Showing posts with label wymoo international. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wymoo international. Show all posts
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Nigeria Scams Still Top of the List of Internet Threats

  • 6/15/2013
  • 1

The so called 419 scam that originated in Nigeria may now be a thing of the past or viewed as a fool's crime by many internet users.  Most internet users think they're too smart, too aware to ever be a victim of any Nigeria scam.  After all, they say, they're not going to fall for some obvious Nigeria scam email. International background check companies and private investigation firms agree that Nigeria criminals have evolved and the threat has only gotten worse.

Many crime victims today that have fallen for an internet scam or online fraud may not even be aware that the criminals are based in Nigeria.  That's right!  Nigerian scammers have had years to practice their trade, and con artists now have criminal accomplices based in Malaysia, the U.K. and even the United States.  Thanks to globalizations and uncontrolled illegal immigration, many Nigeria criminals can be operating from just down the street, in Washington DC, London or even Kuala Lumpur.  So, as you're talking to Mr. or Ms. Perfect on the phone with a U.S. or U.K. phone number, you will have no idea the person is actually part of a Nigeria crime ring, or using a Skype number with a local phone number, but actually based in Nigeria.  It can be hard to verify.

Reputable international investigation companies such as Wymoo International report that Nigeria criminals now assume real identities from the internet in places like Facebook or any other site.  For example, a criminal can search Facebook or the web for John Doe, who lives at 32 Walker Street in New York, and take his photo and date of birth, and even get his employment information from the internet, thanks to his company website and Facebook page.  Now, when you try to verify this person by searching Google, you're convinced your internet criminal is the real thing.

Expert international investigators agree with law enforcement agencies that in most cases, only a highly trained investigator with global resources can properly verify an individual met over the internet.  Clients should think of the service as a form of insurance.  Because dating and social networking sites have no way to screen all their users, a dating background check is often the only reliable way for internet users to determine the truth behind the profile.

Remember that no site is totally safe.  Internet criminals have access to all the same sites as you do, and sites like Facebook, Match.com and eHarmony have become popular hunting grounds for both honest people and scammers.  Be safe online.  Verify, and then decide.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2013 A Hathaway 








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Thursday, July 12, 2012
Asset Searches & Bank Records: What You Should Know















What is an Asset Search?

Asset search is a local, national or international search for property, bank accounts, physical assets, or hidden wealth or ownership of assets. Attorneys, investors and private investigators often want to locate personal property or real estate, bank accounts and assets such as company ownership to verify or prove a person’s financial situation. Investors may use an asset search to determine the strength of a company or verify profitable and physical assets. Divorce cases often want to show the other side has the ability or assets to pay when disputing the case in court of law. Lawsuits may need an asset search for uncovering potential liabilities against the assets like state and federal tax liens, judgments or bankruptcy. Searches can be conducted locally, at the national level and even international through a professional private investigation firm.


When to use Asset Searches?

Due Diligence: Companies and individuals often face the need to search for assets on individuals and companies when conducting due diligence. Investors and parties involved want to verify a company representative, potential investor or buyer has the assets and cash flow needed or the profitability he claims. For example, when businesses consider investing or merging with another company whether locally or abroad, an international asset search may include searches for real estate, property or bank accounts to show the company or individual’s financial status.

Assets search can uncover red flags if a company or individual has no assets, or the different assets as he or she claims, or if those assets are found to be under a different name.

In depth background check investigations on individual candidates that are about to engage in a key position in a corporation where managing large amounts of money is often something that is advisable by private investigators and risk management groups. Depending on the how in depth the background check, an asset search or bank records search can also be included.


Divorce and Legal Cases: In the bitter part of an ending relationship where divorce or lawsuit is the only way out, asset searches are used to disclose and reveal hidden assets and should be conducted as the process of divorce begins. It is an excellent tool to assist a spouse, attorneys, and mediators in locating hidden or non disclosed assets, identifying entities, partnerships or trusts. With the information on the assets of the counterparty, investigators and courts can frame discoveries and requests so that the opposing party is more forthcoming and revealing in the case.

An asset search gives clients the tools they need to ensure a subject’s financial statement and situation is accurate. Often real estate, bank accounts, or business ownership can be found.

Once assets or bank records are located, attorneys have more options on the table and can better formulate a strategy on how to go after the defendant’s assets, if the case requires.


How to Get an Asset Search?

Asset search is a useful tool for attorneys, law firms, private investigators, clients in legal processes like inheritance or divorce; business and corporations, investors, human resource departments, government agencies, creditors, risk management, and individuals.

The cost of an asset search varies depending on the location and type of search needed. Bank records are often the most effective as they reveal the exact money trail or source. Costs and turnaround times depend on the country or countries involved. Only a reputable investigation firms such as Wymoo International or similar should be contracted to perform an international asset search, as searches can be complex in nature and almost always require a company with local assets and contact in government and financial agencies in the countries involved. An average turnaround time for most countries can range from 7 to 14 days from time of payment.

Some claim that asset searches and locating bank accounts is illegal. Be advised that laws vary depending on the country, and as a legal loophole, most investigators will provide clients with an unofficial list of assets or accounts, and not the official bank records of the actual bank. The information and evidence of assets is still of great value to the parties involved.

Asset search is a tool that helps thousands of professionals and individuals every day who are focused on due diligence, collecting debt, settling personal injury cases, hiring, buying, selling, merging, investing, etc. Whether for information gathering or litigation purposes, asset searches conducted at the international level are just another way to keep clients informed.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway


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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
International Due Diligence Showing Signs of Growth



When companies want to start merging or the acquisition processes on domestic or foreign companies, prudent due diligence investigations can save both time and money.

In the fall of 2004, Lockheed Martin Corp was interested in buying a company based in the state of California and offered $2.4 billion dollars in cash and stock. Risk Management department advised that before moving forward, it was a good idea to verify the company just to make sure there wasn’t dirt hidden under the carpet. Lockheed followed the advice and in the due diligence process uncovered that top executives of the prospect company did some embezzlement overseas and led the Justice department to investigate. The company was not was it seemed.

Lockheed slashed the initial offer by $20 million and also conditioned to the company’s settlement with the U.S. government. The business in California could never reach an agreement with the Justice Department and Lockheed decided not to proceed with the acquisition.

