February 21, 2009
Background Checks for Employment

  • 2/21/2009
International Business Services Revealed












These days, it's tough to tell who the best candidate is for the job, even when he or she is from the same local area. Complicating matters further is the fact that many businesses are hiring folks from abroad, where language, culture, and access to information is a foreign affair. Verifying a candidate's background from overseas is essential to make sure the right person is hired, and to prevent unforseen risks and costs from surfacing.

Many so-called background check companies simply search databases (which are often outdated or inaccurate) for a candidate's history of credit, criminal records and public information. This approach can be reckless in a domestic market. Following this approach with an international candidate can be down right negligent, since such databases often don't exist for many countries, especially in the developing world.

Where to turn when a foreign candidate is considered for a position? Employers should use a real investigation firm with field investigators in the region or country of concern. Professional investigators who have the ability to gather information in the local market, in the local language, and verify a candidate's background are essential to any international pre-employment screening. Wymoo International is one firm that is headquartered in the U.S., but uses field investigators around the globe.

Focusing simply on public records and databases is a great way for a background check company to save on expenses, but it may end up leaving the employer holding the bag.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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February 3, 2009
Online Dating & Background Checks

  • 2/03/2009
Rising Demand and Options for Consumers











Online dating has increased significantly in recent years. More people are meeting via the internet than ever before. It's not uncommon for marriage to be found on the internet, and increasingly, this new form of match-making involves an international relationship. Scams are also on the rise around the world. Often times professional scammers and criminals will target or select their victims on internet dating sites.

The number of reported scam or fraud cases in 2008 nearly doubled the number from 2007. In other cases, the subject may simply misrepsent him or herself by using a false background and profile, including photographs. This surge in scams has fueled a rising demand for international background checks. Consumers are well advised to consider a confidential background check service on any potential relationship which is begun on the internet, especially if the romance involves someone overseas. Experts consider the service a wise insurance policy.

Among the many websites offering international background checks, few are legitimate. Sites that offer "background checks" to run automated searches of databases for $39.99 or $59.99, obviously don't qualify as a real investigation. Consumers should expect to pay between $350 and $600 for a professional investigator such as Wymoo® to verify a background.

While international private investigators aren't always cheap, consumers should consider the risks and potential costs of not getting a background check. Many romance victims in 2008 lost their entire savings, had their identity stolen, and had to live through the agonizing ordeal of falling in love with someone who simply did not exist. The risks are real and rising.


All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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