Showing posts with label uk background checks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uk background checks. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
UK Background Checks Used for Online Dating














Romance scams is the most common form of scam involving users of social networking and online dating sites, which usually come disguised as a friendly or innocent contact, and even the most skeptical can fall victim or become targets. Of course, regions of the world like West Africa, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia and others lead the way in originating scam cases, but the business is profitable. Criminals now operate or have accomplices operating in the U.K. and the U.S., so it is no longer a developing country threat. Romance scams can and do originate from just about everywhere, and if you use online dating, caution and background checks are advised. In the U.K., consumers are increasingly relying on professional background check firms to verify their online partners, and avoid the risk from romance scams and internet fraud.

Romance scammers trap their victims with proven credible stories and slowly gain your trust. Once that’s attained they set the trap and eventually, the victim will usually fall for it. Most victims say the scammer never asked for money, so they didn’t understand how it could be a risk? Caution: Many criminals many never ask for your money directly, but slowly gather information about you which can be used to steal your identity or even blackmail you down the road. The threat is real and yes, even in the U.K., scammers are operating and targeting other U.K. citizens online.

Money requests come usually in the form of an emergency that can’t wait or a settlement, an inheritance or the arrival of your loved one – to purchase their flight ticket or pay for passport or visa or a custom permission, investment, loan, etc. Advance fee fraud affects millions of British nationals year after year and basically no person, company or organization is 100% immune.

Online dating sites such as Match.com, eHarmony, Facebook and countless others have no effective way to screen their millions of users and subscribers for possible fraud.

Private investigators operating in the U.K. have reported notable increase in the demand for professional dating background checks by reputable private investigation firms. As clients want to be sure they're not going to be the next victim, many are playing it safe and verifying their online partner. Experts say it’s a wise insurance policy to have in today’s high risk world.

It is important that if you are considering getting involved in an online relationship you should check the person in the early beginning of the relationship, rather than to wait when it is too late and nothing can be done. When romance scams come from Nigeria, Ghana, the Philippines, Russia, the Ukraine or Colombia, losses are nearly impossible to recover. Verify first, and then decide if the relationship is right for you. Protect your private information, and stay skeptical!

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway


Read more
Thursday, February 9, 2012
UK Private Investigators Advise Caution in Social Networks



Mark Zuckerberg and his billion dollar company is going public and soon investors around the world will be able to buy shares of one of the most successful internet companies.  If you have a Facebook profile, did you know that your information is being sold along with that IPO?  That’s right, by sharing all that private information, Facebook has sold everything they know about you to third parties, companies, advertisers and other unknown buyers.  You are for sale, and Facebook and other social networking sites want you to share all the information you can!

There are over 750 million users who have helped Mr. Zuckerberg earn more money than most people can dream of.  His secret, using your private information without your knowledge, and then selling that information for the highest price possible, to as many buyers as possible.  And Facebook is not alone (although Google and Facebook rank the worst in violating user’s privacy).  What you share on the internet, and even your searching online is being watched. 

If a person and his company getting super rich thanks to all your sharing of personal information on his website without offering you any reward for your valuable information isn’t enough reason for you to think twice about Facebook, perhaps you should pay attention to all the risks involved in all this sharing.  Law enforcement and UK private investigators say increasing numbers of crimes are being committed by using information found on the internet, and users of social networking sites such as Linkedin, Facebook and countless others are prime hunting grounds for criminals.  All that you share is not private, even if you think it is only seen by your friends.  The information is being sold and shared, and Big Brother is watching you.  Google and Facebook are busy compiling extensive information about you, so you can be sold to companies and advertisers.

Facebook violates your privacy right and that is a crime, according to the U.S. constitution (4rth Amendment). With its new application Timeline, Facebook makes more public information you posted since the first day you joined the network, and that includes thoughts, shares, pictures and comments you did in other friends’ profiles. That is a risk even if you are trying to find a better job or you just changed your political or religious views from those you had 2 or 4 years ago.

Posting employment and education information online, and your date of birth, full name, etc is  a fast way to be a victim of identity theft.  Think your full name and age on the internet is safe to publish?  Think again.  Sites that blatantly publish your private data without your consent such as PeopleFinders, Intelius, MyLife and Spokeo make it easy for criminals and others to find your information, including your siblings, date of birth and address.  Google Maps and other sites even put a picture of your home on the internet, so criminals know how to get there.