This is a good example of the surprises that can arise when a company decides to merge or buy another one and they do their homework. This case is a domestic case of American companies doing business and risk could be detected on time and a good decision could be made to protect the investor’s reputation and millions of money. When a company is based in New York and the other in China or Malaysia, South Africa or Brazil, things get far more complicated. In international deals, the risk is inherently greater, so due diligence is even more important.

Domestic cases are rather straightforward and are often more of an accounting process. In international deals, verifying the numbers alone can leave significant risk on the table. After all, regulatory agencies and transparencies in Africa, Asia, Europe and South Africa are not the same as in the U.S. Verifying operations, reputation, facilities and offices is key. If the company looks perfect on paper, what does its office truly look like in Beijing or Moscow? Does it even exist? What do the company’s current customers say about the company? Is it real?

For companies that are interested to doing business abroad, more and more managers are realizing the importance of vetting potential business partners, both individuals and companies. Professional private investigation firms now offer international due diligence as valuable risk management tool for companies, and for global business, it’s smart insurance.

Poor economic conditions around the world, has led many companies to look abroad for cheaper labor, more profitable business deals, and new ideas and suppliers. When your new employee or business partner resides in a different country where customs, regulations, transparency and language are all different, it can be very hard to verify your potential investment or employee. In most cases, only a qualified professional investigator with investigators on the ground where you need them can verify, uncover valuable evidence and mitigate your risks. Reputable international investigators conduct international background checks and due diligence and have local contacts, speak the language, and are highly trained.

Paul Fletcher, Vice President of Due Diligence at Wymoo® International, says that demand for such services is growing. The company offers full service private investigation services in over 100 countries. “We have seen an increasing demand for international due diligence services over the past three years, ranging from corporate due diligence in global business deals to wealthy individual investors screening their investments for fraud or misrepresentation,” said Fletcher. “In many cases in international deals, a potential business partner, acquisition or investment is not exactly what it claims to be, and much is unknown or unstated. We bring those light.”

Be safe and skeptical. Verify, and then decide.

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway

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Thursday, February 9, 2012
International Private Investigators Discuss the Importance of Privacy



Privacy is a right in most cases, but is also a responsibility for individuals and business to protect.  Private information is valuable and sought after by criminals and unscrupulous companies that want your information for marketing and other reasons.  Private information is anything that can identify a person: name, address, phone number, social security number, photographs, medical records, bank information, services you use, preferred spots to travel and even the airlines you use to get there, etc.  People often take their privacy for granted when using the internet and social networking sites, but the issue is becoming more important than ever.  Ignoring the risk and not protecting your private information can be a costly learning experience.  The privacy battle has begun.

Under the motto of “sharing” online, many consumers and business are finding out the real world risks of putting your moments and personal information on the internet for the world to see.  Even if you think you only share with your friends, privacy experts say your information often ends up in the wrong hands, visible to internet criminals, or at the very least, being sold by Facebook and other sites to profit from your personal information.  They are in business to profit from you.  The more you share, the more they share about you, and you information is sold on down the river.

Scammers have found that social networks are a great source of information to learn about a potential target.  Often they find what they need to get started in identity theft or a romance scam or fraudulent business proposal.  All that information on Facebook, Goolge and Linkedin is now a criminals first choice in learning about you, your schedule, your location, and what you like and don’t like.  Add in other sites that violate your privacy and distribute your personal information such as MyLife, Peoplefinders and Spokeo, and criminals can even get directions to your home, get a photo of your home, and find out who your family members are.  Co-workers can find out if your approximate net worth by viewing your home, and police say in increasingly murder victims, rape and internet scams are committed based on information obtained from such websites.

Remember that what you post online is not private, and may end up in the wrong hands.  Companies like Facebook and Google profit from taking and selling your personal information, so don’t be fooled.  Now, with the new architecture of Timeline in Facebook, fraudsters get a very good idea about your life for the past six years and up to date. Using Timeline, scammers will determine if you are a worthwhile target. The approach is very simple: most people join social networks to meet people with similar likes and to be friends, many join to find that special someone. Scammers have a market of over 750 million targets and are patient enough study your profile.

Google goes far beyond Facebook. With the map and location service they offer, they put the safety and privacy of everyone in danger.  Google maps can show your home, your car and even your 6 year old daughter playing in front of your home.  Criminals take full advantage of this service, and combined with sites like Facebook, you are a walking target with little to no privacy.

International private investigators say many of the crimes committed involve the internet, and criminals from scam artists to rapists and murderers use the information online to learn about you, and use the information to their advantage.  The less information about you on the internet, the safer you and your family are.  Think twice about sharing, and protect your privacy.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway
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Friday, January 13, 2012
Private Investigators Say Internet Violating the Right of Privacy



The internet represents a serious and growing risk for users and their private information. The issue is becoming so serious that the media and the Federal Trade Commission have recently investigated the actual vulnerability of user profiles on Facebook and other social networking sites. Users now post private information online and share information with their “friends” that can quickly lead to identity theft and even robbery, rape and murder. Cases are popping up all over the U.S. where criminals used information found online, or on a social networking website to gather info on their victim, and then use that victim to stalk, rob or otherwise cause harm to their victim. In other cases, information found online is exactly what scammers and criminals need to steal your identity. Make no mistake, the internet is becoming more dangerous, and privacy is losing.

Facebook and Google+ have come under scrutiny of privacy advocates, and for good reason. The social networking sites don’t do enough to protect their users, say many. And even if privacy controls are available, many subscribers don’t know how to implement the changes.

And it’s not just social networking sites where your information is being spread and accessed without your authorization or knowledge. People search sites, websites such as Intelius, Spokeo and Mylife and others are profiting a great deal by accessing public records, and then publishing your private information, such as date of birth, address, criminal records, and even a photo of your house and value of your home on the internet. Google Earth shows a photo of your home, so criminals can see where you live, and how they can get it. All this information combined on the internet means your privacy is gone, violated and published for the world to see.

This violation of privacy puts you at risk for identity theft, internet scams, and financial loss. At the very least, co-workers can now see where you live, get the value of your home, and get your date of birth all by searching the internet, thanks to sites that profit by unlawfully collecting and selling your data. Think no one is searching for such information? Think again. Criminals in Russia, Philippines, China, the Ukraine, West Africa and Romania and in many other countries use this information to scam you, install viruses on your computer, send you spam, and target you.

