Showing posts with label philippine investigation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippine investigation. Show all posts
October 20, 2012
Philippines Background Checks to Uncover Romance Scam













The world evolves so fast and so do online scams and romance scams. Criminals have developed more complex ways to trap victims through Facebook, Match.com, e-Harmony, Blossoms.com and others. Despite increased media coverage and government efforts, romance scams and internet fraud remains high, and the Philippines is a high risk country. 

A con artist spends time gaining their victims' trust. The goal of course is to steal your money or even your identity. Fakes profiles, false websites, pre- recorded videos and even stolen identities can be used to convince victims that the person is real. Skype numbers with area code numbers from the U.S. or U.K. are also often used to convince clients the scammer is honest. Scams have become so elaborate that even the most skeptical people can be fooled. Philippines PI and private detective services are increasingly in demand to mitigate risk for global clients.

These days when virtual life online can be a virtual lie, romance scammers in the Philippines are something more than just a poor girl trying to make a living. Experienced criminals are now running the scams as well, as there is big money to be made. Sad but true. The Philippines is a very poor country in which most people do not have access to full education and career development. Of course there are honest people online in the Philippines who are seeking real relationships and who don't care about money. Unfortunately, these are the minority of the cases.

Don't be a victim of romance scam. Verify the person of your interest first. Keeping your fingers crossed and hoping for the best can be a costly mistake. In countries like the Philippines, meeting someone in person is your safest bet, and even then there is a good amount of risk of scam and infidelity. Be skeptical and watch out for red flags such as money request, emergencies, situations that are too good to be true, and so on. Don't send money to someone you've never met, and contact a reliable private investigation firm to minimize your risk with new contacts.

Romance scams are a serious crime, and the number of victims worldwide is rising, not falling. Victims can be left in utter ruin, financially and emotionally. Some scammers may never even ask for money, but instead steal your identity, blackmail you, or install a virus on your computer to steal your passwords to access your accounts. Conduct a Philippines investigation and be safe.

All the best,

S. Birch 
© 2012 S. Birch

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March 18, 2009
Philippines Private Investigators

  • 3/18/2009
Survey names Philippine PI as most reliable service









Philippine PI™, LLC is wholly owned by Wymoo® International and is based in Florida, United States. Philippine PI is currently one of the largest, if not the largest, private investigation firm operating in the Philippines. The firm began operations in 2006, and according to the recent release of February consumer polls, Philippine PI is ranked the most reliable private detective in the Philippines today. Over 100 businesses and individuals were polled as part of the industry survey, and the ranking comes at a time when investigator competition is at record levels.

Foriegn corporations, medium to large size businesses and individual consumers who had responded to have used a private investigator in the past two years participated anonymously in the February 2009 poll. The survey was conducted by an independent researcher via email and telephone. The results placed Philippine PI as #1 for "the most reliable" investigator and #2 "best known brand name". Since fraud is so common in the Philippines, and trust being a major issue when hiring a PI in the Philippines, the ranking is a major achievement.

Philippine PI™ has rapidly expanded its market share in Asia investigation services, with its primary focus in the Philippines. Local competitors have struggled to match Philippine PI's growth rate, since many foreign clients maintain a strong preference to contract a U.S. company over a Philippine based group.

Industry experts note that Philippine PI field investigators are often trained in the United States, or are hired from federal law enforcement agencies such as the NBI in Manila. Reporting is professional and timely, and the quality of field investigators may be hard for local firms to match. Many local investigators lack professional training, and this seems to be a market condition where Philippine PI™ holds strategic advantage.

About the Company:

Philippine PI is a subsidiary of Wymoo® International and is based in Florida, United States with operations throughout the Philippines. Philippines private investigators are in Manila, Cebu, Quezon City and Cagayan de Oro. The Company is privately held and is estimated to have 15 to 20 field investigators and support staff throughout the Philippines. Clients are mostly foriegn from the U.S., Europe, Australia and Canada, who find the Company website. Services include background checks, discreet surveillance, missing person searches, and due diligence. The average case turnaround is 7 days.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch

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January 25, 2009
Investigation Scams in the Philippines-PI

  • 1/25/2009
Finding a Professional, Avoiding the Amateurs













With demand for background checks, surveillance and private investigation on the rise in the Philippines, there has been a major increase in the number of providers. Many of these so-called investigators are locals trying to take cash in on the demand, and many clients end up having their money stolen, or receiving unacceptable and reliable work for their money.

