Showing posts with label russia background checks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label russia background checks. Show all posts
March 21, 2012
Russia Romance Scams Make a Comeback



With the worsening European economy, romance scams from the Baltic region are having a sound come back.  In fact, they are now one of the most common types of fraud over the internet.  Private investigators and law enforcement officials in Russia and the Ukraine are overwhelmed with requests to investigate cyber crime pertaining to online dating and match-making.

It is hope and loneliness that often brings people to look for love over the internet; these two feelings are the doors to danger. Russia private investigators says it’s no wonder why victims are increasing even as awareness has improved.  Simply put, internet criminals know what their victims are looking for.  They create the perfect profile, and say just the right things.  They slowly build your trust and give you no reason to expect anything suspicious.  Finally, after months of earning your trust and confidence, and winning your heart, is when the criminals go for the kill, so to speak.

Internet scammers in Russia may make direct requests for money, or simply go after your information – later to be used for identity theft or extortion.  Investigators warn NEVER to provide a nude photo of yourself to anyone via the internet.  And NEVER provide detailed financial information, no matter what the reason for the request.  Remember that personal data and financial data can be used against you to steal your identity and ultimately your money.  Guard it.

In Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev, many beautiful women are online looking for love.  Many of them are honest.  Mixed in with those women and profiles, however, are seasoned criminals (often men) who are actively targeting you.  They want your money or personal data, and they will do whatever it takes to get it, including emailing you a virus that is embedded in an image or link.  You may provide the criminal access to your computer and passwords without even knowing it.

Russia romance scams are growing in complexity, and anyone can be a victim.  Investigators and law enforcement in the region say proceed with caution, and be skeptical of situations that seem too good to be true.  If there appears to be potential in a relationship, be safe and first have the person verified with a reputable private investigation company like Russia PI™, which is U.S. owned and managed, and verified by the Better Business Bureau.  Don’t cross your fingers and hope for the best, because often it can end in disaster and lots of heartache, and financial loss.

If in real life, love doesn’t fall from trees, what makes people believe it will in virtual life?  If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions and listen to your instinct.  If someone seems honest, have a professional investigator verify her story, and check her character with neighbors and co-workers to see what her real intentions are.  Don’t be a victim of marriage fraud where a woman gets married just to get her papers.  There are many too many victims, and the risk is high. 

The best advice you will always get about romance and business relationships over the internet is: verify them all. Russia background checks are your safest best in the region.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2012 S. Birch
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December 23, 2011
Russian Private Investigators Warn on Holiday Shopping Scams



Internet shopping for the Christmas holiday peaked this year compared to recent years. The U.K. and the U.S. have been main consumers of online stores and this year, Canada has joined them. Internet shopping is convenient, easy to do, and can be a good way to get a good price. You can choose from millions of items and products, check by prices and availability and even pick up brand new items or good looking used ones. Once you have added dozens of cool things, books, toys, clothes, and even food for your shopping-cart on sites like Toys-R-Us, Amazon, Ebay, Gift,com, Sansbury or Best Buy, you pay via a credit card or PayPal. It’s easy and hassle free.

Unfortunately, when looking for good deals, thousands of people have been scammed and lost their hard earned money. The British seem to be the most vulnerable, and the Metropolitan Police Service in London reports that 2011 statistics show a disturbing trend in online scams and fraud. Each year more U.K. citizens are reporting to law enforcement an internet crime or scam, and in most cases, victims have suffered financial loss or identity theft. The threat is growing.

Prosecuting cyber criminals is a major challenge because of the anonymity of the internet. Most law enforcement agencies simply don’t have the time or resource to go after the criminals. The FBI and Interpol receive thousands of complaints and reports daily and are simply not able to go after every case. When private investigators or detectives do get involved and there is a prudent investigation to track these people down, the criminals can be found hiding anywhere. Often in corrupt and developing countries in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe or West Africa, where the law and order is nearly non-existent. Law from developing countries can be hard to apply in foreign lands, and often times law enforcement and lawyer will face jurisdiction problems in these case.

Whether it’s the Christmas spirit or just holiday cheer that raises the risk this time of year is not clear. Experts say more people are online shopping, so there is more activity and more potential victims. With the higher numbers game, the criminals are also online, trying to land their victim with more people to target online. Phishing scams can be used, fake emails, false and fraudulent offers, fake websites, fraudulent Craigslist ads, auction fraud and many other combinations are possible. The bottom line is criminals want your personal information or payment online.

With many hackers and internet criminals originating from Russia, private investigators in the region, including Russia PI have reported that background checks and verification services are up in Eastern Europe. A company spokesperson said people want to know if a business, person or website is real. They want to know if an offer to buy something is genuine. Investigators say more consumers are learning about the risk for fraud, and using international background checks as a prudent form of insurance to avoid being a victim. It’s a smart and growing trend.

Online scammers have succeeded all these years because they have the computer and software skills to avoid detection by most law enforcement agencies. Experts from China and Russia often develop their skills faster than police and government agencies can keep up.

Be safe when shopping online in the holiday season. Watch out for suspicious emails, especially those asking for you to click on a link or enter your financial or account information. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true. Shop safe, and have a Merry Christmas!!

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
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November 18, 2011
Ukraine Private Detectives See a Rise in Employment Fraud


 The leading nations have recently gather at the G20 conference held in Cannes, France, in Europe, and the main subject was to decide the action necessary to save the Greek economy. Meanwhile, four other red flags emerged: Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland. If the U.S. has demonstrated anything by it’s socialist government bailouts with companies like GM (previously General Motors and now referred to as Government Motors) is that government bailouts don’t work, are a poor use of tax payer money, and keep inefficient companies alive, when market forces should be left to operate, and put bad companies in their grave where they belong, But, government leaders, like Barrack Hussein Obama, don’t always understand good economics, mainly because their pockets are often lined with large political donations from supporter. Corruption runs deep. In these recent talks, the G20 failed to even mention Eastern Europe, and the Ukraine was not even mentioned.

The Ukraine, a former republic of the Soviet Union, is often overlooked in international discussion. From a private investigation firm’s standpoint, however, the Ukraine is a key topic for discussion. It is often the origin country for employment scams that are impacting people as far away as the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Ranging from fake job postings, to fake business proposals and investment opportunities, employment scams and fraud is booming in the Ukraine, as people around the world are looking for opportunities. Criminals in the Ukraine are cashing in on this fact.

Ukraine private investigator services and well known firms such as Russia PI™ say it’s essential to verify job opportunities on the internet. If the company is from the Ukraine or the job is related to the Ukraine, the risk is very high and should be verified. Job seekers and business managers should be aware, however, that many Ukraine employment scams never even mention the Ukraine. The posting can be on Monster.com or another well known website, or even may involve someone speaking to the manager directly, claiming there is an opportunity in Eastern Europe, etc. But, criminals often try to gather inside information about a company this way, obtain sensitive information, or request an advance fee from the employer, company or job seeker.

Russia detectives say the problem is also widespread in Moscow and St. Pestersburg, and criminal groups often have ties to criminal operations in Kiev, Ukraine. When consumers are desperately searching for employment online, whether in Australia, the U.S., U.K. or Canada, the last thing they expect is to find the perfect job offer, and to get hired. Little do they know is that their application, containing all of their sensitive and private information, is actually being sent to a fake company in the Ukraine to steal their identity. And, to make matters worse, there may be an application fee or charge to run a “credit check” or “background check”. The damage done can be devastating for those who are unemployment, and running out of hope in finding the right job opportunity.


Young people who have recently graduated but can’t get a job face an increased risk. Desperation can lead those to cross their fingers, rather than verify. Experts say to be safe, all international job offers, or any unknown companies offering employment, should be verified by an experienced and reputable international private investigator. Wymoo® International has reported a sharp increase in employment scams and fraudulent employment offers around the world, and investigators say job seekers should do some due diligence and research, and when in doubt, contact a professional for advice regarding verification. The alternative can be a costly learning experience.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
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September 12, 2011
Ukraine Scams: A Target for Investigators



The Ukraine is one of the most beautiful countries in the Eastern Europe, and Kiev is a growing fascinating city. Its citizens are known as friendly and welcoming to foreign travelers. The national has been expanding economically despite the global recession, and it is indeed a fast developing country. There is significant potential here for business and investment, and yes, person relationships with beautiful Ukrainian women. Perhaps this opportunity is what has fueled an ongoing problem with business fraud and romance scams. Investigators are fighting the problem.

Like its counterpart Russia, Ukraine has been investing in its automation and computerization of record keeping systems, to streamline access to information and government and public records. Emerging from the inefficient days of communism, socialist policies embedded severely slow and inefficient processes of accessing and searching for data and records. Slowly, things are changing. In Kiev and Moscow and St. Petersburg, many government offices are developing modern database technologies to manage and cross check civil records, business registrations, criminal and court records. This automation has enabled investigators to improve their accuracy and reach when verifying businesses and individuals in the Ukraine. Verification is now possible.

On the flip side of the same coin, the technological advances have also landed in the hands of the criminals, and scams and business fraud techniques are becoming more complex and difficult to detect. Scammers in the Ukraine use savvy email and phishing approaches, and create (or steal) official or official looking documents to convince their victims. Very authentic looking websites and Linkedin and Match.com and Facebook profiles are created to gain your confidence. Many of the tools that have been made available to investigators are now in the hands of criminals. It has become a game of cat and mouse, and investigators are working overtime chasing the crooks.

Ukraine private investigators acknowledge that an ongoing threat from online relationships from Eastern Europe, specifically the Ukraine or Russia, should be taken seriously and relationships begun online must be verified. Even if you have a harmless relationship with a business contact or romantic relationship online, and there has never been any request for money or personal information, investigators urge caution. Scammers are using email correspondence as easy ways to send their “friends” viruses which can reveal your passwords and other sensitive information you may have on your computer. Next thing you know, your online bank account has been breached and/or your identity has been stolen. Online relationships should be verified.

Russia private investigators admit cybercrime has really damaged the public image of Russia and the Ukraine, and law enforcement and government agencies have been slow to react to the threat and costly problem. The government has its limitations, and budgets and officials have not yet address this concern, and frankly, don’t know how to handle the threat. Even in the developed nations like the U.K. and U.S. and Australia, scam cases are escalating at alarming levels, so it’s understandable that countries in Eastern Europe are even more susceptible to internet criminals, who often work from home behind proxy servers, or internet cafes. Bin Laden himself used internet cafes to transmit his Muslim hate messages and was undetected by the CIA. The internet has created an unlevel playing field, and law enforcement worldwide is catching up.

Faced with increased risk, demand for private investigators in the Ukraine is up. Individuals and businesses are becoming aware of the high risk for online relationships and doing business in Eastern Europe, and many people now rely on the expertise of a professional Ukraine or Russia investigator to verify people and business. It’s a smart way to lower your risk.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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June 29, 2011
Russia Scams: A Risk for Online Dating

  • 6/29/2011
  • 1


Moscow based private investigators and law enforcement agencies like Interpol report that Russia scams and internet criminals remain in operation despite more informed consumers, and increased efforts by Russia police agencies to shut the criminals down.  Embassies of the United States, Australia and Canada in Moscow have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of crimes and scams involving online dating and social networking sites.  Experts say the bad economy is driving more people into the lucrative and criminal business of romance scams, and Russia happens to be one of the best in the business.

Russian private investigators are struggling to keep up with the demand from Western clients who want to verify their online partner or friend or fiancé.   Sadly, say investigators, many clients come to them asking for help after it’s too late, and the client has already been a victim of fraud.  What Embassies and law enforcement agencies and reputable private investigation firms are trying to emphasize is this:  Romance scams are on the rise, and relationships via the internet are especially susceptible to scams and fraud.  In other words, if you’re starting a relationship from an online dating or match making site or social network, be safe and verify first.  “The reported rise in romance scams is too great to ignore,” said a representative from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow who took our call about the risks for online dating.  “Online dating scams can happen anywhere, and be run by criminals from any country.  With that said, Russia is one of the highest risk countries.”  If your partner is in Russia, investigators strongly recommend a background check.

Russia background checks and verification services conducted by a reputable private investigation firm with operations in Moscow or St. Petersburg can be highly effective.  Just as importantly, consumers and subscribers to online dating sites and social networking sites are becoming more aware of the risk, and internet users are becoming more skeptical.  Although it’s bad for Russia to have a bad reputation, it’s been key to preventing victims of fraud, as consumers are often skeptical of Russian businesses and individuals, and therefore tend to contact a private investigation or background check firm when needed.  Now, the bad news…  Experts say Russian scammers are targeting victims who may never know that they are in Russia.  Bank accounts and shell companies can be set up in the United States or China or the U.K. and criminal accomplices can be in New York, Malaysia or London or Madrid.  This means that you can be a victim of a Russian scammer, without ever knowing or suspecting anything to do with Russia.

International private investigators and the Metropolitan Police Service in London agree:  Russia remains a threat to be reckoned with.  Online dating scams are the specialty, where they tempt Western men with hopes of finding love with a beautiful Russian bride.  With Russia, it pays to be skeptical.