But social networks are just the tip of the iceberg of the vast data available about you on the internet. Trademarks, criminal records, property records, civil records, family info and more is now available – all without your authorization or consent. Who gave these websites such as 123People and Radaris the right to publish your private information, and sell it to the world???

International private investigators advise caution online. Never provide much personal data on the internet on social networking sites. Remember that anything you publish online could fall into the wrong hands and be used against you. If your private information is being published without your authorization, and your privacy is violated by websites such as Mylife.com, Intelius.com, Radaris.com, Spokeo.com or Peoplefinder.com, contact them directly and demand that they remove your private information from their website. Contact your attorney general and the your congressman to ask for assistance in protecting consumers privacy on the internet.

Never before has privacy been violated on such a massive scale that is taking place today in the United States. Companies are gathering your information, publishing it without your consent, and selling it to the world without your authorization. Take a stand, and fight back!

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2012 A Hathaway
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Friday, December 23, 2011
Russia Private Investigators Explain the Russian Threat of Hackers



Perhaps it’s true, that there is some prejudice when people say Russia has the most hackers in the world. Law enforcement and private investigators admit it may not be the highest, but the statistics certainly confirm it’s at least one of the highest risk countries in the world, where hackers are not only a real threat, but also a praised part of the Russian society. Russia is a corrupt and inefficient country, now facing an apparent dictatorship from Putin, among other serious corruption. When Russian hackers are identified for breaking into a bank or foreign government’s computer system, or bringing down another website, they can even be viewed as heroes in Russia.

Unfortunately Russians have earned their reputation, and there is a lot of work to be done so that they lose their bad fame. However, most agree that little is being done, and if anything, the problem appears to be getting worse. By perpetrating ongoing scams since the internet began, Russians have become quite good at what they do. Poor economic conditions and high unemployment in Russia drives many talented young people to the internet, where they can use their skills to make money, illegally and unethically. There simply aren’t many other opportunities, they say.

Many of the beautiful Russian brides online are nothing more than middle aged men, overweight and lazy, but quite proficient in internet, hacking and scams. They specialize in stealing money from Australians, Americans and Canadians. But beyond prejudices, the statistics show that 35% of the crimes happening on the internet come from a source based in Russia, costing the world a total of $2.5 and $3.7 billion USD annually. This is serious business, and the criminal activity in Russia actually drives the costs up for consumers around the world. Someone has to pay for the losses, and it’s not the Russian. Companies in developed countries have to develop security systems and other costly measures to combat the fraud and hacking. That cost gets passed onto consumers, shows research by New York University’s SCPS Center for Global Affairs.

Hackers have become a powerful threat today, as everyday more and more important operations take place online. Russia private investigators say that it is not only citizens sharing content or writing emails or sending documents through the internet who are at risk, but also bank transactions, governments, and other important agencies. Defense departments, service entities and company networks have to develop defensive technologies. The threat is constant.

The truth is that most Russians have had strong aptitude in Math, technology and software development. If the political and economic situation can change in Russia, there’s a good chance that this mental capital could be used to propel the economy and advance the country. Until there is transparency and fair elections, the status quo should remain. Inefficiencies and socialist corruption left over from the former Soviet Union need to go, and then the hackers.

In the meantime, law enforcement and private investigators agree that Russian background checks performed by experienced and reputable firms can greatly reduce the risk in the region.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway
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Thursday, December 22, 2011
Malaysia Background Checks Rising in Malaysia as Year Ends



Worldwide economic problems have made the Southeast Asia region one of the hottest spots for internet scams. Cyber crime in the zone has really gone farther than the previous 419 scams, or the Russian brides or even the romance scams in the Philippines. The problem is only getting worse, and as in most countries, law enforcement is struggling with the problem.

With a population close to 30 million people, a rather industrialized country, Malaysia still has major problems with transparency and the conflicting social nature of Islam to deal with. Muslim culture has made economic and liberal social advance difficult, where women still have less rights than men, and radical ideology continues to be a concern for possible Islamic terrorists. Even though the country has made some great advances for a Muslim country, many people are still struggling to pay their bills and had a good life. It is this slow industrialization that has made the Malaysian people wise with technology, and many of the computer savvy have turned to scamming for easy money. Malaysia criminals now use the internet as their hunting ground.

Malaysia private investigators have shared a list of the most popular scams you should be aware of when dealing with individuals or business from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Scams types change by the month, so it’s important to stay skeptical when dealing with anyone in Malaysia to avoid being a victim. Obviously not everyone from Malaysia is engaged in internet fraud, but some extra due diligence and skepticism can help keep you safe online, and not be a victim.

Malaysian scammers have discovered that good money is in Money transfers, phishing scams and charity email scams, business and investment scams, and romance scams on the internet. But in this holiday season people in developed countries should open their five senses and be extra careful. Malaysia scammers online are targeting English speakers from Canada, U.K., Australia and U.S. say Malaysia police in Kuala Lumpur. Popular Christmas season scams involve Free Xbox scams and other gimmicks to trick holiday shoppers on the internet.

Private investigators advise internet users to never provide any personal or banking information to any suspicious contact, especially in Malaysia. If involved in a personal relationship and the person asks you for your address, credit card number, phone number or social security number, do not provide it. This is a major red flag. If you have to send money, make sure you first have the company or individual verified with a professional international background check.

Both personal and business relationships from that region should be treated with a high dose of caution and skepticism. The alternative can be costly and a painful experience. Remember, many internet criminals and scammers operating online are professionals and they can portray or put forward a very believable story, business proposal or sales pitch. They can even provide authentic looking supporting documentation or identification. Be safe, verify and then decide.

It is better to conduct a background check or a due diligence early. Private investigators say most clients get a verification too late, once they have already been a victim. Consumers and businesses should think of verification services as a form of wise insurance.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011
International Due Diligence Up After US - China Trade Talks



There are 7 billion people in the world today. Access to communication to any country is possible as long as you have an internet connection and a laptop or mobile devise. Overpopulation is now a fact of live, and we are all living closer and more connected than ever. More than ever, people can be up to date with information about anything and anyone, from family members to businesses and local matters impacting lives around the globe. The world has become one.

Since cybercrime and global business activity is rising, companies around the world are taking international due diligence more seriously and are engaging to services to lessen management risks as much as possible before moving forward in business around the world.