The Local Joe vs. the Professional

Selecting a professional Philippines investigator with the proper tools, experience and management team can be a challenge. Fraud and corruption reaches all corners of the Philippines, including many of the operating private investigators. In many cases the local investigator provides unacceptable service, or even no service at all. Other local investigators honestly attempt to do the work, but are not qualified or properly trained.

Sorting through the Mess: A Checklist

1. If it's too cheap, there's probably a reason.
If an investigator claims to offer an exceptional service, at a very low price, it's a safe bet you will get what you pay for. Real, professional investigation can be expensive.

2. Beware of investigators that only accept Western Union.
A real company or professional investigator should have a website where you can submit various forms of payment, including a secure site where you can pay by credit card.

3. Avoid investigators who only accept PayPal.
PayPal is a secure payment option. However, be very skeptical if this is the only way to pay your investigator via a credit card. A real company will offer various forms of payment options, and allow you to submit your credit or debit card data directly via their secure website. A website that only offers PayPal for credit card payments is almost always a clear indication that you are dealing with an individual and not a real company.

4. Is the investigator available for a phone call?
Make sure your investigator is available over the phone. This will show you what kind of service you can expect throughout your case. Avoid any investigator who does not provide an office phone number on his email or website.

5. Use secure websites with privacy seals.
Private investigation can involve details of a very private nature. Look for a PI with a website with privacy seals such as Truste and/or McAfee security. These seals show that the company is serious about protecting your privacy.

6. Do surveillance photos have time-date stamps?
Surveillance photos during any professional investigation will have time-date stamps. This is industry standard and this type of evidence should be included in daily reports to clients.

7. Avoid websites with no business address or phone.
One of the best ways to distinguish the real investigation firm from the local or shady operation is to check the website's contact us page. A real company has a secure contact us page on their website (with a lock on your browser) with a business address. A real investigator will be happy to provide clients with a business phone where he or she can be reached. If any investigator fails to provide this information, look elsewhere.

8. Avoid investigators with no references.
Before paying for an investigator, search the web for references of the company. This way you can learn what others are saying about the investigator. If there isn't any feedback on the web, ask the investigator for a former client reference.

9. Avoid investigators who don't speak proper English.
English is commonly spoken in the Philippines. It is also necessary to conduct a proper investigation there. A PI who doesn't speak English fluently is unqualified.

10. Avoid websites that look unprofessional.
Inadequate budgets and training for development of the business, which can be perceived when viewing the company website, will likely be reflected in other areas as well, such as reports, surveillance and communication. Pay for quality.

11. Expect to pay a fair price.
Private investigation can be expensive. Instead of trying to save a few bucks by choosing a local or someone unknown, speak with a reputable firm about the best option for you. Choosing a cheap PI may mean money and time lost, so choose carefully.

12. Go with a foreign-based company.
Because of the fraud throughout the Philippines, we recommend using a company that is U.S or European managed or owned. This will ensure the company is ran according to stricter standards, and is accountable for safer business practices.

Keep the above checklist in mind when shopping for a private investigator in the Philippines or elsewhere. Philippine PI™, a U.S. based firm with operations throughout the Philippines, contributed to the information in this article.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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July 17, 2008
Filipinas, Scams & Philippines Investigators

  • 7/17/2008
An overview of the potential brides and pitfalls













The Philippines continues to be a major exporter of foreign brides and relationship scams. Many Filipinas are honest, beautiful women simply looking for a better life, an opportunity to escape the poverty. Others are honestly looking for true love. Other Filipinas, and increasingly so, are looking to cash in on the profitable industry of relationship and dating scams.

Websites catering to foreigners searching for a Philippine bride are numerous, some more respected than others. It should be noted, however, that no dating or marriage website is immune from fraud and scammers, no matter what they claim. Sorting the good from the bad then is critical in the search for love. The following outlines some of the warning signs.

When searching for the perfect Filipina, watch for the following warning signs. A Filipina who 1) proclaims her love too soon, or 2) requests money often or early in the relationship, or 3) claims she's in financial trouble and desperately needs help, or 4) makes sudden claims of emergencies, or 5) claims she needs assistance for a visa, passport or flight. None of these should automatically disqualify a Filipina, but each should be treated as a red flag for the potential of being a scammer, someone who is dishonest, or someone who is simply after your money.

If all is going well and there has been no sign of any major red flags, we strongly recommend having a professional background check on the girlfriend, fiancee or wife if necessary. Consider the service as an insurance policy to verify if the Filipina is who she claims to be. These services typicallly take about 7 days to complete, and if done by a professional, the subject will never learn of the investigation. The most trusted Philippines private investigators in the Philippines continues to be Philippine PI, a subsidiary of the U.S. based Wymoo International.

