August 30, 2009
Missing Heirs & International Probate

  • 8/30/2009
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

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August 20, 2009
Philippines Detectives & Background Checks

  • 8/20/2009
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
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Nigeria Scams & Private Investigators

  • 8/20/2009
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

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