American companies used to trust one another as business ethics and people’s word was taken seriously. But what about other countries based in Latin America, China, Malaysia, Russia or even Africa? Business culture is completely different in other countries, and ethics and morals vary, depending the given country and company. In short, to remain profitable and protect your business and shareholders, no one can be trusted. Everyone should be verified and vetted.

Serious and visionary business people, most of them top executives interested in expanding into other markets are more interested in contracting an international private investigator to conduct due diligence on prospective business deals, foreign management, and international investments. In many cases, it simply isn’t possible for an in house team to verify a business in another country where the language, rule of law, culture and transparency is different. To properly hedge risk, a professional verification and due diligence service with a team on the ground is often required.

There are serious and good companies out there that are eager to help. There are also shortage of criminals claiming to be reputable companies, not to mention all the fake companies and fraudulent investments out there. Yes, China is booming. But how do you know the Chinese mining company you’re dealing with is legitimate? Or how do you know the supplier in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is as reputable as they claim? And how can you be sure a gold company is Ghana truly has the export capability that they are claiming? It’s a high risk game with high stakes. Insurance is advised and a professional can help you make an informed decision with international due diligence.

With the recent trade agreement efforts between the Obama Administration and China regarding a possible trade agreement, international investment and trade should continue to rise. As new start ups and relationships in China form, so too with the risk from fraud and scams.

China has become a powerful and strong economy, unfortunately despite the suffering and exploitation of its people. And it is going to be interesting how the U.S. will handle the manner Chinese entrepreneurs have to conduct business. For sure, it will be a challenge for both nations.

Business scams, advance fee fraud, stock markets scams and business fraud in general is a major problem in China and Southeast Asia. Verifying new contacts and companies is more important than ever. As China continues to develop, slowly, transparency should improve.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway
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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
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Video – See to Believe – The Need for Employment Screening

The recent Fox’s report about how Tower Defense and Aerospace employees behave during their lunch break hours has been shocking to many human resource departments and hiring agencies. Most CEO’s around America question what kind of hiring process could have allowed this. Well, the truth is Tower Defense had employee background checks in place, but this video demonstrates quite clearly that there’s a big difference between just checking criminal records, and actually investigating whether or not a candidate will be a valuable resource for a company.



Tower Defense Aerospace is a U.S. government contractor that builds combat vehicles and aircrafts for the U.S. Military that is sent to remote places like Afghanistan for the American troops to operate. But as the embedded video of the featured report by journalist Bob Wolchek shows, it seems some employees really should never have been hired in the first place. How could this happen? Proper employment background checks require a professional investigation firm in most cases to screen the risk, and verify a person’s background, not just checking public records.

These employees seemed to have been hired by the former administration of TDA and now, after the report, the current management claims to be conducting an investigation about employees drinking and smoking marijuana during their lunch break, clearly visible from company property. These people build the vehicles and aircraft that U.S. marines and soldiers use to keep America safe and free, a job that requires focus and concentration, not what we see here.

As a government contractor, these workers are paid by the American people’s hard earned tax dollars, at a time when the government and American people have no time or money to waste. This of course is just one example. Bad employees can be a serious risk, and can even bring a company down to ruin and bankruptcy, or worse, say criminal charges for management. The bottom line is that screening employee candidates is important, and it’s important to have the job done right. A prudent background check should cover past employment, education, credit and criminal records, address and document verification, character and reputation, etc.

Managers hiring in other countries or continents have even a greater duty to verify, given the high risk when hiring from a different country where culture, rule of law and language are different. International background checks are strongly advised for any foreign hires or domestic employees who have spent a considerable amount of time in a foreign country or countries.

Proper employment screening conducted on potential job candidates can save you a lot of trouble and headache. Is the candidate a sex offender, does he have a criminal record, does he or she have a good reputation at his previous employer? Did he actually earn his Master’s degree at Oxford? Is this person who he claims to be? In this day and age, you can’t take someone’s word for it unfortunately. There’s too much at stake. Be safe, interview, verify and hire.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway
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Friday, November 18, 2011
Philippines Background Checks More Important than Ever

  • 11/18/2011
  • 1


As the world’s economy keeps scaring people through a boomerang effect that began three years ago and some economist predict will last seven more, scams in the Philippines and the entire Asian region seem to be evolving. Criminals and internet scams are not cyclical, they in fact do quite well in an economic downturn. Business scams are often the highest volume in recessions, while romance scams and online dating scams seem to stay steady regardless of the economy. Given the ongoing uncertainly and trouble in the global economy, business fraud levels are very high, and the Philippines remains a high risk area, and for investigators considering conducting business or starting a new relationship in this island nation, a professional background check is key.

Philippine scammers are becoming more sophisticated and experienced criminals can be far more devastating than the average internet scammer. Criminal groups conducting online business fraud and scams can now be organized and highly effective, with management or bosses coordinating the scams even from other countries, such as Malaysia or Hong Kong. The NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) in Manila says business fraud is a greater risk than ever for foreign firms looking to invest in the Philippines and Malaysia. Joint law enforcement agencies between the two countries have had some success, but when one network gets shut down, another quickly rises.

Professional investigators say that Philippines background checks and due diligence is the key to avoid being a victim. Foreigners and international investors from other countries are targeted by criminals in Southeast Asia. Sophisticated and organized crime targets multinational corporations to small companies to individuals by using professional looking but fake websites, emails that seem to be from a reputable company but are in fact from another sender, and even referrals from sites like Linkedin and Twitter, and other online commerce and investing websites. Managers looking for opportunity abroad can easily be caught up in the scams, fake offers, and investment scams.

Law enforcement and private investigators say the trend is likely to continue to worsen in 2012, as the global economic situation shows little sign of improvement. American companies who have suffered from the socialist policies of the Barrack Hussein Obama administration are increasingly looking abroad to survive, where risk levels are higher, and the potential for fraud is a serious risk. For those companies that have no experience in due diligence and international background checks, it can be a dangerous game when screening Asia business opportunities. Be safe and verify. Talk to a professional international investigation firm about the risks and verification options. Both Wymoo® International, a leader in international private investigation, and Philippine PI™, a reputable investigation firm specializing in the Philippines and Asia, report that scam cases have risen in response to the economic downturn. Business leaders should consider company and individual verifications as a cost of doing business, and a prudent insurance policy.