Are all of these risks really worth the reward? Many happily married men say yes. Others who have been scammed and left in financial ruin say no. The fact is, sometimes the perfect Filipina is worth searching for despite the risk.. but be careful!!

All the Best,

Simon Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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July 14, 2008
Choosing a Philippines Private Investigator

  • 7/14/2008
Knowing the prices and services available

The private investigation industry in the Philippines is booming. Mainly, it is the developing status of the Philippines and its high level of corruption that creates the need to have both individuals and businesses checked out. Aside from the economic factor of fraud in the Philippines, the nation is also known for its large exportation of brides, relationship scams and business fraud. Contracting a competent investigator is often essential in the Philippines. Finding a good one, however, is not so easy.

The businesses operating in the Philippines, on average, offer a lower quality of service that is offered by most Western firms. There are exceptions, but this is simply the reality of a poor, under-developed nation. When searching for a professional private investigation company, we strongly recommend choosing one that is based and managed by U.S., Canadian or European ownership. The difference is often more qualified investigators, better customer service and reliable reporting.












Be wary of any investigator in the Philippines who does not have a professional website, requests payment via Western Union or similar cash transfer, is unable to write professional emails, or one that cannot speak and write proper English. If there are no references available, or no positive mention of the person or company can be found on the internet, buyer beware!

Look for a professional investigator that is Western owned, responds promptly with professional, well written emails, is available for a phone conversation, charges reaonable rates and accepts credit cards via a secure internet connection, can provide at least one positive reference in the form of a former client, has a professional website, and has positive references about the firm on the internet. Our favorites and the leader in the Philippines for professional investigation continues to be Philippine PI, with Philippines private detectives throughout the country.

Finally, when seeking a PI in the Philippines, beware of very low prices. These low price offers can be tempting, but more often than not, it is money lost to a local criminal or person portraying himself to be a professional. If something seems too good to be true, well, it probably is. The focus should be finding the most qualified service at a fair price. It's worth it.

All the Best,

Simon Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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February 18, 2008
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  • 2/18/2008
Overview of Philippine Investigation Services

For anyone with experience with Philippine relationships, the idea of relationship fraud, scams or cheating is probably nothing new. That's not to say that all Philippine relationships are doomed. Rather, with the number of relationships being initiated over the internet, coupled with the widely booming industry of dating scams in the Philippines, one cannot be too careful.

So who does one call if he or she needs competent surveillance in the Philippines? What services are available to confirm your suspicions regarding your distant wife, girlfriend, husband or lover? How can one obtain the evidence necessary to move forward, or move out of the relationship? There are several major competitors in the Philippines who offer confidential surveillance, but the quality of services offered varies significantly.

Of the investigative firms offering surveillance, we recommend going with a European or American owned company. The difference is in the quality of investigation, accountability, reporting and general customer service. The best of the foreign owned firms operating in the Philippines is probably Philippine PI, a subsidiary of Wymoo International. Philippine PI is U.S. owned and operated. The firm is known for its good coverage on the islands, discreet service and competitive pricing. Competition is fierce in the Philippines, but as of 2006 and 2007, the group led the Philippine private investigators in client satisfaction.

Surveillance services often include daily reports, photographic evidence and investigation notes. The service can be expensive, but the information uncovered is often the piece of mind to move forward or pull out of a relationship. A typical surveillance case may be between 3 and 5 days, although each case is unique and requires special attention by your investigator.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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February 14, 2008
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  • 2/14/2008
Investigations and Philippine Relationships

The Philippines is a beautiful country with no shortage of good, honest people. Beyond the beautiful beaches and resort hotels, however, there is widespread poverty and corruption. The Philippines is a place increasingly fraudulent when it comes to relationships, and relationship scammers have now created a million dollar industry, targeting Western victims.

Internet dating websites have brought together many Western men and Filipinas. Many Philippine relationships begun over the Internet have even blossomed into successful marriages. Due to the high occurance of relationship fraud and dating scams, verifying your potential spouse is more important than ever. In short, a Philippine background check is prudent.

Suveillance services and background checks available in the Philippines can be fraudulent themselves. When choosing a background check or investigative firm, we highly recommend choosing a foreign company with a Philippine presence, such as Wymoo International or Philippine PI. Foriegn firms such as these can provide you with American or European style management and customer service, quality that simply hasn't arrived yet in the local Philippine market. The costs and turnaround times are often competitive or even better.

