Showing posts with label dating scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dating scams. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
The Global Impact of South African Scams












If you ever thought that getting ripped off by your online date or by finding out that he or she was not who she claimed to be was a shock, prepare yourself for the new and improved scams!  Internet criminals are getting more creative all the time, and finding new ways to drain your bank account is what they do best.  One of the newest schemes in online scams involves death threats and blackmail, and they are highly effective in getting victims to cooperate.  Romance scams are reaching new levels, and law enforcement in Johannesburg say crime syndicates operated by illegal immigrants from Nigeria are leading the way in South Africa.  The growing fraud is causing serious harm to South Africa's reputation.

Despite being Africa's most advanced country, South Africa has been ranked among the highest risk in the world in this 2012 Cyber Crime Report, right after Russia and China. This country has become not only a focus of attacks, affecting local people with phishing and fake websites, but it is also a school for many others on the arts of scamming.  Illegal immigrants often come from West Africa for a better quality of life, and then create shop in South Africa, where they can apply Nigerian crime tactics from South Africa, where victims perceive less risk.  Nigerians are migrating all over the world in fact, conducting fraud from Malaysia, U.K. and even the U.S.  Although it is hard to account for losses, 2013 will see significantly higher losses as cyber-crime continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Online scams continue to be very lucrative for fraudsters. Millions of dollars from love scams are sent every month from the U.S., U.K. and Australia to Nigeria and Ghana. West Africa is the hot zone for cyber criminals, and it is the highest risk zone in the world.  The problem is, criminals are now exporting their activity and working with accomplices in other countries, so a Nigerian scam, for example, can now take place from the U.K. or South Africa, or nearly anywhere on the globe.  Most of the con artists continue to be the nice person you meet on an online date, who suddenly has financial trouble and needs help. But, some fraudsters have found that threatening can be a more effective way of getting what they want. Imagine how would you feel if you suddenly received a death threat or blackmail from someone you met online?  Ever do a video chat or send a nude photo?  This is the perfect blackmail, and criminals can threaten you that your entire family and co-workers will see the content if you don't pay.

Criminals are use online dating and social media sites as a means to obtaining your personal information. Once they have your name, address and information about your work and family, they can start with the threats, or even steal your identity if you share too much online. The less they know about you, the safer you are.  Investigators say a background check is your best protection.

The chances of death threats and blackmail to materialize are low, but the panic is greater than anything and people end up sending the money. If you are a user of online dating sites, there are a couple of things you can do. First, protect your personal information and share less. Do not share anything that may be used to harm you. Second, if you are getting serious about someone, verify you are not being a victim of a South Africa scam.  Contact a reputable investigation firm with experienced investigators in Cape Town or Johannesburg, so you know the person you're talking to is the real.


 A. Hathaway
© 2013 A Hathaway

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Dating Scams a Common Case for Private Investigators

  • 10/22/2013
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It is unfortunate, but true. Romance scams are one of the most common reasons why people need to hire a private investigator in today's world.  Of course, infidelity, pre employment screenings and due diligence are also common reasons, but the fact remains, romance scams have led to a steady demand for background checks.  Single people experience pressure from their friends, from their families, co-workers, neighbors, etc to meet someone. Just about anyone you know, if you're single, is trying to help you find that special someone.  Society and human nature indicates being single is just “not right.  This feeling and pressure to meet someone often leads people to start the search online, when the real world turns up no luck.  A quick review of online dating sites shows the industry has flourished and many relationships are now started online.  With this popularity, has come a significant number of dating scams.

Many private investigation companies in the U.S. agree.  When they receive a call or email from a new client, there's a good chance the call is pertaining to a romantic relationship.  And in many of those cases, the client has been a victim of romance scam or dating scam, whether they realize it or not.  The fact is, finding your match online is no easy task, and many people are unaware of the risk involved.  if you take a look at online dating statistics, surveys conducted in the United States show 87% of people think online dating is a good way to find a partner. Social gatherings or dating someone from work is an option for many people, so with limited options, many try their luck online.