Professional investigation firms in the Philippines like Philippine PI™ stress the need for real background checks to be performed by seasoned investigators with a proven track records in law enforcement, military or police training who can perform in situ and verify firms and people.

Trained Philippines investigators conducting background checks can verify information first hand by going to the sites or companies, obtaining discreet testimony and statements from informants, conducting on the ground research, covert surveillance, checking business registration and civil registries, immigration records, court documents and verifying company operations.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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International Private Investigators Ask is Your Online Bank Secure?











These days when everything costs more, and businesses and individuals are struggling to survive in the dismal economy, banks are fighting to attract business and automate their workflow to online services or online banking. Those banks who received bailout money from the Hussein Obama administration seem to be in even worse shape, and tax payer dollars appear to have been lost down the drain. In a no growth economic environment, and inflation surging in the United States and in most countries around the world, opportunity is hard to find. Banks are enticing customers with special deals and incentives to use their online banking. They say it’s efficient, fast and also allows the bank to save money with less overhead and employees. Start now they say. As millions start to use online banking, many security experts question the safety of the services.

People in the U.S. are facing a new and sad reality. Due to excessive spending and irresponsible fiscal policy in the United States, the country is facing a potential ruin. Current debt levels lead many economists around the world to forecast a very grim future for the U.S., a land overrun with illegal immigrants, mostly from Mexico and Latin America, as well as a general populace who is demographically, no longer American. The bloodline is fast disappearing, leaving behind only those who are in the U.S. to take, and care little about giving back. It’s not their country, after all.

International investigators say that choices of internet banks and online banking portals are growing rapidly to keep corporate costs down. Banks are doing everything they can to get customers to sign up and dedicated to their online software. This makes the banks more profitable when they don’t have to answer your phone calls. But, if banks are doing everything possible to automate banking and cut costs, experts and private investigators say it’s no surprise that budgets for security and anti-fraud technologies have stayed the same, or even been cut. You heard right. Just as millions and millions of customers start banking online is when banks have decreased their budget towards internet security, anti-fraud and other measures which can prevent identity theft and other online security risks. And, all this is taking place at a time when the risk for fraud and scams via the internet is at an all time high. Consumers are getting the short end of the stick.

Law enforcement and private investigators say it’s important for consumers to do their homework before joining any bank. Ask what type of security measures the bank has in place. Read the bank’s privacy policy on its website. Ask other customers and search the internet for any recent security problems the bank may have had. Ask the bank if they share or sell any of your private account information. Ask to have this in writing that your information will not be sold or shared. Many banks try to profit from your personal information, when they should be guarding it.

If your bank is based abroad, or you’re considering a sizeable international investment or financial transaction, experts say it’s wise to consider a professional international due diligence service to minimize your risk. Such investigations can verify banks, companies and representatives.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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Monday, November 7, 2011
International Investigators Crack Down on China Investment Scams



Asia has been a center of booming population and investment for the past 20 years. It was Japan, the rising sun that brought high quality electronics to the world in the early 80’s. Remember the walkman? China has now emerged as a world power due to its huge population, booming economy and supplier contracts with most major economies around the world. Chances are, most of the things in your home were made in China, regardless of where you live. Exports and massive industrialization of cheap products are sold all over the world and do not offer high quality, but volume and low prices. This is the dragon’s recipe for international commercial success. With success and profits, come firms and individuals chasing returns. Because of the widespread corruption in China, it’s a high risk game for fraud. Investigators aim to minimize the risk.

China has made the world learn the cost of low price- low quality items and the words “Made in China” has become a popular reference for –cheap- low quality- short life products, and yet, you can find them everywhere in the whole world. With internet access and usage surging in China, many Chinese are now finding other ways to take advantage of foreigners seeking a quick profit. Failing to verify companies and people in China can be a costly mistake. Whether a contact is personally referred to a CEO, or a manager finds a contact or website via the internet for a Chinese business partner, caution is strongly advised. Investment scams in China are booming.

Companies and individuals in the developed world of the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K. are most often targeted. Criminals seek to present an attractive business proposal, profitable, supplier or export relationships, or sell a company stock or precious metals at a great price. Investors operating from another country or continent often find it very difficult to verify a firm in China due to the language and lack of transparency in that country. In fact, in many cases, it simply isn’t possible for a manager of a U.S. or Canadian firm to verify a small company or business person or facilities or operations in China. Verifying reputation and reliability of that potential business partner can be even more difficult. The truth is, in 90% of the cases, the skills of a qualified professional private investigation firm is needed, where a team on the ground verifies claimed offices, facilities, operations, reputation, legal filings, financials and more.

It pays to do your home and due diligence is essential when dealing with China. Reputable international private investigator firms such as Wymoo® International now specialize in verifying relationships, firms, investments and individuals in China. With professional field investigators based in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, trained investigation teams can gather high level information that is essential to business managers to make an informed decision. Such verification services can shine the light and bring details to the surface, which would otherwise be unavailable in the decision making process. In short, it’s a valuable insurance to have.

China offers a vast landscape of economic opportunities and cheap suppliers, and even up and coming stocks to invest in. With increased potential reward, however, comes increased risk. Experts urge managers to hire a professional to verify claims made by Chinese companies, and to verify Chinese business contacts and all associated documentation and contracts. International due diligence can be costly, but it’s a fraction of the cost that can result from dealing with a criminal, and being a victim of investment scam or fraud. Individuals, small companies and corporations have been driven into bankruptcy. Be smart. Be safe in China.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
International Investigators Ask is Facebook’s https Secure?



The social media world was shocked recently when they learned of the new so called security measures Facebook announced effective October 1, 2011, when Zuckerberg’s largest internet network started to shut down all profiles that are not supported by a secure server application or an “https” URL extension. The announcement comes in response to much criticism and concern over Facebook’s lack of privacy protection for its users, and its use of user data.

A spokesperson at Facebook claimed that it is one of the measures the company will take to prevent users from hacking and identity theft, after two years and probably a million complaints from users about the lack of security on the network, and how exposed users were.

The application is meant to “certify” companies and applications (apps) pages that are hosted in Facebook and basically use the “Welcome application” or iframe in their profile page. Pages for individuals will not be required to be in the SSL (https) format. Company pages, according to Facebook, will be dropped from the network, however, if they are not in a SSL format.

