Showing posts with label philippines private investigators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippines private investigators. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Philippines Detectives Offer Tips to Stay Safe Online



Once again police departments have come together to dismantle a criminal net in the Southeast Asia region based in Taiwan, but operating in eight other countries including China and the Philippines. Their main objective: to target victims pretending to be tax collectors threatening civilians to pay their fines for not paying the right amount of government taxes.

Philippines investigators know that mobile phone scams are very popular and a very good source of income for fraudsters on virtual communication devices such as Skype, where telephone numbers are easily obtained, and can show any local number from nearly any country. Criminals would get buy and share database information regarding citizens and their tax information, and then use this information to convince their victim that they were indeed calling from the government, and indeed the victim faces jail time if they do not pay their bill.

This is the second major detention of scammers made this year was in the Malaysian Archipelago that operated in eight different Asian countries with 828 members now being sent back home to serve jail time. It’s a major victory in an uphill battle with no end in sight. Fighting internet fraud and scams, especially in the Philippines, can at time feel like a hopeless cause.

A mobile phone scam was discovered in 2010 that resulted in over 1800 victims who lost over 34 million U.S. dollars, as of September 2011, and police are still sorting through all the details. When this case is closed, there will no doubt be others. The criminals are expanding faster than law enforcement and private detectives can keep up. The global economy is in shambles and crime rates are rising in most countries around the world. What to do in these high risk times? Experts say use caution when someone requests personal information, whether it’s on the internet, phone or in person. Make sure you’re dealing with a verified person or business, and even then, be skeptical and ask for assurance that it’s safe to share your private information.

Philippines detectives offer the following advice to stay safe online:

1. Never reveal your private information on the internet to any person or company who has not been verified.
2. When entering your personal data or credit card information, always check for SSL or https technology with a lock on your browser.
3. Ask the person or company for references to be sure you’re dealing with a reputable and qualified professional.
4. Search Google for the individual or business name to be sure there’s no negative information or cause for alarm.
5. Listen to your instinct. Are there red flags? Do you feel uncomfortable providing your personal data? If so, don’t.
6. If you’re dealing with a business, look for trust seals such as Truste, McAfee, Verisign or the Better Business Bureau.
7. When in doubt, consider a professional due diligence investigation or discreet background check to verify the person or business.
8. Remember that any information you share online may end up in the wrong hands.

Choose your “friends” wisely on the internet and be skeptical about any new contacts on social networking or online dating sites. Scammers are in greater numbers than ever, and no site is completely immune from fraud. Stay safe and skeptical and when in doubt, contact a professional. Reputable companies like Philippine PI™ say that prevention is key, and consumers should think of a background check or due diligence like an insurance policy, that when used early, can be a very effective tool in minimizing risk and verifying relationships.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway 

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Friday, August 26, 2011
Philippines Scams Keep Investigators on Alert

There’s no stopping for private investigators trying to solve multiple cases of internet fraud and scams from the Philippines. It’s been an ongoing problem and it just doesn’t seem to improve. As the internet evolves, fraudsters move ahead with and adapt to the most sophisticated methods possible to fool internet users around the world. Whether it be business fraud, romance scam, Filipina bride scams, dating scams, phishing scams, PPC fraud or identity theft, the Philippines ranks among Nigeria as a global scam capitol.

Poverty and poor education has made the Philippines a high risk nation for fraud that permeates all levels of society. Many unscrupulous men and women in Manila and Cebu, to all corners of the island nation, have found that cheating foreigners offers an alternative way to get money easily and with little risk of getting caught. The sad story perhaps is that most criminals are young people trying to get funds not necessarily to prosper, to invest, or to pay for college, but rather to use drugs and alcohol consumption.

In some cases, Philippines private investigators have joined forces with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippines National Police in the Philippines and other security forces in Manila, as well as with neighboring Asian countries such as Malaysia. (Malaysia is one of the fastest growing countries in the world for internet scams and fraud, and could soon surpass the Philippines). Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan have been able to prosecute criminals that have committed major fraud cases. With each success story and arrest, however, there are 20 to 50 reported new cases of major internet scams. The fact is government and law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia are ill-equipped to combat such internet scams.

The types of scam and fraud cases are seemingly endless. In some cases telemarketing type callers will contact potential victims claims to be government agents, informing the person that there are fees or taxes that are past due. When fraud and scams don’t work, criminals are turning to extortion, claiming to have dirt on the person and will threaten to damage his or her reputation, costing the person his or her job. The NBI in the Philippines has increased its cyber crime division, but professional Philippines detectives say it is too little too late. Criminals seem to understand this also, and they conduct crime openly from internet cafes and in many communities, it is an acceptable way to make a living, believe it or not. Poverty stricken areas tend to look the other way when young people turn to internet scams and prostitution. Anything to survive they say, and many locals claim they have no other choice. Experts say poverty and corruption is a factor, but never an excuse. For honest and hardworking individuals, there is always opportunity.

Investigators, law enforcement and the media have been emphasizing on the proper ways that people can keep themselves safe by using common sense and not being so open to strangers, above all, not sharing personal information that may put themselves at risk. If you’re communicating via Facebook, Filipino Cupid, Match.com or similar site, be safe and never reveal your full name, address and date of birth and photos. This information together is nearly enough to have your identity stolen. Be safe and skeptical.

Remember that if you’ve never met the person in real life, and have been only communicating via the internet, there is no way to know for sure if the person is legitimate. Experts advise a comprehensive background check by a reputable private investigator to minimize your risk. Verify the individual and then decide. Philippine background checks, due diligence or surveillance at the right time can save you a lot of trouble and unpleasant experience. Play it safe in the Philippines and verify.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway




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Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Philippines Private Investigators: Social Networks a Growing Risk



2011 has been a gloomy year from an economic standpoint, and there seem to be no clear lights on the horizon. Entrepreneurs and people in general are downsizing and cutting expenses to make ends meet. On the other hand, it seems the outlook for online criminals is brighter than ever, and the FBI and Metropolitan Police in London both say that internet scams and fraud are growing at an alarming rate. If one country stands out among a consistent leader in the world of internet scams, it is the Philippines. Philippines private investigators and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) say that dismal economic conditions have supported the growth in crime via the internet, and Philippines dating scams targeting social networks are on the rise.

In times of crisis, people are more vulnerable. They keep working hard and studying harder to have a better future. They hold on. Often people look for more meaningful lives and new relationships, and in today’s internet world, many people seek out new relationships online. Social networking sites now have hundreds of millions of subscribers. Facebook alone has over 750 MILLION users, so a large part of the global population is now on Facebook. What Facebook is and why it’s popular remains a mystery to many, and some see no point in posting meaningless information to have “friend” click on like, if they like that. Regardless, sites like Facebook are huge and connecting the world like never before. But, criminals are also taking advantage of the situation, and law enforcement and private investigators say scammers are on social networking sites in increasing number, looking for new relationships and new victims to scam.

Philippines private detectives in Manila say they are seeing a steady rise in the number of victims who have been scammed by a Filipina or Filipino they met on Facebook or Friendster, or similar site. Many scammers feel they have better success finding victims on social networking sites because these sites have less security, they are free, and victims have the perception that the sites are safer than paid match-making sites, such as Match.com. Experts say this false sense of security is precisely what lands victims in trouble. Many people go online to make new friends or connect with new people in different parts of the world. In some cases, what they find, is that their identity has been stolen, or the bank accounts drained and their hearts broken.

Internet is the promise to find good friends, best lovers and a better work with just a click. But the truth is that in many cases, not everyone is who he or she appears to be behind the computer. Experts say it’s more important than ever to verify the facts, and if a relationship shows signs of promise, consider hiring a reputable private investigator for a complete background check. Investigators advise never to send money overseas to anyone who hasn’t been verified.

