Nigeria Scams & Background Checks

Nigeria Background Checks Preventing Fraud








Nigeria scams and fraud cases continue to impact individuals and businesses around the world. Scam techniques used are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it no longer takes a fool to be a victim. Lagos is a bustling metropolis with a population estimated at 10 million. International business and foreign relationships are booming here, so the need for due diligence and discreet Nigeria background checks has never been greater.

U.S. based Wymoo International is one firm with operations and field investigators in the region. Wymoo® currently has professional investigators in West Africa, including Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana. In addition to screening businesses and employment candidates in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, the company also verifies personal and individual relationships.

The risk for fraud and scams in the region remains very high. However, as many industry observers point out, so does the opportunity. The oil and gas investment in this oil rich nation is major, and there is no shortage of foreign investment in Lagos, the nation's capital. Many firms are experiencing a high level of growth, and the global economic recovery should offer serious opportunity here for those who are able to screen the risks.

Whether you're in need of a due diligence investigation to verify a business or individual, or if you require a confidential background check or Nigeria private investigator to verify a relationship, finding a professional investigator is no easy task. Many local investigators in West Africa lack the experience necessary to conduct a real investigation. Consumers should go with a firm based in the U.S. or Europe with field investigators in Nigeria.

Are all people in Nigeria criminals? Of course not. Are all business opportunities here a scam? Not at all. Is the risk of scam and fraud truly that great here? Absolutely. Whether it's business or personal, consumers should get a background check to verify all West Africa relationships. It's the only way to go.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch

Global Background Checks for Asia

Private Investigators Race to Asia as Economy Recovers














The economy appears to have hit a bottom and begun a long and slow recovery across Asia. A recent survey of business leaders throughout Asia confirmed this sentiment, with most CEO's and economists predicting modest but postive GDP for the 4th quarter, and for 2010. With the recovery in economic conditions, private investigators have forecasted a sharp rise in demand.

International background checks in global commerce regions such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore should rise in correlation with the economy. In fact, industry experts expect the demand for private investigation and Asia background checks services to double the rate of actual economic rebound. The reason? As firms start to hire again, they will be doing so at a fair clip, and the hiring should revive across most sectors. These new hires, whether from the U.S., Canada, U.K. or Australia, will need to be verified. In addition to international cases, international private investigators are now working more domestic cases across Asia, since more Asia firms now rely on background checks to minimize risk.

Southeast Asia has and will likely continue on a somewhat separate course. The Philippines demand for private investigations is likely to come back strong as well, but not necessarily due to a rise in hiring. Industry analysts suggest the demand for foreign brides dropped significantly during 2009, and with more people working again, online dating activity and foreign bride connections should also rise. This should increase pre-martial checks and surveillance cases. The same rise is likely to be seen in Thailand and Vietnam. Singapore, on the otherhand, is expected to increase hiring at the equivalent or higher rate as Hong Kong, with multi-national firms bumping up their orders for background checks and pre-employment screenings.

Private investigation firms will no doubt be struggling to position themselves for this recovery across Asia. Companies with headquarters or large operations in Europe or North America will have the advantage, since global coverage is essential for Asia based verifications. Perhaps the two best positioned firms to take advantage of the rising demand for global background checks in Asia will be Kroll and Wymoo® International. There are no shortage of other firms trying to enter the market, however, with the potential rewards here simply too big to overlook.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch

Philippines Background Checks - The Basics

Choosing a Philippine Private Investigator







There is no shortage of demand for competent and experienced professional investigators in the Philippines. Unfortunately, the supply is very limited. At first glance, there appears to be a wide selection of private investigators to choose from. It doesn't take long to find out that few of the so-called investigators have any real experience, and the number of professional investigation firms operating in the Philippines is actually quite limited.

Philippines private detectives and private investigators are often locals trying to earn a living in a poor and developing country. In some cases, the investigator may not even attempt to do the work, and simply steal the client's money. Consumers in need of a background check, surveillance or investigation are advised to be aware of any investigator based in the Philippines, especially those that require payment by Western Union or PayPal.

A reputable Philippines private detective should offer multiple forms of payment, including secure payment with a credit card via the company's website. Choosing a firm based in the U.S., Canada or the U.K. ensures a higher level of client service and accountability. Choosing a local may be cheaper in the short run, but clients often get what they pay for. Professional investigations and real Philippines background checks require the labor of professional investigators, and services can be expensive.

The largest private investigation firm with operations in the Philippines is currently Philippine PI™, which is based in the U.S. but has a sizeable team of field investigators and agents in the Philippines. Philippine PI™ is verified by Truste, McAfee and the U.S. Better Business Bureau. There also investigators in the U.K. and Canada that operate in the Philippines, and they are preferred over any local. Consumers are advised to should shop around and remember that any reputable firm should have references.

Due to the high risk of fraud, infidelity and romance scams in the Philippines, private investigators are a wise insurance policy. But remember... choosing a private investigator based on price alone could be a costly mistake. Go with a reputable international firm, and be safe with a trusted professional investigator.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch

Ghana Private Investigators & Scams

Accra, Ghana Detectives Work Over-Time










Accra, Ghana detectives are busier than ever chasing criminals of fraud and scam. Like neighboring Nigeria, Ghana has experienced a sharp rise in internet fraud, relationship scams and business fraud cases. With the downturn in the global economy, many criminals have escalated their fraud and scam operations. The crime is now taking a major toll on Ghana's reputation.

