Dating Scams a Common Case for Private Investigators
© 2013 A Hathaway
Global investigation coverage and scam prevention from experienced private detectives.











Moscow private investigators often disagree on just about everything from the best methods to prevent scams and fraud, to the best investigative techniques, to the country's image and transparency. This year all Russian private investigators seem to agree at least on one issue. Risk for business scams and fraud in Russia is at high levels and more investigators and international business consultants advise background checks and due diligence to minimize the risk. There have been too many victims.
The Russian economy has been hit hard after the global economic crisis, and the country's oil revenue has been cut dramatically due to the fall in crude oil prices and the decrease in consumption by importing countries. Crude oil has been making a slow and steady comeback, but Moscow residents are clearly struggling with the post crude oil and credit boom that turned Moscow into the world's most expensive city. International investment is down, and what remains is a high risk environment lacking transparency in business deals, and lots of inefficient and costly red tape. The increase in scams and business fraud have made international business even more difficult, and Russia private investigators are increasingly being used for corporate due diligence.
The most common type of business fraud in Russia is advance fee fraud, and the fees can come in the form of advance lines of credit, pre-payment for goods or services, and down payments, shipping fees, or minimim initial investments. Scammers are increasingly using complex methods to convince their business partners, including meetings in business facilities, government and corporate document, official ID and passports, and more.
International business deals or investment in Russia is a high risk venture, plain and simple. Professional private investigators and business consultants say that doing business without a Russia background check or due diligence to verify the parties involved is like going blind, and can be a costly learning lesson. For criminals, the increase in people seeking opportunity in Eastern Europe has provided a unique and profitable hunting ground, and law enforcement agencies have been slow to respond.
Are there business opportunities in Russia? Absolutely. The advisory from Moscow private investigators to heed extra caution is good advise. Play it safe. Be skeptical and verify.
Best of luck,
A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway

Moscow and St. Petersburg private investigators have seen a rise in pre-marital background check investigations throughout the country. This increase in investigation activity, according to investigators, has been driven by an increase in online dating and match-making volume, as well as an increase in awareness of scams and fraud by consumers, especially Western men.
It's now well known that bridal scams and relationship fraud in Russia is a problem. A Russia background check is increasingly being used as a kind of insurance policy for those seeking to avoid scams and fraud. Private investigators in Russia and the Ukraine state that consumers who seek the services of a professional investigator are making a wise decision due to the high risk in the region. Investigators also state that many clients seek services after the damage has been done, and industry experts suggest getting the background check investigation early is key.
Russia private investigators continue to battle fraud and scams throughout the nation, as fraud ranging from bridal scams to corporate fraud remain high and widespread. In a pre-marital check or background investigation, private investigators can normally verify key factors which overall can determine if the subject is who he or she claims to be. Key points to verify may include address, ID or passport, documentation, employment and education, travel or dating agencies, and more depending on the exact nature of the case. Cases should be customized according to the information available in each case, and investigators themselves should be carefully screened by consumers.
Whether or not consumers decide to use the services of a Russia private detective, it is important to recognize the red flags. These indicators can raise the caution flag, but are not necessarily indicative of fraud. Private investigators advise consumers to be skeptical of money requests, emergencies, relationships "too good to be true", and subjects who fall in love overnight. Problems with immigration, visa, passport or agencies should be verified.
The global economic recovery is occurring at a slow pace, especially in Russia. As Russian women continue to seek romantic relationships outside of Russia via the Internet, and foreign businesses look for investment opportunities in the Russian market place, investigators will remain in demand.
Best of luck,


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