All the best,

S. Birch

© 2011 S. Birch


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June 11, 2011
Russian Due Diligence Used to Prevent Hacker Threat


Online scams have reached unbelievable levels in Russia and the Ukraine. Corrupt government officials and local law enforcement has done little to prevent or stop this growing form of crime. Some of the stories from the scams cases are difficult to believe. If these crimes were a novel, they would surpass the stories imagined by Frederick Forsyth, Ian Fleming and Graham Greene combined. Their creativity is one of the leading traits that keeps these scammers and criminals in business. The FBI recently reported that internet fraud has cost the Fortune 500 companies hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Among the crime, a leading cartel has emerged from Chinese cities near the Russian border.

The FBI warns that businesses and bank wire transfers to Chinese cities of Raohe, Fuyuan, Jixi City, Xunke, Tongjiang and Dongning into accounts in banks such as the Agricultural Bank of China, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, or the Bank of China are at high risk. In most cases, law enforcement and Russia private investigators still do not know if the funds remain in China or are transferred elsewhere. And we are talking about big money. In some cases, $900,000 to even $20 million have been wired in each transfer. Targets vary from major insurance companies to real estate to schools and even churches. Wealthy individuals are also targeted. Criminals can speak the industry lingo, present a golden opportunity, and finally close the deal with your “investment”.

Experts are alarmed at the level of sophistication being used in the international fraud cases from Russia and China, and there is little effort being made by local law enforcement to prevent it. Fraudsters are focusing on business accounts and are leaving individual accounts in the past, because businesses move larger amounts of money, balances and have more transactions per month than an individual does, and if scamming the victim directly isn’t possible, the door is open to hackers to target the victim.

Businesses in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia who have fallen victim to these scams have been devastated. Hackers can cause damage beyond repair in some cases, especially if it impacts the perception of trust by clients. For example, once a company is knowingly the victim of a hacker, consumers begin to recognize that company as a risky company to do business with, and doing business with that company might mean that your information is not secure. The result is a major decline in new customers, and a costly battle to recover from the damage. Due diligence is key to avoid the mess.

Russia private detective agencies emphasize that accounts must be properly secured, and safeguards put in place to avoid hackers. For websites, the McAfee secure seal is just one of many steps a company can take to show customers it is serious about avoiding hacker risks. While some businesses view such steps as costly, it’s important for business owners and corporate managers to know the alternative, not verifying, can be far more costly. To be safe, consult a professional for due diligence!

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
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May 14, 2011
Russian Background Checks and Social Network Scams



When talking about online dating scams, Russia and the Ukraine often come to mind. For the past five years or so, they’ve been among the leading countries in the world for this type of internet crime. It is precisely the bad reputation that has forced many scammers to search for new ways to con people online. As consumers become aware of scam risk, criminals quickly evolve their tactics.

Con artists have taken the fast lane of the internet and have essentially stopped using emails to target their victims. The new trend is to target victims on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook as posts have proven to be more effective than spam mail, and easier than targeting victims on internet dating websites. The fact is, anyone using a social networking site such as Facebook or MySpace, or online dating site like Match.com or eHarmony is facing increased risk for fraud and scams. Experts advise never to reveal any personal information to anyone unknown who has not been verified, and when in doubt, consult a professional private investigator for an international background check. If your partner or new friend is based in Russia or the Ukraine, a Russia background check is advised.

Scam types are varied and can come in many forms, but criminals are smart to work slowly. Their objective is to gain your trust, and then your money or your personal information, which can be used to steal your identity and/or money. Posters on social networking sites can claim to be normal people, doctors or lawyers, investors, etc. Scams can involve inheritances, romance, assistance with visas or passports, money for airfare, precious metals and gold, and countless others. The story ends with the victim having lost precious information or money, and the criminal long gone into cyberspace.

Criminals tend to operate from internet cafes in and around Kiev, Ukraine and Moscow, Russia, where tracking down and identifying criminals can be difficult. Muslim terrorist Osama Bin Laden himself used a courier to send his messages from different cyber cafes and was able to avoid the detection from the CIA, under direction of the Barack Hussein Obama Administration. If terrorists are avoiding detection and capture by using random internet cafes, one can understand how difficult it might be to locate an unknown criminal in Russia, the Ukraine, the U.K., the Philippines, Ghana, South Africa or Nigeria.

Social networks are not the only hunting ground, although it is one of the main risk areas, along with online dating. Youtube and Flikr are getting trendier for internet criminals to get victims by adding appealing content that is hard to ignore, like “the pictures you didn’t see of William and Kate”. People click on the link and open their computers up to virus and other malware, which the scammer can use in his approach to communicate with the subject, and eventually steal their information and money.

