Showing posts with label international private detectives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international private detectives. Show all posts
April 11, 2012
Online Dating Sites Take Little Action to Prevent Romance Scams



People join dating sites for numerous and varied reasons. Those who think have nothing to offer but their minds to attract someone, those who feel safer in an all singles’ environment, and those who are tired of the awkwardness of meeting in real life, and those who want free, and those who want to meet someone who lives outside of their immediate area. Some are looking for love, others are looking for a good time. Others are simply lonely and looking for a friend. And, last but not least, some are criminals who hope to cash in on every honest person they can find.

Online dating sites appeal to many people from all over the world with internet access, busy schedules, and who are searching for a companion, friendship, marriage, and old fashioned love and romance. A partner for life. Experts say it is this high hope or optimism and loneliness, i.e. vulnerability that can land subscribers in a world of trouble. Internet criminals know exactly which buttons to push, and how to gain your trust. Romance scams are now widespread.

In the past sixteen years we have seen all kinds of stories, from people who fell in love with a fake person which was a fake profile taken from a real person, or a beautiful women abroad who only wanted immigration, and after marriage there was soon to be a disaster and divorce, ending in financial ruin. Others have planned for marriage, only to have their identity stolen and bank accounts drained, ending in serious emotional and financial stress. Make no mistake, romance scams are devastating and no laughing matter for victims. Often victims say they never saw it coming, and never got a background check investigation by a reputable investigator.

Dating websites know the risks and of course they are aware of the damage made to a sizeable number of their users, but they limit their liability and responsibility by offering privacy policies and disclaimers that say they are not responsible. After all, dating sites are in the business of bringing people together, not in the business of determining who is real and who is a fraud, or who is a criminal and who is not. That is the business of a professional private investigation firm with international offices and resources. Investigators can verify the ID, passport, documents, employment and education, and screen the case for fraud as part of the investigation.

The only way to know who the person on the other side of the monitor is, is by conducting a professional and in depth international background check. Media, law enforcement and private investigators have been warning consumers and internet users increasingly during the last few years about the risk for romance scams, and surprisingly, the number keeps growing. As consumers get wiser, so do the crooks. The blame game continues and many victims and advocacy groups are pointing the finger at the dating sites, but the trust is there is no way to effectively screen the millions of users. In the end, it is up to the user to know the red flags, watch out for the warning signs, and when in doubt, contact an international investigator.


All the best,

S. Birch
© 2012 S. Birch

Read more
November 26, 2011
International Due Diligence Recommended for Business in China


Cyber crime is becoming a top priority for police and law enforcement agencies around the world. We have seen the recent gathering at the Interpol headquarters where Timothy A. Williams, Director of the agency in Washington stressed the need for more security and more efficient ways to prosecute internet criminals. In the U.S. it seems that the Maine State Police Computer Crime Unit has been recognized to have one of the best units in the country for computer forensics work, but so far the technology is only being used to track digital information for investigations regarding local suspects for murder investigations and sexual predators. Law enforcement in the U.S. and Europe is making strides to enhancing technology to catch conventional criminals, but cyber crime remains ahead of the law enforcement curve. Much work is to be done in this area. In fact, as the China economy is booming, so has the number of serious business fraud cases in China, impacting European and U.S. citizens. So far, going after these criminals is major challenge.

New technology and law enforcement tools have been introduced in the field of cyber forensics, but the criminals are developing their techniques as well. In fact, recently a U.S. spy satellite was hijacked by a hacker that was traced back to China. If the United States can’t protect or control it’s own satellites, consumers and businesses should take note that their information may not be so secure. Businesses investing or conducting business in China should be aware of the high risk for fraud and scams. Even when criminals are identified and located, prosecution is an entirely different matter. Ever been to a criminal trial in China, in Chinese, in a communist court? You get the idea. Once the money is lost in most cases, it’s nearly impossible to get back.

China private investigators are adding some serious value in their efforts of fraud and scam prevention. Through comprehensive due diligence and background check services, individual investigators and corporate clients can minimize their risk, and many are using such services as a prudent form of insurance. It pays to be safe when working with a Chinese company.

China is a land with little regulation, and even less transparency. Verifying management, operations, representatives, legal filings, and reputation is key. If you’re buying a significant amount of shares of a Chinese company, getting a new supplier from China, or working out a new deal with a Chinese firm, be safe and be aware of the risks. Contact a professional private investigation firm with agents on the ground, who speak the language, know the culture, and have the necessary contacts to verify you are in fact dealing with a real and reputable company in China.

So far the most affected countries from crimes committed online are the U.S., the U.K, Canada and Australia. Victims can suffer from extortion, theft, identity theft, advance fee fraud, financial loss or even legal charges if they indeed become involved with an illegal business.

Investing in China? Consider a professional international due diligence service to verify unknown parties and companies. Ignoring the risk can be a costly learning experience.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
Read more
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)