Getting a background check prior to engaging in a serious relationship in the Philippines is essential. Many Filipinas marry strictly for immigration purposes, while others have no intention to marry. They seek to slowly drain their mate financially. An average background check service in the Philippines can run between $400 and $600 USD. Simply hoping for the best can be far more costly, not to mention all the heartache...

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch

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January 27, 2008
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  • 1/27/2008
Knowing the Risks and the Warning Signs

Online or Internet dating has brought many people together and created a whole new platform for meeting someone special. It's cheap, there's no noisy bars to deal with, and one can pursue the search, worldwide, from the comfort of his or her home. Yes, online dating is wonderful. While this new and increasingly common form of dating offers many benefits, there are also many dangers, including but limited to, identity theft, financial loss, and of course, heartache. This article discusses some of the risks of Internet dating, and how to recognize the warning signs.

The Perfect Photo

Anyone can be beautiful on the Internet. Knowing whether or not his or her photo is the real thing is just the beginning in the long list of questions that arise when dating online. The truth is, there's just no way to know. If the photo appears that it has been taken from a magazine, well, it probably has. Follow your instincts as well. Ask yourself if the personality matches the photo. Does this person seem sincere? Have you talked to this person enough on the phone, and if you have, does the voice match the photo? Confirming identity when dating online is difficult.

The Potential Dangers

As the number of honest individuals dating online rises, so too is the number of scammers and criminals. Match making websites are booming and new ones are popping up each month. Internet relationships are especially open to manipulation and fraud. Scammers are increasingly sophisticated in their techniques, and it doesn't take a fool to be a victim. One warning sign is always the same, the advance fee or request for financial assistance. Be very skeptical of anyone overseas who claims to have been in an emergency and who requires financial assistance. If you decide to give the person the benefit of the doubt and continue in the relationship, at the very least, get a dating background check.

Seeking Verification

Depending on the nature of the relationship, and where the subject resides, different services are available to confirm his or her story. Wymoo International covers over 100 countries with background checks and surveillance, and the firm offers peice of mind for those relationships begun on sites such as Match.com. For relationships in the Philippines, such as those started on Cebuanas.com or Filipinaheart.com, we recommend Philippine PI, a U.S. based firm that specializes in Philippine background checks and surveillance. This group has offices in major cities such as Manila and Cebu. The costs of the services depend on the investigation and the specific needs of the client. For most cases, turnaround times are usually one week or less.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2008 S. Birch
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  • 1/27/2008
Avoiding the pitfalls and how to investigate.

Whatever it is that draws so many Western men and Filipinas together is up for debate. Maybe, it is the sheer vast number of Philippine women seeking something different, an increase in their standard of living and an escape from the widespread corruption and poverty of the Philippines. Finding the right Filipina is no easy task, however, as the scams are rising.

True Intentions?

Determining who is the wholesome girl next door and the scammer is getting tougher all the time. Good Philippine women are definitely out there. The country has no shortage of beautiful women seeking an honest relationship. On the other hand, there is no shortage of gold diggers either, not professional scammers but interested in pure financial gain at any cost. Love and physical attraction simply doesn't matter for these girls. Many girls with their profiles on Internet match making sites are seeking immigration to the U.S., Europe or Canada, and as long as the man has money, the Filipina will likely put out the For Sale sign.

Avoiding the Scams

Unexpected or frequent Filipina emergencies, followed by financial requests should be verified. Early in the relationship, if your partner in the Philippines makes requests for financial support, it would be wise to move on to the next potential partner. Fraud and relationship scams run rampant here, and what may start out as help with the bills, may be followed by a long list of bills and emergencies. In short, a scammer or gold digger can slowly create a financial and emotional nightmare.

A Premarital Check?

Suppose you've found someone in the Philippines and all looks good, it still pays to get a background check. Many men find beautiful and decent brides from the Philippines, but finding the perfect Filipina is never easy. Taking the relationship to the next level has the potential to be costly. It's a prudent decision to be skeptical in the Philippines. We recommend getting a professional background check service which is confidential, and for specific situations that require knowing exactly what the Filipina is doing, and with whom, we recommend surveillance services.

Choosing an Investigator

Many investigators in the Philippines, unfortunately, can be fraudulent themselves. We recommend choosing a U.S. owned and operated firm, such as Philippine PI or Wymoo International due to the difference in management styles, level of customer service, and reputable investigative techniques. Furthermore, if you have any problems, you have the piece of mind that you're dealing with a U.S. firm rather than an individual.

All the Best,

S. Birch

© 2006-2008 S. Birch
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