Most of the people accessing your information on the internet are probably law abiding citizens,  But, mixed in with them are cyber criminals, rapists, pedophiles, business frauds and con artists, romance scammers and even murderers around the world.  Social networking sites are the choice among criminals to learn about you, stalk you, and gather information to steal your identity, money or even cause you or your family physical harm.  Be safe, think twice when posting on social networking sites and remember, your private information is valuable – guard it.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway
Read more
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
UK Background Checks Advised to Avoid Online Fraud

  • 7/06/2011

The world has been economically struggling for the past three years. In the U.K. alone, economists affirm it has been the worst crisis since 1996; its inflation rate is compared to that of July ’08 when the global crisis was emerging. In Europe, Greece, Spain and Ireland are showing serious and real signs of collapsing, and developed economies like Germany are contemplating offering more financial assistance.

This has lead to worse migration trends and it seems that the U.K. is the number one spot for Greeks, Spaniards, Turks and anyone willing to cross the British Channel in search of a brighter future. UK private investigators  say this uncontrolled immigration is increasing crime rates, and putting serious pressure ont eh country. In fact, the U.K. has seen a sharp rise in online scams and internet fraud. Such criminal operations are often ran by criminal groups who are in the country illegally, or recently migrated.

In 2009 alone, online businesses in the U.K. experienced a notable percentage of lost revenue due to increasing internet fraud and hacking. Online merchants expect to lose 1.8% of their overall online revenue due to fraudulent online payments, an average of £400,000 in lost in revenue across all types of business. Threat s include payment fraud, inaccurate client data, system failure, virus threats and hackers causing malicious damage in which Germany is the most affected country in Europe. The U.S., Canada and Australia are often the targets. The Metropolitan Police Service in London and U.K. private investigators say that criminal operations conducting internet fraud often have ties to Russia, Spain, China and Nigeria.

As the economic problems continue, law enforcement and experts say that fraud and scams via the internet will likely continue and even increase. Criminals are looking for an easy way to make money. Scams can target businesses and even individuals on sites like Match.com and Facebook, with relationship fraud and romance scams. Consumers and business should consider a UK background check  to verify and new relationships or contacts made online in the U.K., for individuals and business. Verify first, and then decide. International due diligence by a professional private investigator or background check firm can be used as a form of insurance to minimize the risk. Be skeptical, ask for references, and experts say never provide payment or personal information to a person or company overseas who has not been verified.

International private investigators are specialists trained to uncover critical information about a company or a person and can save you from business losses and emotional distress, not to mention identity theft and serious financial and personal losses. Protect your business transactions, your finances and reputation. Unfortunately, in today’s global and internet world, people and businesses are easy to forge, and although most businesses and people are honest, due diligence is essential to avoiding scams and fraud.

Fraudsters these days are well organized, sophisticated and evolving. The risk is highest for international transactions, relationships and investments, and the U.K. is struggling to control this escalating crime. Until the situation improves, a background check or due diligence, and extra caution is advised.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway

Read more
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
UK Private Investigators See Risk in Online Dating Scams













There is a relatively new internet threat which seems to be hitting the U.K. harder than all other scams and combined. Use of online dating and social networking sites in the United Kingdom is up over 100% compared to 2007, so there are now more people than ever in the UK online and starting new relationships online. It seems the entire country is wired to Facebook and Twitter. The subscription rate to match-making sites such as Match.com is also remarkably high. The growth in subscribers to these websites has been matched or even exceeded by the reported growth in online dating scams and romance scams , coming from the U.K. or involving the U.K. London based private investigators, in fact, admit that 5 years ago a request to investigate a romance scam was not very common. These days, they receive calls regarding romance scams on a near daily basis, according to one major London private investigation firm. UK private investigators are working more cases pertaining to online dating and social networking sites. Clients want to know who is, or who was the person they were talking to. Complaints at the MET (Metropolitan Police Service) in London also have reported a sharp increase in complaints involving romance scams and internet fraud.

Romance scams are old news, and only a dummy could be a victim, right? Wrong, say law enforcement and private investigators. Wymoo® International, a U.S. based company with field investigators in London, says that complaints and cases involving UK romance scams are up 35% at the company compared to 2009. “We’re seeing an increase in scam cases that have a higher level of sophistication, and more complex scam techniques are being used,” said John Wallace, Director of Background Checks at the firm. “Many cases involve professional criminals who operate in the UK as illegal or undocumented immigrants, and often times these people have ties to criminal organizations in Nigeria and other developing countries.
“Criminals are quite good, and their goal is to gain your trust, and then steal your money or identity. Experts say that even the most skeptical can fall for a romance scam or internet fraud. Often people publish private information on Facebook or Match.com or via email which they might not realize can be used against them. Once a criminal has your address, full name and date of birth, he is 3 steps closer to stealing your identity. Other romance scams follow a more classic approach, and once the trust and relationship is established, he or she will request financial assistance with a visa or passport, medical expenses, travel or education.

But, these scams won’t happen to me, you say. You only use the major websites that everyone else uses, and you’ve never had any problem. Letting your guard down is perhaps the telling sign of most victims of internet fraud and romance scam. Private investigators and law enforcement say to remain skeptical and be cautious in all online relationships. If there are signs of potential, and it seems like the relationship could develop into something serious, play it safe, and consider a background check or international background check if your partner lives or works in another country. Be safe and verify.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway

Read more
Thursday, February 10, 2011
UK Private Investigators - Buyer's Guide

Insider Tips on Choosing a UK Private Investigator










There is no shortage of UK private investigator and UK background check websites offering services in major cities throughout England, Ireland and Scotland. What is suprising, however, is that few of them are highly recommended. Many private detectives or websites, even some ranking very well in Google, are scams. Clients often find themselves sending money to a UK private investigator only later to see the work isn't done at all and their money stolen, or receive an unacceptable service. Such complaints are increasingly common. As an international private investigator, I receive a lot of requests for recommendations on a UK private detective or background check firm. Hopefully this article will make choosing a UK based PI much easier.

When shopping for a professional and trained UK private investigator, be very skeptical of anyone asking for payment to be sent via Western, Money Gram, PayPal or bank transfer. A real company and professional firm should accept payment via a secure website, using your credit or debit card. Criminals and scammers prefer Western Union or bank transfer, because once the money is sent, there is no way to get the money bank. A professional investigation firm offers payment by credit card. If for any reason there is a problem, you have the option of calling your credit card company and reporting the fraud. Payment by PayPal is fine, just be advised that this is often the sign of an individual, and not a real company. PayPal accounts are easy to set up, and it's not the hallmark of a big company or firm. If this is the only form of payment offered, be very skeptical.

Don't overlook the obvious. Make sure the investigator has offices or field investigators in the UK. No exceptions. No excuse.

ASK FOR A CLIENT REFERRAL. The UK is one of the countries where scam private investigator websites and criminals posing as private detectives is all too common. Be sure to get a client referral or even two before deciding. Ask where he or his investigators received their professional training, and if they have military or law enforcement training experience. In some cases someone with a professional looking website will take a client's money for surveillance, and provide an email paragraph for a report, with no photos! Equally bad, a company or person will purchase a UK background check, and the person won't do anything, and send an email or generic report claiming everything came back clean. This is plain fraud, and criminal acts conducted by individuals in the UK or elsewhere. Always ask for a referral. Also search Google for the name of the investigator or company to see what others are saying. Good companies have people talking, so consider no reference the same as a bad reference.

After your initial research, see if the investigator responds promptly and professionally to your email questions. If you have additional questions, or just want to chat about your case, see if the investigator is available for a phone conversation. This is an excellent way to see what kind of service to expect. Red flags should go up if the investigator claims to be "in meetings" or otherwise unavailable. Most scammers prefer to do their dirty work over email, although some will also take phone calls, so use this as just another tool in the selection process. Lastly, check the website for trust seals such as Verisign, Truste, Better Business Bureau and McAfee. These are organizations that help narrow the options down for you, and BBB makes it easy to see if there have been any previous complaints or problems.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway
Read more
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
Read more
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)