Showing posts with label uk private investigators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uk private investigators. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
UK Private Investigators Busy with Online Dating













Internet frauds and scams from the U.K. keep rising as the economy worsens for the European Union and the U.K.  In the midst of a possible breakup of the Euro zone, bank runs, uncontrolled illegal immigration from developing countries, and other problems, internet crime and fraud are booming.  Perhaps the U.K. has other bigger fish to fry, but many U.K. victims are demanding their government do something to put the internet criminals behind bars, and online dating and social networking sites do more to protect users.  And the risk is only getting worse.

It takes guts, greed and certain strategic thinking to be a successful scammer. You also need to have certain expertise in internet marketing, psychology and a good source of internet access, that usually comes from internet cafés where it can be different to track your activity.  The availability of internet access all over the city of London, is a great advantage to the criminal conducting online fraud and scams, with even less ways to trace their location where they operate.

UK private investigators try to continuously raise awareness among the internet community, not only back home in Britain, but all over the world.  As romance scams are a growing threat in different parts of the world, targeting western countries mostly, it is important for internet users to know the warning signs.  The U.K. is an interesting market as it has both sides of the story; there are romance scammers located in the U.K. and also, there are many victims. Britain is the second nation in the world, after the U.S. that is most often targeted by romance scams, and loses millions of pounds each year from internet scams.  The global loss from romance scams and fraud is in the billions!  The exact numbers are not known, as most victims never report the crime.

Some experts explain that it is the gloomy weather and somehow the busy business life of average Britons that have kept them an easy target for scammers.  Scammers can operate within the U.K. or from Nigeria and Ghana, Malaysia or the Philippines, Russia and the Ukraine, South Africa, and so on.  British hearts get broke and their bank accounts drained along the way. It is no more about just getting spam mail in your inbox, but the intrusion and violation of trust and privacy.  Romance scams leave victims with a big financial loss and serious emotional heartache.

Dating background checks are now helping internet users stay safe in the U.K., and in fact, if the trend continues, the U.K. could see a meaningful drop in the crime.  More British citizens are now aware of the risk, and choosing to go with a reputable private investigation firm for background check investigation and due diligence, to be sure their online contact is legit.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2013 A Hathaway 
 

Read more
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
UK Due Diligence a Growing Business













Business fraud has increased in recent years as the U.K. economy continues to struggle to get back on its feet.  With business fraud and investment scams rising, small firms and corporations find themselves targeted by false offers, and criminals seeking a quick financial gain.  Everything from fictitious companies and investments, to complex stock offers and other fraud types are a growing problem in the U.K.  An industry that is benefiting from the rise is UK private investigators and UK due diligence services designed to verify business deals and minimize risk.

According to the Price Waterhouse Coopers, the amount of businesses suffering from economic crimes has been rising since 2009, targeting top executives in at least 54 countries.  Out of 3,000 surveys, 84% of them are located in the U.S. or the U.K.  Some even been scammed by their own employees and people of trust inside their own operations. These U.K. businesses who engage in business relationships in Eastern Europe are at an even higher risk for fraud.

Small businesses, not only in the U.K., do not verify their employment candidates and business partners as well as they should, according to a recent report by the National Fraud Authority in London.  Many companies mistakenly consider verification services a waste of money.  Reputable private investigation firms say due diligence and background check services are a wise insurance to have in today’s world and markets. Company verification, asset searches, background checks and international due diligence is key to minimizing risk for small and large companies.

If companies and business leaders could foresee the potential damage that one scammer or criminal can make, more CEO’s and directors of risk management departments, would consider the services well worth paying for.  Internet criminals, fraudulent and false companies, and scammers offering false investments can not only be expensive, but they can bring a company down.  It’s not uncommon to suffer from serous losses after getting involved in a fraudulent deal, or even battle the case out for years legally in court and public.  The consequences are best to avoid.

The times we are living in where the internet has broken borders, has lead to increased international relationships.  More people are interested to look far beyond their domestic markets to become wealthier or increase profitability, or to find new and existing markets.  Such international deals are inherently risky, and new contacts and providers and suppliers should be vetted.  HR and other in house personnel lack the training and experience to properly verify, so many companies in London are now relying on experienced and highly trained international investigators. 
 
Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2013 A Hathaway

Read more
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
UK Dating Scams a Serious Risk, Say London Investigators



According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the U.K. is the seventh strongest economy in the world and the third among the members of the European Union, just below Germany and France. Through the years the British nation has been home to millions of illegal from Spain, Turkey and other countries from Europe, and Africa. The U.K. is the capital of the financial markets for Europe in many respects, and a strong link for those countries and the NYSE in America.

Nest to the industrialized world, Britain has historically learnt to go with the flow and remains a powerful country despite wars, inflation, taxes, middle ground prime ministers, media scandals and beautiful duchesses. The Brits in some regards have had their guards down. During this time of lax enforcement and awareness, immigrants have all but taken over the country, and online scams and fraud have reached out of control levels. UK dating scams are among the worst.

With half of countries in the old continent succumbing to bad economies, the British are now a prime target for internet scammers operating in Eastern Europe in countries like Romania, the Ukraine and Russia. Not to mention Spain, the Philippines, Malaysia and West Africa. Criminals from all over the worlds are mixing in with honest British folks seeking romance online.

A report by the Serious Organized Crime Association (SOCA, U.K.), claims that one person out of 50 has been a victim of online dating scams in the U.K. Considering the large number of subscribers, this is an alarming number of victims. There were 592 reported cases in 2011 of online dating fraud in which victims’ lost from £5,000 to £24,900 each, on average, and yet, SOCA affirms that numbers are likely much higher as not all cases are reported to authorities.

London private investigators say fraudsters see the U.K. as a very profitable country for romance scams just after the U.S., Canada and Australia, and advise to conduct dating background checks to very new relationships online. Internet criminals and scammers are increasingly using complex tactics to target potential victims, and anyone can be a victim. It’s best to verify.

Romance over the internet is a fact of modern life, and whether it’s Match.com, eHarmony, ChristianSingles, Zoosk or Facebook or one of the countless other sites for online dating and social networking, UK private investigators say it’s important for consumers to know that no site is immune from fraud. Subscribers need to be skeptical and not reveal personal information. Experts strongly advise against providing personal data or payment to anyone overseas without first having the person or business verified by a reputable private investigation company.

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
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
UK Private Investigators Share Tips to Avoid Hacking Threat



The U.K. faces the first trial against the head of one of the most popular tabloids in Britain, Rupert Murdock and The News. Such a trail was never conducted before as press would always claim freedom of speech rights towards journalism. Not in this case, Murdock and The News went too far, as this case involves the newspaper paying hackers to help their reporters get the hottest front page coverage. The risk from hackers is a threat to everyone in society.

British actor Hugh Grant claimed during his appearance in court last Tuesday that not only the paper published very intimate information about politicians and show business people such as medical records or voice mail messages and private pictures of personal life scenes, but also even broke in the house of people and even sometimes put their lives in danger just to get a headline. But not only politicians or actors and actresses are threatened every day with hacking risks. In this era of information and internet, we all are exposed. Companies and individuals.

UK private investigator and Director or Background checks at Wymoo International, John Wallace, offers some tips about how we avoid the threat from internet hackers.

1. Some people are easy prey when it comes to hackers. Free anti- virus software in many cases is not enough, and many computer users at home and at work fail to recognize the warning signs. Good anti-virus software may slow your computer down, but the benefits outweigh the negative. Get a good anti-virus program, and keep it updated.

2. Avoid Outlook and Outlook Express email software, as it can be more vulnerable.

3. In your electronic devices like PC, laptop, mobiles; online email accounts and other services you use online, like banking, for example, DO NOT use the same password for all of them. Think of a good combination of letters and symbols and numbers. In addition, change your passwords frequently and keep them stored off your computer.

4. If banking or money transactions are made online, verify the site has SSL and is a secure website by having an https: URL. Check for the local on your browser. Use websites that are verified by trust marks like Trustee, MacAfee or the Better Business Bureau.

5. Never log into online banking or transmit sensitive data when using a public network such as a hotel, airport, or café. Select ‘public network’ and be aware of increased risk.

6. Malicious phishing sites often impersonate legitimate websites, in order to steal your credit card numbers, passwords and other personally identifying information. Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, or emails that look slightly unusual or contain strange links. If there is any doubt, never click on the link. Go to the website directly using your browser.

If you notice anything that does not add up, a new friend or business partner claiming things thatare too good to be true, or just have an uneasy feeling about someone, email or website or product online, be safe and consider an international background check which can be a valuable tool in mitigating risk, and verifying any unknown person or company online or offline.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 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
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)