Reputable Ghana private investigators are increasingly finding new ways to track down and prevent internet scams rings and business fraud operations. However, the scammers are also increasing their level of sophistication when targeting and convincing their victims. Indeed, Ghana-based fraud and scams can effect anyone, and reach all corners of the globe.

Police and government agencies in Ghana, despite a recognized effort to combat such crime, remain corrupt and inefficient. This is the nature of West Africa. Accra, Ghana clearly maintains a strong foundation of international business and foreign investment. And there is no shortage of honest and hard working people here. The risk for fraud, on the other hand, is very high and consumers are strongly urged to have a Ghana background check prior to engaging in any business or personal relationship which involves any party from Ghana or Nigeria.

Both businesses and individuals should be very skeptical of any advance fee, whether it be a business or personal loan, or an advance payment for a shipment of goods or service. Such a situation is very risky in West Africa and should be avoided whenever possible. Due to the developing legal system, financial losses from scams may be unrecoverable in Ghana.

Should the world avoid West Africa and Ghana completely? Obviously not. There are many opportunities for investment, as well as many genuine business and personal relationships here. Is the risk really that great? Yes. Get a background check or due diligence check by a professional U.S. firm such as Wymoo International to verify business and personal relationships.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch

Missing Heirs & International Probate

The Race is On to Find Missing Heirs Abroad

Annually in the United Kingdom, the federal government takes in over 10 billion pounds in unclaimed estates from its citizens. U.S. experts estimate that 9 out of 10 of its citizens are owed money that sits unclaimed each year. State governments in the U.S. currently hold over $40 billion in unclaimed funds, and that is small compared to what the federal government takes in.

As a response to the unclaimed funds, many genealogical and international heir hunters are now stepping up their efforts in global investigations to find missing beneficiaries and heirs. As overpopulation and globalization take effect, missing heirs are increasingly found abroad, and finding these heirs requires the skill of a prudent international investigator. Internatonal probate research requires the knowledge of a genealogical researcher and an international private investigator to work together.

Firms who find the missing heirs collect a nice reward via a fixed percentage or commission in the contract the beneficiary signs to receive the inheritance money. This commission is taken from the inheritance sum, and accounts for costs involved in the search, attorney fees, and other investigation expenditures.

Large and beaurocratic governments are increasingly receiving larger amounts of money in unclaimed estates. The increase in government size and waste (as in the Obama administration) is estimated to increase the unclaimed estates in the U.S.

A few heir hunters and geneaological researchers now employ their own private investigators to work international probate. Others are increasingly relying on the experience and knowledge of international private investigators who have a history of working missing person cases. Wymoo International conducts private investigations in over 100 countries, and is just one such firm that has seen an increase in its missing heir cases.

Could you be a missing heir?

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch

Philippines Detectives & Background Checks

Dating Scams and Infidelity Abound








Philippines dating scams and infidelity cases are at their highest levels in history. In a country world-renowned for its scams, infidelity and exportation of brides, it's hard to believe the situation could get any worse - but, it has. Philippines private detectives are busier than ever with clients from Canada, the U.S., U.K. and Australia all seeking investigation services.

According to the major Embassies in Manila, most foreign citizens file complaints on scams which originate via the internet. Foreign men seeking Philippine brides are facing difficult odds sorting through the scammers in hopes of finding an honest woman. Never before have Embassies and law enforcement received so many complaints regarding romance scams and fraud.

To avoid being a victim, many foriegners are hiring manila or cebu based private investigators. However, many of the local so-called investigators are even scams. Those who do work the case are often unqualified or unreliable. Because of the high rate of scams and fraud, from both relationships and investigators, consumers are advised to seek a professional investigation firm based outside of the Philippines, but one that has expert field investigators in the Philippines. Among the most reputable and experienced remains the U.S. based Philippine PI™, which has a large team of field investigators in the Philippines.

Business and personal relationships in the Philippines should be verified. The alternative can be a costly mistake. Industry experts say a Philippines background check is much like a prudent insurance policy. Philippine scammers remain some of the best and most convincing in the criminal business. Learning the truth early can save clients time, money and heartache.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch

Nigeria Scams & Private Investigators

Background Checks Rise with Scams and Fraud

Since the rise in Nigeria's 419 fraud in the 1990's, most people and businesses are skeptical about engaging in relationships involving Nigeria, or West Africa in general. However, Lagos, Nigeria is a huge metropolis, with an estimated population of 10 million inhabitants, and international business and investment is a necessary part of life here. International investment and foreign business here is extensive. Consumers and businesses have learned, and continue to learn, how to avoid the scams.

Corruption is also a way of life in Nigeria, and although authorities and law enforcement have made some progress, including some major arrests, scams and fraud continue. Avoiding Nigeria all together can mean missed opportunity for some international businesses. And avoiding all individuals from Nigeria due to the high risk of fraud, wouldn't be completely fair either.

How can a business or individual pursue a business or personal relationship with someone from Nigeria safely? The answer to that question is why the Nigeria private investigators and background check business is booming. Verifying individuals and businesses here is essential, as the risk of scams and fraud is too high, and too risky to ignore. Consumers are advised to use a professional investigation firm which is based outside of Nigeria, but one that has field investigators in Nigeria. One such firm with field investigators in Nigeria is Wymoo International, which currently has field investigators in over 100 countries worldwide. There are also some firms in the U.K. which now cover Nigeria.

Hiring a local investigator to save money is not recommended due to the widespread corruption and fraud in Nigeria and West Africa. Business and individual clients should expect to pay a fair price for a professional Nigeria background check, since any investigation in high risk zones such as Nigeria comes at a price. The verification, however, is a wise investment.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch