June 25, 2009
International Background Checks

  • 6/25/2009
Verification Options Available for Consumers










International background checks remain an emerging market, despite a large number of companies and websites that claim to offer such a service. As the global economy continues on the path of globalization and electronically connected markets, more providers are rapidly trying to fill the need for verifying individuals and organizations in foreign countries.

Whether your needs are pre-employment screening, missing person, corporate investigations, civil records, background checks, infidelity, surviellance or insurance fraud, international investigators are still limited. Kroll offers international services in their automated and database methodology, whereas Wymoo® leads the industry with its network of global field investigators. The latter approach seems to be the most effective.

Local field investigators means having a professional on the ground, in the country or region of origin. The local investigator knows the local language, has local contacts, and knows how to access information in that country. Database searches ran from abroad simply aren't effective, and relying on this type of approach for a background check is reckless.

As more investigation firms begin to offer their services internationally, be sure to ask if the investigation will involve a local field investigator. Operating from the other side of an ocean or border will likely lack the due diligence of a professional background check. Most investigation companies offer a free investigation quote, outlining the service they can provide.

Be weary of websites that offer "background checks" for $39.99, etc. Expect to pay at least $300 USD for any professional background check, and more for international background checks or surveillance. Most clients get what they pay for.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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June 22, 2009
Ukraine Dating Scams

  • 6/22/2009
Don't Be a Victim of Ukraine Dating Scams









Online dating and romance scams from the Ukraine and Russia continue to increase. Each year, more and more victims file reports with their local law enforcement agencies in Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States. To their credit, Moscow and Kiev police have made some arrests, although the fraud is still growing. Controlling the crime relies more on educating consumers and access to europe background checks.

Most scammers and criminals of fraud seek out their victims on websites that cater to meeting Ukrainian or Russian women, but no website is safe. Many Ukraine and Russia scammers now use foreign match making websites in the U.K., Canada and Australia, such as Match.com. Many scams are actually operated by men using beautiful photographs of Russia and Ukraine women.

Obviously not all the women in Russia and the Ukraine are involved in scams. Many are indeed honest and beautiful women, who are seeking an honest relationship with a foreigner. However, distinguishing between the honest women and the scammers is increasingly difficult. Elements typically used to achieve the fraud or scam include assistance for education, help with travel costs, visas, or a medical emergency. The money is almost always requested via a wire transfer, such as Western Union.

For those pursuing a relationship with someone from the Ukraine or Russia, a professional background check is strongly advised. Private investigation companies are now present in Kiev, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Wymoo® now has field investigators in these cities and offers a free investigation quote via its website.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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