With love scams now being widely published in the media, the general public and law enforcement agencies are more aware of the risk.  So, why is it that private investigators say the number of clients from dating scams continue to rise?  The answer is simple.  William Carter, Vice President of Private Investigation for Philippine PI™, explains that criminals are learning faster than the public, and are staying one step ahead.  In other words, as soon as law enforcement and the public knows about one red flag, internet scammers will change their tactics, and use new approaches to scam victims.  Dating scams, like all other fraud, continues to evolve and the internet is a great hunting ground.  Philippines investigators know better than most, as the Philippines is a high risk country for scams.  Charles Alden, CEO of Russia PI™ agrees, and says "scammers routinely change their profile."

For many, getting online dating checks has become a routine, must have form of insurance to keep you safe in the world of online dating.  This is certainly a good first step of precaution.  However, private investigators say that even when you meet in person, a dating scam or relationship fraud is always possible, so it's important to verify your potential mate in both online and offline worlds.

A. Hathaway
© 2013 A Hathaway



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Tuesday, November 27, 2012
10 Tips to Avoid Dating Scams













Being a victim of scam or fraud on the internet is a horrible experience. It can take a major emotional and financial toll on you and your loved ones, and can be completely devastating. Making matters worse, many victims find that law enforcement is unable or unwilling to assist in these cases, where criminals often reside and operate overseas in developing countries. Even when the evidence is clear, it can be hard to go after criminals and recover losses.

Among the global victims, the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia lose the most. Annual losses in these countries are in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Experts say that even though internet users have become more educated and skeptical about meeting people online, criminals continue to stay ahead of the curve, and by using new techniques and methods, scams are rising.

International investigators urge internet users to be skeptical, and guard your personal information such as full name, address, date of birth, and so on. Never share ID numbers or credit card numbers with individuals you have never met in person, and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Although scams are evolving, the request for money is always the traditional and most important red flag. Be very skeptical of anyone who claims to be in trouble, danger or in a bad situation that requires your help and your money. Be extra careful when communicating with companies or individuals in high risk countries, such as Nigeria or Ghana in West Africa; Russia, Romania or the Ukraine in Eastern Europe; Philippines or Malaysia in Southeast Asia; and Colombia in Latin America. Ignoring the risk online can lead to major real world problems.

To lower your risk, investigators advise background check investigations to determine if the person is real or a scammer. Professional investigators can verify a person’s identity and background.

Below are some tips to avoid romance scams and internet fraud.

1. Keep personal data to yourself. Scammers rely on the confidence they get from you to have you provide them with information such as full name, date of birth or any other data to use against you, whether to scam you or blackmail you. Share less!

2. Google it! A good start can be searching the subject’s name and email address on Google. It may not tell you much, but it is worth checking to see if someone else has commented on the person. Sometimes, a quick internet search can reveal past fraud cases.

3. Use paid online dating sites only. While major sites like Match.com and eHarmony are not immune from fraud, by any stretch of the imagination, they do have a slightly higher level of protection than some of the other free sites, so it’s worth considering.
4. Stay on the dating site. Many criminals soon after meeting you want you to stop communicating through the dating site or social network site like Facebook. They want to email you directly and call you directly. Keep the barriers between you in place to keep you safe, and use secure emails provided by Match.com and Facebook and others.

5. Don’t open attachments from strangers. Some criminals now send attachments to their chat mates which can install viruses on your computer to steal your passwords and even your identity. If you don’t know the person well, avoid opening email attachments.

6. Be skeptical of soldier stories. Military scams are up sharply, so if you are communicating with a soldier who claims to be in Iraq or Afghanistan, for example, be skeptical!

7. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. If you met Mr. or Ms. Perfect online and they fell in love with you overnight, don’t get too caught up in the story. Ask yourself if there are any red flags. If you’re not sure, contact a reputable international investigator for help.

8. Avoid scams with emergency or money needed. If you’ve met someone online who claims to have a major emergency, traveling abroad, or needs money, this is a major red flag and you may be communicating with a criminal. Stop and consider the risks.

9. Never send money to any person you’ve never met. No excuses.

10. Consult a professional. International private investigators and professional background check investigations can verify individuals, check identity, and screen for fraud. If you have met someone on the internet and think there is potential in the relationship, minimize your risk and contact a professional investigator for advice. A background check can save you time and money and protect you from fraud. It is wise insurance to have!