Most internet users know that out of those 500 - 750 million Facebook users, millions could be fake profiles or security profiles users open to a) keep their real identities safe or b) scammers taking all your money. There is one thing we know for sure, companies like GoDaddy are already advertising the SSL application for social networking and selling it from $19.95 up to $150 USD depending on the browsing you use. How having an SSL connection will verify identity on the network is not clear, and put more simply by most private investigators, “garbage”. Https or SSL is good method to protect private information from hackers but this in no way protects against false identities, fake profiles and simply has no impact on verifying identity. Protecting data yes. Verifying identity impossible. To even claim that SSL can in some way verify an identity has drawn hefty criticism from law enforcement and international investigators. It’s time for social networking sites to admit there isn’t much they can do to verify identity, and focus on protecting privacy.

Experts say as long as sites stay free and subscription numbers are in the millions, there will never be any way to prudently screen all the members and profiles. There will always be dangerous criminals mixed among the honest users. Even on pay sites and popular social networking and online dating sites such as Match.com and Linkedin, there simply is no way to check to see if a profile is real and accurate. Investigators say be carefully what you post online, and assume it can land in the hands of a criminal. In addition, private investigators say be careful what you read, and it’s safe to assume it could be false, fake and fraudulent and being used as bait by a criminal. The internet is a lawless land, and law and technology is still trying to catch up with the risk.

To be safe on the internet and on major social networking sites like Facebook, reputable international private investigators like Wymoo® International say it pays to be skeptical. Never reveal your personal information on the internet unless you’re dealing with a verified individual or company. When in doubt, contact a professional private investigation firm for assistance. Services such as an international background check are specifically designed to minimize your risk online, and verify the identity of the person or business behind the internet, sometimes on the other side of the world. Due diligence on a potential business partner or company is also highly before engaging in any business relationship with anyone abroad, especially an unknown business.

The global economy is on thin ice and criminals are finding new and creative ways to steal your money and your identity. Be safe, and proceed with caution online and offline.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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Thursday, September 22, 2011
International Background Checks Can Keep You Safe Online



Security is a concern when we talk about the internet. In recent months hacking has been rising and most internet users are subject to the risks, despite that many companies who operate online claim. Websites and companies of all sizes and background now have our personal information such as our email accounts , website passwords, social media information and photos, resumes, bank account information, social security numbers, home address, marital status, the works. Clearly not every company and website is doing everything they can to protect your privacy. Some are even selling your information to other third parties without your knowledge. New and growing risks online are fueling the demand for international background checks

As there are more internet users every day and applications and information available is getting larger, the means of protection of our information seems to be getting smaller. Protecting our identity and information online is becoming more difficult rather than easier. Hackers are finding ways to access websites who store our information. Each month it seems a major bank or company reports or sends you an email stating their information had been accessed, and your account data and identity could be impacted. Social networks have developed an endless competitive war between themselves and it seems that the more Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google+ expose themselves, the more users can see these sites are primarily interested in making money from users and users’ information. The users are paying the price.

Not long ago Facebook changed and added more applications where your privacy and that of your contacts and their contacts and so on, is less protected and your account less private. With all the growing risk, international investigators warn internet users more than ever about who you become “friends” with online and remember when sharing your information online, it’s a good rule to assume it could end up in the hands of your worst enemy, or be publicly displayed.

Localization applications have been one of the latest and coolest applications added to Zuckerberg’s 500 million user network, and it is, by all means, a very useful tool for criminals who don’t have to worry about finding you, and knowing where you are at this very moment. This makes it easier for stalkers, murderers and internet scammers to know where you are, when you’re at home, and when you’re leaving work. Perhaps you’re connected through your BB and on a cab on the way to pick up your children, criminals can see that also. Detectives in major world cities and reputable international private investigators say an alarming number of homicides, kidnappings, rape and assault cases have an element of an internet relationship, or to put simply, resulted in one way or another from an internet relationship or social networking site.

Internet fraud and scams are not only about romance or marriage scams anymore. As the internet evolves, so do the criminal techniques employed. What you do online can impact you offline and can create serious risks and dangers to you in your REAL LIFE so proceed with caution.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway

© 2011 A Hathaway
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Monday, September 12, 2011
International Due Diligence: Doing Your Homework



Investors around the world are seeking out new and profitable opportunities beyond their own national borders. Investment opportunities are hard to find in the global recession, so managers and business owners and CEO’s are looking to other countries and even other continents to find a more efficient way to compete in the new (and grim) financial landscape. This trend has created a sharp increase in the number of international business deals and foreign investment, especially in booming nations and populations of China and India. Many companies are eager to make a deal, snag an opportunity or find a lower cost supplier, and in the gold rush, many fail to do their due diligence. In today’s high risk environment, not doing your homework can be very costly.

International due diligence is the process of verifying individuals and organizations in other countries to minimize the risk in global business transactions and investment. It is a valuable tool that can save a company from serious negative publicity, serious financial losses or even bankruptcy. It is a form of insurance that can verify new business contacts, new suppliers, small business operations overseas, and determine if a person or business (or stock) is what it appears to be. It’s common news these days that more and more corporations down to individuals are being defrauded in international business and investment. The risk is high, and the demand for professional verification services is growing. Doing businesses offshore has serious potential, but there are also risks that should be identified and minimized before moving forward.

Victims abound in the U.K., U.S., Canada and Australia. Relatively rich countries in the developed world are seeking investment (typically) in developing nations, where there is less oversight, less regulation and less transparency. The result? High risk for fraud and scams. Experience investors know that even if you have met a company representative in Beijing, or a sales person in London, or a CEO in New Delhi, there is still significant risk on the table. Financial statements and operation figures can be falsified, exaggerated, etc. Offices may exist on paper, but when an investigator visits the address, it may or may not exist, or be as claimed. Contracts and relationships with other companies may not be true, and even if a company in China, India, Nigeria or Ghana or South Africa or Brazil claims to have IBM or Microsoft or General Electric as it’s major customer, such relationships should be verified in the due diligence and verification process.