In the Philippines, cybercrime has increased by up to 25% in the past six years. The Technical Intelligence Division of the NBI registered 144 cases back in 2005 and more than 240 cases in 2010. The number went from three to five cases per week. A growing percentage of those scam cases involved social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Friendster and Twitter. The island nation holds 7% of the total number of Facebook users and is a poor nation, but also a country with widespread access to the internet, where even the poorest citizens are savvy internet users. Romance scams are booming here, and scamming via the internet is part of the culture. Experts say that most scam cases, a very large majority in fact, go unreported to police.

Be safe and stay skeptical online. If in doubt, consider a Philippines background check.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Philippines Private Investigators: The Real Story

  










From the Locals to the Pros

In the Philippines, the private investigation industry is so bizarre, that it is a research topic in of itself. No other country in the world offers so much variation in the quality of work, type of work, and qualifications of investigators than the Philippines. In this Southeast Asia island nation, private investigators range from some of the worst in the world (equal to offerings in Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, Boliva and some others) to experts challenging the skills of even the most qualified in the U.S. and U.K. When we say worst trained, that is to say no training whatsoever. In fact, many people claiming to be private investigators in the Philippines simply steal clients’ money and never conduct the investigation.

Other “investigators” are locals who are desperate for work, and do their best with a cheap digital camera, the internet and phone. The experts, on the other hand, are usually former intelligence officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and have received training at the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) as well as at United States military and law enforcement academies in states like Georgia and Hawaii. Some are former federal agents from the U.S. who are Filipino born, and who have decided to retire in their native land. Because of the huge variation in quality and training, Philippines private investigators should be chosen carefully. Going with a professional is worth the investment.

Getting What You Pay For

The Philippines is a developing country, rife with fraud, scams, criminal activity and infidelity, and romance scams. On the flip side of the same coin are countless beautiful beaches, friendly women, and economic opportunities for foreign investment in Manila and Cebu. Because of the large difference in pay scale between the unqualified and uneducated versus the qualified and college educated population, prices in just about any service vary widely. In the Philippines, the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is perhaps more true in private investigation than anywhere else. Hiring a local Filipino with a cheap digital camera, who has no professional training or higher education, can be as economic as taking the family out for a popcorn dinner. When you receive the “investigation report” in an email, in the form of two poorly written paragraphs with no photographs or supporting evidence, be thankful you received anything at all.

Many such “bargains” are simply crooks eager to steal your money, or worse, they may contact the subject of investigation and blackmail you for more money. Handling sensitive issues such as background checks, due diligence and confidential private investigation or discreet surveillance requires professional training. There are risks involved and relationships at stake. Consumers should take precaution to avoid being a victim of scam or negligence, and understand professional Philippines private detectives cost more.

Choosing a Competent Investigator

Finding a professional private investigator at a fair price can be easier said than done. Consumers should realize that among the dozens of options advertised, there are only 2 or 3 professional investigation and background check firms operating in the Philippines, and they are typically based outside the Philippines. Reputable companies of significant size and operations tend to base their company or incorporate outside the Philippines in developed nations like Canada, Australia, the U.K. or the United States. This is often done to be closer to corporate and individual clients, as most clients for investigation reside outside the Philippines. Business transparency and accountability is higher in the developed countries, and there is an enhanced level of trust in doing business, and stronger culture of client service. Companies owned or U.S. or U.K. managed usually have stricter hiring requirements for field investigators in the Philippines, and ongoing training is often mandatory. “The difference between a professional firm and local, untrained investigator in the Philippines is major,” said John Wallace, Director of Background Checks at Wymoo® International.

“We receive a significant number of clients who say they were scammed by a local who either didn’t do the job, or who were obviously untrained.” Experts recommend consumers shop carefully when looking for a real Philippines private investigator and to check references and search Google to see what others are saying about the company. If a company has no press releases on Yahoo, MSNBC or other major news outlet, chances are you’re dealing with a very small company or individual. If the website has no well regarded security seals such as McAfee, Truste or Better Business Bureau, it might be wise to keep shopping. Look for a secure payment method on the company website, not a link to PayPal or Western Union. Ask lots of questions and find out where the company is based. If you submit your payment to a Philippines based company and the service is unacceptable, you may not have any options to get your money back. Don’t shop based on price alone. Consider the quality of service and reputation, and choose wisely.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway



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