If you suspect you are dealing with a criminal or a scammer, cease contact immediately. If you think you have truly found someone, consider a dating background check to be safe.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway 
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
Private Investigators Voice Concern on Military Scams














Ever been approached by a military man or woman over an internet dating site or social network?  In the U.S., citizens are proud of their brave men and women who fight for freedom around the world, and who risk their lives for the country.  Military personnel are respected and thought of as honest, loyal servants to our country.  They are in a sense more trusted than the average citizen, many believe, because of their dedication to the country and service.  Criminals know this, and that there has been an alarming growth in military and dating scams involving soldiers.

In some cases, the brave and handsome solider wanting to get to know you online, may not be a solider at all.  Internet criminals can assume the identity of a real military person to be used to conduct fraud online.  Victims trust these scammers because of the belief that they are communicating with a soldier in Afghanistan or elsewhere, and the victim wants to help.

Scammers use all kinds of strategies to convince their victims they are real and interested in a friendship or romantic relationship.  Criminals can be convincing and their tactics are rapidly evolving.  Fraud experts and law enforcement say that anyone can be a victim.  As with any relationship on the internet, it pays to be skeptical and always protect your private information.  Never send money to anyone you’ve never met.  If you think you may have gotten lucky and have started a new and meaningful relationship, dating background checks are advised.

International investigators warn that the red flags and warning signs of scam are not always present, and in some cases it takes the skills and resources and training of a professional private investigator to verify the facts and identity of the person you’re communicating with.

No dating website or social network site is immune from fraud, no matter how big or popular.  Facebook and Match.com, although widely popular with millions of users, have no effective way to verify all their members and subscribers.  The risk falls on the users, and so it is up to you to know the risk and investigate when necessary.  Military scams and growing at an alarming rate, and anyone can be a victim.  Females are the primary target, and victims are spread across the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K. and many more countries.  Be skeptical of anyone asking too many questions and very skeptical of anyone asking for money, for any reason.

The problem has gotten so out of control that even the U.S. Army has delivered a bulletin regarding online romance scams related to soldiers in order to educate the public on the risk.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 Author

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Friday, April 27, 2012
Russian Background Checks Help to Prevent Dating Scams



Men lose everything in the name of love that is at least true when online dating, according to what Russian private investigators have experienced since the increase of requests for dating background checks has risen. Moscow private investigators are busy. Russian brides are still the number one threat over the internet despite what has been said in the media.

It is important for internet users to learn that scams are all over and caution is a top priority. Be careful if you receive an unrequested email from a stranger, or an email that also has a link that redirects you to an outside website, or communication is in very poor English. Russian dating scams is quite like the famous 419 scam from Nigeria and the means the risk is high.

Private investigators all over the world have seen how easily men fall for a beautiful face that in the end turns out to be a man or member of an organized crime gang –usually a fat old man or computer savvy college student or criminal, working the internet for money, at the cost of innocent folks around the world. If you’re on the internet, you’re a potential victim. They know all the tricks, they know all the words, they know exactly which string to pull to make you believe.

Romance scammers are professional criminals. Sophisticated tactics are used and it no longer takes a fool. Doctors, lawyers and even police officers are among the victims. Again, these crooks know how to land their victim, even if you’re the most skeptical. In many cases, there is no request for money, just your identity is stolen. Romance scammers are professional criminals.

Interested in someone? Well, do your homework. Research the internet; verify companies if subscribed to an online dating site, ask for other clients’ referrals. And if you are still doubtful or have a certain bad feeling, listen to it. Internet relationships should be verified. There are professional investigation services available in Russia and the Ukraine that will help you find the truth. Hire a good one that assure you confidentiality and seem professional too.

Russian background checks should be confidential, so you are secure and out of any danger of blackmailing. A private investigation firm will know exactly which steps to take in order to verify the data you can provide, such as photographs, addresses, passport, visas, employment, etc. Investigators are professionals usually with experience in law enforcement and some also have some military training. They work for you on the ground and speak the local language. They can verify her background and information. Be safe, when dealing with Russia, verify.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway


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Monday, January 17, 2011
Wymoo® International on NBC - Private Investigators Fight Dating Scams

Private Investigators Get Coverage on NBC













Online dating scams and romance fraud via the internet are on the rise. A recent story by NBC News provides an excellent example of the pain and damage that can be inflicted by a romance scammer. The threat is real and the problem widespread. Users on sites such as Match.com, eHarmony and Facebook need to be aware of the scams, and take precautions. In this case, Wymoo private investigators were able to confirm the subject was a fraud, and save the victim from further heartache and financial problems. Experts say it is important to get the dating background check and investigation done early, rather than when it is too late.