In recent years, companies in the Fortune 500 have been seriously threatened by the risk from false companies based in China, India and Southeast Asia. Fraud operations in the Philippines and Malaysia are growing, and investments made in companies based in Manila and Kuala Lumpur are at high risk. Russia has presented serious challenges as well, and investments in Russia (a huge market with a lot of opportunity) are at serious risk for scams, business fraud, stock scams and misrepresentation as criminal operations operate in an organized and effective fashion from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Gold scams and precious metals and commodity investment scams are also out of control and being run by organized criminal groups in Ghana, Nigeria and Benin in West Africa. To make matters worse, even if the business contact or company never mentions one of these countries, it doesn’t mean the risk is gone. In fact, many scammers operating from these countries use VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) such as Skype to use local phone numbers in New York or London or Hong Kong, to pose as a local or business based in that country. It’s becoming very difficult to know who is who, and where he or she is operating from.

International due diligence is a form of insurance and doing your homework. International private investigators are now in high demand, as businesses and individuals see the need to verify and minimize the risk. Initial screening and scrutiny should always done in house, but before a deal or agreement is reached, experts advise relying on a professional private investigator who has offices or field investigators on the ground where you need them, to verify offices, relationships, operations, employees, management, business registrations and licensing, reputation and more. In many cases, having a professional and highly trained investigator on the ground with local contacts, access to local records, and who speaks the same language and culture is the only way to obtain the evidence and verify the information in question. Be safe and verify.
Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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Thursday, August 18, 2011
Lesbian Lovers Prone to Gay Online Dating Scams


Lesbians and gays are now out of the closet in most countries, and are proud to be gay and different. Homosexuals proudly frolic in public and even display their affection to their gay lovers. Lesbians are increasingly doing the same, butch or feminine. The world is accepting these people as normal parts and contributors of society. Despite their fundamental and genetically conflicting nature (female anatomy is designed for a male and vice versa), lesbians have overcome these unnatural and confusing challenges. They are now a driving force in developed nations. Now that lesbians are out in the open, online dating sites cater to gays and lesbians. Many lesbians who are out of the closet use the service, and even more lesbians who hide their masculine instincts subscribe to online dating sites as an outlet, where they can pursue love from the privacy of their own home. Gays and lesbians are perhaps the fastest growing segment of online dating site subscribers. As a result, they are also fast becoming a target for online criminals.

Internet scammers and criminals of online fraud use social networking and online dating sites as a hunting ground. Their target? People who are trusting, honest and lonely people seeking Mr. or Ms. Perfect. Many internet criminals are learning how to take advantage of lesbians who are seeking a discreet partner, or love abroad. A criminal can provide false profiles, beautiful photos and slowly build a relationship and trust with a lesbian. The result? A hot and steamy lesbian love affair online. Everything seems perfect. Men, after all, are the bad ones. Most lesbians never see it coming, and don’t suspect that their sweet, innocent and shy lesbian lover could ever be involved in any scam or fraud. The criminals understand this mentality, and they are busy exploiting it. Lesbians are urged to use caution, and be skeptical with partners.

Dating background checks are valuable tools for consumers to lower their risk for fraud. A true dating background check (like any other real background check) is a professional investigation conducted by a trained and experienced professional private investigator. It is a comprehensive verification process that screens for fraud, identifies risk factors, and answers the question – is this person who he or she claims to be? Points covered in a dating background check investigation may include, but not limited to: criminal records, travel records, employment and education verification, passport or ID verification, fraud screening, address verification, property records and asset searches, civil and marriage records, and more. It’s a smart way to be safe.

International private investigators say there is simply no way for sites like Facebook, Match.com, eHarmony and the countless other sites to screen all their subscribers. It’s important for consumers to know that no site is immune from fraud. To lower your risk, be very careful about revealing personal information. Never send money to anyone who has not been verified. Stay skeptical and if in doubt, contact a reputable private investigation firm for help.


Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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Friday, August 12, 2011
International Investigators Busy in Emerging Markets



Emerging markets are nations with activity in the process of rapid growth and industrialization, in which China is considered the largest. India is next on the list, but the truth is, more nations are in the developing status than those that are developed. Outside the major economies of Germany, U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, the world is undergoing rapid economic change which includes the infrastructure, method of conducting business and rule of law. Developing nations are still the Wild West, and are inherently full of risk. With risk comes reward, so the saying goes, but international private investigators are busy trying to minimize that risk for global clients. They're working overtime.

Countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Brazil, China, Ghana, Colombia and Nigeria, among the other top emerging 65 economies around the world are undergoing a rapid transformation to participate in globalization and the new economy. But, stifling much of this growth and transformation is the threat from scams and fraud, which can be costly to investors, governments and individuals. We live in an imperfect world, so while getting in at the ground level on a gold mining company in Ghana, or an internet start up in Hong Kong may sound like a great idea with major potential rewards, it is not without major risk.  The unknowns are greater than ever.

Southeast Asia countries are seeing a sharp rise in more fraud and scam types than what most people are aware of on the internet. International commerce, investment and communication by default involves the internet, making international business and deals in emerging economies even more risk prone. The internet offers criminals anonymity and protection. It’s no longer just online dating, advance free fraud or investment scams. China, Malaysia and the Philippines, together with Thailand and Taiwan have seen recent arrests of organized criminals groups surprisingly large and specialized in their illegal operations online. There is serious money to be made, and developing countries often have ineffective and underfunded law enforcement agencies, not to mention corruption problems. These factors combined create a haven for scams and fraud.

Criminals are taking advantage of the global recession. Investors, both individuals and corporations, are looking abroad to find opportunities, seeking a profitable deal in places that are unknown and new, where language and cultural barriers make it hard to conduct international due diligence. It can be hard enough to verify contacts, business operations and proposals in your home country. Throw in a different language and continent, and due diligence and screening for fraud can get complicated. For this reason many investors and consumers are relying on highly trained international private investigation firms like Wymoo® International to verify business contacts, companies and relationships. Having a professional investigator on the ground where you need him, speaking the same language, utilizing local contacts, checking references, accessing local records and providing details of facilities is an invaluable tool at minimizing risk.  Not doing your homework can be costly.

Scam operations in many developing countries have become experts in business fraud, where their main targets are Western companies or English speaking investors. Experts say Africa, Latin America and Asia are the highest crime rate regions for business fraud and scams. China may be the up and coming world power, but by no means is it there yet. China suffers from severe overpopulation and also a serious problem with fraud. The ethics and policies of trading and business practices vary significantly from what Western businesses are used to.

