity via the internet in West Africa is partly to blame. Another factor in the scam cases involving online relationships is the simple fact that more people are dating, communicating and starting relationships (business and personal) via the Internet. Dating background checks are strongly advised. Online dating sites are rapidly attracting new customers, and new sites are booming.

Professional investigators advise consumers to get a U.K. background check early in the relationship, rather than wait until it is too late. Play it safe, and consider a background check investigation as a form of insurance. Lastly, be skeptical for financial requests and situations that seem too good to be true. Don't reveal any personal data that could be used against you without having the subject verified by a professional investigator or reputable background check firm.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway
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