Private investigators around the world, as well as the FBI, have reported a sharp increase in the number of victims and reported internet scams involving online dating or social networking sites. Staying skeptical and closely guarding your personal informaton is essential. When in doubt, hire a reputable professional private investigation firm to conduct an international background check to verify the individual or company. Never send money to anyone overseas who has not been verified, and remember that it doesn't take a fool to be a victim. Scammers are increasingly using sophisticated methods to attract and scam their victims. Fraud has been part of society for 5,000 years, and by most projections, it is expected to stay the same or get even worse.

Given the high risk for scams and fraud, is online dating and social networking on the internet worth the risk? The answer is yes, but proceed with caution. As the you can see from the video with Wymoo on NBC, online dating sites such as Match.com are doing what they can to educate costomers. Consumers need to remain skeptical and be aware of the risk for scams and fraud on the internet. The internet and globalization are now connecting people like never before. In most cases, these are positive connections and a great way to meet people all over the world. Because of the growing risk, however, consumers should stay informed and hire a private investigator when in doubt.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway

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Sunday, May 2, 2010
Investigators Caution: Online Dating Scams Rising, Background Checks Advised

Investigators Report Increase in Online Dating Scams







Online dating websites are booming and consumers now have hundreds of match-making and internet dating sites to choose from. In addition to popular websites such as Match.com and eHarmony, millions are connected to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Experts warn that persons met via the Internet should be verified to minimize the risk for scams.

International background check services are available and recommended for any relationship which is begun over the Internet, and when the person involved is not known personally. Without the assistance of a professional investigator or background check company, it can be nearly impossible to verify if someone is who he or she claims to be when the subject resides in a foreign country. Private investigators recently have reported strong demand in background checks as the risk for scams and fraud increase, and more people are now connecting online.

A dating background check is simply a background check or verification process which involves a subject who was met over the Internet, and where the relationship is romantic in nature. If a relationship is progressing and there is a chance for a serious relationship, industry observers emphasize getting a background check early, since many consumers contact private investigators after the damage is done, and the fraud or scam complete.

Of course most people on the Internet on social networking sites and online dating websites are good people and honest. Criminals have unfortunately taken advantage of this situation, as nearly all such websites don't provide any verification process for their subscribers. As a result, many scammers are now targeting such websites and targeting the consumers online. The criminals pose as Mr. or Ms. Perfect and work to gain the victim's trust and heart - and later their money. Scammers are increasingly sophisticated in their techniques and distinguising the good from the bad is no an easy task, and a professional background is advised.

Major red flags include working overseas, sudden emergencies or illness, requests for money, and so on. Investigators warn however that the combinations are endless. In conclusion, online dating is a risk-reward game, and the risk continues to rise.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway
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Monday, April 5, 2010
Internet Dating and Scam Check

Don't Be a Victim - Get a Background Check







These days, it seems that everyone is online, and increasingly common, people are meeting online. Websites such as Match.com and Facebook and eHarmony and hundreds more have changed the way people meet, socialize and find romantic partners. People from all over the world are now connecting online. With millions of customers on social networking and online dating websites, relationships are now commonly initiated via the Internet, rather than the old fashioned way. This is creating significant and new risks for consumers, and increased demand for investigators.

Many times, the individual on the other end of the world wide web is exactly who he or she claims to be. However, this can be very difficult to know for sure and verify. Mr. or Ms. Perfect, in many cases, can be rather misleading about his background, or even be a criminal conducting fraud. To avoid being a victim of fraud or scam, or identity theft, and to verify the person's identify and background, a dating background check is advised.

Online relationships with the greatest risk, and the hardest to verify, are international relationships. It can be very difficult to determine if the person is who he or she claims to be, and often verifying this requires the work of a professional private investigator or international background check company in the specific country or geographic region to uncover the facts.

There are plenty of honest and trustworthy people on the Internet. The problem is how to separate the good from the bad. Sites like Match.com, eHarmony and Facebook and many others allow scammers to approach their victims easily and from anywhere in the world. Criminals seek to obtain their objective which is normally advance fee fraud or a romance scam, and the techniques are now more sophisticated and difficult to detect.