Latin-American emerging markets are no exception. If fraud or scam isn’t present, there’s the risk for hyper-inflation and devaluation of the local currencies, not to mention kidnapping of executives in Mexico, or extortion from drug dealers. Each region is unique, and only a reputable international investigation firm with field investigators in the local area can prudently screen the case for fraud and risk factors, since each country and case is unique.  Be safe and verify the facts.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway




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Tuesday, July 26, 2011
International Due Diligence Keeps Companies Safe from China Fraud



Some criminals in China have been giving the country a bad name, and scamming Western businessmen and companies and investors. Since the internet has become a major tool for trading and business relationships for Chinese investment are often built or initiated online, some illegal companies and fraudsters have found ways to cheat investors and importers by taking their money and disappearing. The Chinese economy is still outperforming most countries, and with dismal opportunities elsewhere, investors and businesses are eager to get into the China market, and many are forgetting to do their homework. As a result, scam cases are rising.

Fake companies and false representatives are now the biggest threat facing China investors. Companies and investors in the U.S. by stock on companies that don’t exist, sign business contracts with companies that don’t exist, and so on. Victims pay for items and cargo which is never shipped, and imports are paid for with no delivery. The list goes on. How do companies and business people fall for such scams? The answer is simple. The criminals conducting these scams and fraud are good at what they do, and they use very convincing support documentation and claims. They’re familiar with the industry and use professional looking websites, email addresses and local Chinese phone numbers. The crooks are excellent sales people.

International private investigators have seen a significant rise in the demand for due diligence investigations from companies in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia interested to do business with local Chinese companies. The risk is becoming more widely known, and more CEO’s and investors are taking the risk head on, and minimizing their potential losses with a professional international due diligence service. A due diligence services conducted by a reputable international private investigation company can verify the contact, the business, operations, start date and registration, reputation, legal filing and more. In short, due diligence can save you a lot of money.

Investigators say that most of these so called businesses take advantage of the fact that being online they do not really register themselves as entities and may not even be legally established in their country. Often scammers will claim to be based outside of China to avoid the reputation and perception of risk among Asian nations. In fact, the criminals could be Chinese nationals or even from Malaysia, operating from anywhere in the world using the internet and proxy servers.

Fraudsters are really experts of deception and know how to appear legal. They can get forged legal documents, open temporary bank accounts, get your money and go. Foreign companies interested in investing money in China should check their contacts and the history of the companies they represent. As always, ask for and check the references. Have a professional investigation firm verify their claims and screen the case for fraud, which will also include verifying any documentation and identifications provided. Don’t go it alone, get the help of a professional before closing a deal with a company based in Beijing, Shanghai and even Taiwan.

International due diligence in China can save you a lot of trouble, time and money. Professional investigation firms like Wymoo® International the FBI and Interpol have seen big companies fall for these scams, losing millions of dollars and in some cases even face bankruptcy. Basically, no one is immune from these scams and it’s important to know that the risks are a serious threat to business and investment in China. Wymoo and law enforcement also agree that many crimes go unreported, as companies don’t want their shareholders to know that they’ve fallen for such a scam, and executives are also concerned about personal and company reputations.

Doing business in China is still a good idea if one takes the necessary precautions. When looking for opportunity abroad, do your homework, check references, and get due diligence.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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International Private Investigators Offer Tips to Stay Safe Online



The internet is growing and it seems nearly everyone in the world now has access. It is becoming the most important place to do business, contact friends and even get a good job. New businesses open every day because the web offers low investment and nearly no barriers to entry. Romance and partners are available by clicking different profiles in Match.com and other dating sites. And connecting with friends and making new friends on social networking sites like Facebook has made life less physical, and more electronic. Everything we do is now online, it seems. Connecting with people, learning about new places, booking travel, meeting meeting new friends, finding new jobs, researching new investments, connecting with businesses and companies, and reaching out to new contacts, and submitting forms and sending emails and even payments online. We all do it and it seems so common in fact, that most of this forget or don’t know the risks involved.

That’s the power of internet. Making life easier, some say. With all this easy access to information and people and businesses around the world, there is an equal rise in new forms of crime, many of these involving scams and fraud via the internet. Identity theft, romance scams, investment fraud, advance fee fraud, and visa scams, travel scams, marriage fraud, online dating scams, immigration scams, phishing scams, spam email, hacking and countless others are on the rise. The FBI and embassies around the world report that complaints and crime victims are up. Crimes and scams range from losing several hundred dollars and having a broken heart to a ruined life and your complete life savings stolen from you, and your identity taken. Some crime starts via the internet, but can end in murder, rape or abduction, as many trusting users of dating and social network sites publish their private information on line, and let criminals know where they live, what time their home, their photos and date of birth, and even more.

Scammers can leave you a strong feeling of deceit, frustration and loss of control as most crimes cannot be prosecuted. Internet criminals have the advantage of anonymity via the internet, and law enforcement and investigators often struggle to identify, locate and arrest them.

International private investigators have been working overtime with international background checks, international due diligence, dating background checks, and other professional investigation services to minimize the risk for clients around the world. Through their experience, they offer some telling advice on how to stay safe online, and how to mitigate the risk.

All online relationships, whether business or personal should be verified for your own good.

Online Safety Check List

- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If the offer is truly worth it, it’s worth some time and research to make sure it’s done right. This is true with love and investments.

- Be very skeptical of any emails asking for your password or login information. Never provide that information to anyone via an email, and if you’re not sure, call the business directly.

- No job offering is serious if you have to pay a fee upfront. 99% of the time, this is a scam.

- Be very skeptical of anyone claiming to offer you an easy visa or passport, or unknown travel agency. Ask for references and proof that you are dealing with a reputable company.

- Never provide indecent photos of yourself to anyone online. These can be used as blackmail.

- Be skeptical when online dating. Never reveal too much personal information and never send money to anyone who has not been verified by a professional private investigator.

- Never reveal personal data on Facebook or similar sites. Letting the public know where you live, your full name and date of birth is a very fast and effective way to be a victim.

- If you’re considering a new supplier, investment or business partnership with a company overseas, stop and consider the risk. Verify with an international background check or international due diligence so you know the facts, and then make an informed decision.

The internet is a great tool with many opportunities. Know the risk. Be safe.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway
© 2011 A Hathaway

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