Showing posts with label philipines private investigators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philipines private investigators. Show all posts
November 18, 2011
Philippines Detectives Share the Facts about Due Diligence

  • 11/18/2011
  • 1

In recent days the news about Vulcano Industrial and Mining Corporation receiving over 700 million Philippines pesos hit the international headlines. China Trend Investments Limited, a company based in Hong Kong did the transaction after conducting a 60 day due diligence. But, it wasn’t enough. Management often knows the importance of due diligence, but sometimes fails to recognize when hiring a professional private investigator is essential. In cases involving one or more foreign countries, experts say it’s important to consult a professional international due diligence firm. Management should focus on the numbers, but leave the fraud screening and actual verifications to experienced investigators, according to one spokesperson at the FBI.

The internet is a vital part of our daily life and business, especially when it comes to international business. Management and companies now have the ability to establish relationships and find investment opportunities online. Companies in Hong Kong and New York and London can learn about other companies offering services or supplier contracts in Sao Paulo, Cairo or Kuala Lumpur or even Accra. When starting any new business relationship, third parties and businesses proposals must be vetted. Ignoring the risk can lead to bankruptcy and even jail time.

Firms now have the chance to partner with and grow and make deals with companies all over the globe, and Southeast Asia is no exception. Unfortunately, the reputation of this region has been stained with the ongoing scams and frauds in recent years. Criminal groups from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Manila, Philippines, and other countries have been putting corporations and investors at risk. Savvy criminals now how to pitch a proposal and attract investors and foreign investment. Once the payment is made, or the sensitive information obtained about the victim (the company), the fraud has been executed, and it’s too late to go back. International business is key to surviving in today’s difficult environment. As American companies continue to suffer from the socialist policies of Barack Hussein Obama, America’s first Muslim president and foreign national to lead the world’s most powerful nation, the economic repercussions have been felt worldwide. The U.S. continues to collapse under unprecedented debt levels and the dollars is in free fall.

Philippines private investigators say the U.S. decline has caused many U.S. and U.K. and Australia corporations to seek investment in developing countries, seeking a safe haven from the U.S. turmoil, or simply a place to avoid high taxes imposed by the Obama administration. Others are looking for profitable investment and business relationships to survive the dismal U.S. economy. Regardless, firms are looking further to stay afloat, and companies and individuals in other countries, where language, culture and business practices are different, must be verified.

In the U.S., for example, to conduct due diligence is an acceptable procedure and usually businessmen and CEO’s openly support it. Business people in developing and developed nations understand that verifying proposals and investments and relationships is essential.

A good impression from a counterpart is a good sign, and companies that have nothing to hide, are more than willing to help in the process and let their inner operations be screened. It’s part of getting the deal, after all. The scenario can be a little bit different in Asia, where companies and business managers often want to keep operations secret and private. This only adds to the lack of transparency, and makes conducting business in Asia all the more risk inherent.

The Philippines is a poor underdeveloped country and struggling economy, immerse in debt and seriously harmed by ongoing inflation, financial crisis and a high corrupt political systems. Ironically it also offers a wide range of good business possibilities in trade, electronic products, minerals, petroleum, call centers, technology, agriculture and manufacturing. It is one of the best countries to perform telemarketing services and it is a tourist paradise as it has one of the most beautiful island and beach landscapes in the world. Where there is potential reward, there is risk. To be safe in today’s environment, in Asia and elsewhere, be safe and get the due diligence.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
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August 12, 2011
Philippines Private Detectives Report on Kidnapping



There is no rest for private detectives in the Philippines these days, along with internet scams and frauds perpetrated on the island nation, there is now a new threat for mobile phone users and foreigners visiting the country. Philippines private detectives are working together with the local police and NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) services in the Philippines and Singapore to locate people that have been reported as missing by family members, friends or co workers. The NBI has seen the rise of kidnapping from five cases last year to up to 25 cases reported so far this year in 2011, whose main motive has been to extort the victims and their families with large sums of money. Detectives say the ransoms have been increasing, from $25,000 to $100,000 USD to recover the victim. Foreigners and wealthy citizens are at increased risk in the Philippines.

Private investigators and law enforcement say that, in many cases, victims are people that use social networks to connect with strangers, in which Facebook and Friendster plays a leading role. Investigators say it’s critical not to post sensitive information or personal data online such as date of birth and address. This is a golden invitation to have your identity stolen, or in the case of the Philippines, kidnapping. William Carter, Director of investigations at Philippine PI™, one of the most reputable private investigation firms in Southeast Asia, explains “Facebook users need to understand that adding personal information in your profile can be a high risk for you and your family, since social networks are now being targeting by criminals and scammers.”

Privacy settings in Facebook are tricky, as sometimes the company adds new information about their users without telling them, putting their network of friends at risk. Although social networking sites do provide some basic safeguards, there simply isn’t any way to effectively screen all users. Professional Philippines private investigators say when you post information online, you should assume your worst nightmare or enemy can see it. This is a good practice to keep your guard up and be sure your personal data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

Criminals can find ways to access your information that you store online. Because social networking sites often allow your “friends” to view that personal information, such websites are especially high risk. A kidnapper can find out when you’re home, who you live with, what your address and date of birth is, what your financial situation is, what your house looks like, and your full name, date of birth, email address and phone number all through your social profile. And, that means you should be very, very careful about who you accept as a friend. Experts say it’s best to discuss private matters in person, and realize the internet is not a private platform.  No site is 100% secure.

As the Philippines continues to struggle with high crime rates and an underfunded law enforcement network, crime and kidnapping will continue. By publishing on your social networking profile that you’re in the Philippines, and have money, you’re asking for serious trouble. Don’t run the risk. Keep your personal information offline and stay safe.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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