Industry insiders and private investigators advise never to send money or personal data to anyone overseas who has not been verified. If the relationships seems to be going somewhere, a background check is a prudent decision and a good way to minimize your risk. Better to be safe than sorry.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway

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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Philippines Detectives & Dating Scams

Private Detectives Investigate Scams










Online dating has boomed worldwide, and in the Philippines there is no exception. More and more women from the Philippines are seeking love and a new life abroad. To find their way out of poverty stricken Philippines, many women are opening accounts for online dating. It's no surprise that the level of dating scams are on the rise, and private investigators are quite busy.

Experienced Philippines detectives are accustomed to foreign clients seeking private investigation advice for a Filipina. In recent years, the level of complaints involving Philippines based investigators has skyrocketed, suggesting that not only is there a problem with Philippine women scamming, but now there is a problem with investigators scamming foreign clients.

The rise in fraud and romance scam cases has made finding a respectable Filipina more difficult than ever. To complicate matters, selecting a private investigator is now more difficult than ever. How did this happen? As the demand for investigations rose, many ameaturs tried to supply the market. The reality is few investigators in the Philippines are properly trained and financed to conduct a professional private investigation.

For those seeking a romantic relationship in the Philippines, as well as foreigners seeking investigation or background check assistance in the Philippines, extra caution is advised. Be very skeptical of both women and investigators who request money via Western Union. When seeking an investigator, we recommend reading the Philippines Investigator Advisory.

The global recession has hit Manila, Makati and Cebu hard and employment is scarce in the Philippines. As more women seek a way out, more individuals and so-called investigators are sure to try to join the market. Consumers should be skeptical of any "investigator" with no references, no professional website, and no proven track record of investigation.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Monday, June 22, 2009
Russian Dating Scams

Avoiding Russia & Ukraine Dating Scams











Russia and Ukraine dating scams and bridal fraud continue to operate throughout both nations, and victims are now more widespread than ever. Dating sites in the U.K., United States, Canada and Australia are now infiltrated with scammers seeking victims, not to mention the sites which specifically cater to men seeking Ukraine or Russia brides or relationships.

Law enforcement struggles to identify known scammers and criminals of fraud via the internet, especially in the Ukraine and Russia, where corruption remain at high levels. Of course, there are many decent and honest women in Russia and the Ukraine who are online seeking an honest relationship with a foreigner. The challenge remains how to identify the good from the bad.

Internet scams and dating fraud is now a serious and costly international issue. The annual loss from such scams, from the Ukraine and Russia alone, is estimated at well over $5M USD. Victims end up losing their money via common schemes such as assisting with education, paying for medical expenses, visas, rent, flights, or other emergencies or travel arrangements, otherwise known as advance fee fraud, online dating scams, etc.

For those seeking an honest woman via the internet in Russia or the Ukraine are advised to proceed with caution and to contract the services of a professional background check service. Due to the high level of fraud here, there are now competent private investigators operating in Kiev, Moscow and St. Petersburg who can assist clients with verifying identity, background checks, verifying education and employment, and identifying fraud.

Wymoo® now has field investigators based in Kiev and Moscow and offers clients a free and confidential investigation quote via its website. Consumers are advised against using local Russian owned agencies due to reports of fraud among those agencies.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Global Background Screening & Checks

Options for Employers and Individual Consumers










Employers and individuals are increasingly involved in relationships which involve someone overseas. International employment candidates, international romances, or foriegn business partners are quite common in today's globalized and electronically connected world. Verifying identify in these times, however, has become increasingly difficult. Global fraud is on the rise, and verifying an employment candidate or potential mate is more important than ever. The level of risk is rising.

Globalization is by definition global competition, which means many employers now need to search internationally for the most qualified candidate at the most competitve cost. Similarly, internet match-making sites have enabled individuals to find love abroad, without leaving home. This environment has been fueling the demand for international background screening.

Depending on the country or countries involves, consumers do have some choices. The first step is to identify the local market or markets where the subject needs to be verified. If the subject has a background entirely in the U.K., for example, a U.K. private investigator might be perfect. If the investigation firm is not based in the local market, it is important to choose a company with field investigators in the specific country. One such company with a global distribution of field investigators is Wymoo International, which is based in Florida, United States.

Companies to avoid would be those with no office, field investigator, or no mention of the country involved on their website. Companies and websites which offer global background checks but have no field investigator in the local market simply are not capable of conducting a comprehensive background screening, regardless of what database they claim to access.

Beware of companies that claim to offer background checks internationally for $99, for example. Professional investigations, international background screening and due diligence cases can be expensive, so expect to pay a fair price for a professional service and investigator. It's worth the investment.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Online Dating Investigations

Background Checks Rise with Internet Dating














More and more websites are popping up in the search results each week that offer Internet dating, online match-making, or ways to meet new people locally, or internationally. As a result, more consumers are trying this method in meeting new friends, business contacts, or potential mates. It's not uncommon these days to here about a married couple who met via the Internet. This booming industry has not gone unnoticed by criminals looking to cash in. Hence, the need for background checks.

Match.com and countless other sites offer the opportunity to meet Mr. or Mrs. Perfect via the Internet. Often times, this potential mate can reside, be employed, or be traveling overseas. It can be very difficult to verify someone's identity through email, photographs and phone calls, especially if he or she is from another country. Scammers use this fact to their advantage.

To avoid being a victim, we recommend the following steps. Never send money to anyone who is not known personally overseas, for any reason. Never reveal any personal data such as bank accounts, credit card number, date of birth, address, etc, to an individual who is not known personally. Get a professional dating background check before proceeding in a serious relationship started via the Internet, especially if this person is in another country, or if the situation is international in nature.

Paul Fletcher of Wymoo International states that "too many clients come to us after the damage is already done. We try to encourage consumers to think of a confidential investigation as a prudent insurance policy, and a way to verify identity."

Industry experts agree that an increase in e-commerce and trends in globalization should continue to fuel the market for online relationship services. Avoiding fraud, it seems, will be an ongoing and increasingly difficult battle.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
Nigeria Investigation and Scams

The rush for background checks in Lagos













Nigeria has been hit hard by the recent global economic downturn. Police have worked hard to take down fraud rings and criminal groups operating scams from Nigeria. With commerce at a near stand still, and opportunity hard to come by, the fraud is on the rebound. Nigeria is not alone. The FBI in the United States has reported a similar rise in fraud cases as criminals get more desperate to bring in the money during the depression.

Corporations continue to operate in Lagos despite the rising cases of fraud, and the risks that come with it. Business and investment activity is down, but deals are still getting done, and international ties continue to exist with individuals and businesses in Lagos. One industry that is booming is there is private investigation, since verifying businesses and individuals is essential.

Selecting a private investigator or background check firm in Lagos can be just as risky. Many corporate and individual clients report having their money stolen, or receiving unacceptable work. Paul Fletcher of Wymoo International urges clients to check references and to do their homework prior to choosing a Nigeria investigator. Wymoo is based in the U.S. with a new field office in Lagos. "Choosing a firm based in Europe or the U.S. with a field office in Lagos offers the best chance for quality work."

Nigeria will continue to develop, and as the global economy recovers, Nigeria law enforcement may once again be successful at shutting down the fraud and scams. For now, businesses and individuals are advised to proceed with caution.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Online Dating Scams & Background Checks

Internet Dating Investigations on the Rise












The rise in online dating worldwide has changed the way men and women meet around the globe. As more and more people become accustomed to doing business on the Internet, so too are more and more people finding romance over the Internet. New match making sites appear in the search results each week, and from the U.S. to China to Argentina, consumers are finding love online. With this new playing field, however, come sizeable risks.

Honest people seeking new relationships aren't the only ones taking advantage of the new services. Criminals are also finding their way onto the match making websites, including major sites such as Match.com and eHarmony. No matter what a site may claim, no dating website is immune from fraud and scams. In fact, international scam cases have risen along with the rise in dating websites. And with the rise in scams and fraud, the demand for professional background checks has never been greater.

Beware of any individual overseas proclaiming his or her love prematurely. Be skeptical of any sudden emergencies that require financial assistance. If there have been no requests for money, and everything seems to be legit, consider a background check as an insurance policy. Many victims end up losing money and learning the hard way. A background check early along in the relationship can save you time and money, and also prevent you from potential heartache and emotional distress.

Several services are now available that offer international background checks and surveillance. Probably the most respected in the business is Wymoo International, which also runs a separate division for Philippines detectives, known as Philippine PI. Whichever firm you decide to use, consider the service an insurance policy, and when it comes to fraud and scams, it's better to know sooner rather than later. These types of services are usually strictly confidential, so the subject will never know, and you can sleep easy!

Happy hunting,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2008 A. Hathaway
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