Because of the high risk, law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and Interpol strongly advise to never reveal your personal information over the internet to someone you’ve never met. And, be cautious about publishing personal details on sites such as Facebook or Twitter or Myspace, or Match.com, even if your profile is believed to be private. Small businesses alone lose billions of dollars worldwide each month from scams like this. The losses from individuals is difficult to estimate, as many victims let their crimes go unreported. For cases and new contacts in Russia or the Ukraine, stay skeptical and guard your personal information. To be safe, contact a Russia private investigator for assistance.

All the best,

S. Birch.
© 2011 S. Birch


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October 22, 2010
Russian Scams Increasing, Say Russia Private Investigators: Background Checks Advised

  • 10/22/2010
Russian Scam Cases Involving Russian Brides Rising












Moscow private investigators recently reported that background checks involving pre-marital checks and dating scams are significantly higher than 2009 levels. The rise in investigation services, according to industry observers, has been led by the rise in online dating, a rise in online match-making sites, and specifically the growth in Russia marriage websites. The number of people meeting Russians online is up, and so are the scams.

It's now well known that marriage and dating scams in Russia are a real risk. But, scammers are now using sophisticated techniques that can fool even the most skeptical. Dating agencies and Russian bride websites in Russia have no way of screening all the women, and some websites based in Russia are even scams themselves, or at least they knowingly allow the scammers to use their site. Russia background checks are increasingly being used as a way to minimize the risk from fraud and scams. Professional private investigators in the Ukraine and Russia say those contracting a reputable investigator are making a wise decision due to the high risk in the region. Private investigators advise a background check early in the relationship, rather than when it's too late.

Russia private investigators are now battling fraud and scams throughout Russia and the Ukaine. For the typical pre-marital check or background investigation, private investigators can verify key factors and evidence to determine if the subject is who he or she claims to be. Key points to verify include address, ID or passport, documentation, employment and education, travel or dating agencies, and other factors depending on the available case data. Consumers should be very selective when choosing a Russia based investigator, as there are limited professional options.

Russia private detectives advise consumers to be skeptical of money requests, emergencies, relationships that seem too good to be true, and subjects who fall in love overnight. Beware of subjects who provide copies of expired documents, such as driver's licenses and passports and visa. Expired documents are often sold, stolen or bought in Russia to use in scams, and it's very common for scammers to present a copy of an expired ID to gain the victim's trust. Problems with immigration, passport, visas or agencies should be checked. The fact is, due to the high risk for scams, not having a background check can be costly.

As Russian women continue to seek romantic relationships and opportunity outside of Russia via the internet and marriage agencies, private investigators stress that fraud and scam levels will remain high, and a background check is advised.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2010 S. Birch
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April 25, 2010
Russia Private Investigators: Pre-Marital Background Checks Fight Scams & Fraud

  • 4/25/2010
Investigators in Demand due to High Risk for Scams






St. Petersburg and Moscow private investigators have reported a sharp rise in background checks invovling pre-marital checks and dating investigations nationwide. The rise in discreet private investigations, according to one private investigator, has been led by the rise in online dating, marriage agency demand, and match-making websites. In addition, there is an increase in awareness of scams and fraud in Russia by consumers worldwide.

It is now common knowledge that marriage and dating scams in Russia is a major problem. Russia background checks are now being used as a form of insurance for those seeking to avoid fraud and scams. Professional private investigators in the Ukraine and Russia report that those contracting a respectable professional investigator are making a wise decision due to the high risk in the region. Private investigators also warn many clients seek services after the damage is done, and experts recommend getting the background check investigation early in the relationship.

Russia private investigators are now battling fraud and scams throughout the country, and fraud ranging from bridal scams to corporate fraud are at high levels. In a typical pre-marital check or background investigation, investigators can verify key factors which combined can determine if the subject is who he or she claims to be. Key points to verify include address, ID or passport, documentation, employment and education, travel or dating agencies, and other factors depending on the information avialable. Cases should be customized according to the case information available, and consumers should be very selective when choosing a Russia or Ukraine private investigator.

Even if consumers choose not to use a Russia private detective, it is important to understand and recognize the red flags. These indicators can raise the caution flag, but are not always indicative of fraud or scam. Private investigators advise consumers to be skeptical of money requests, emergencies, relationships that seem too good to be true, and subjects who fall in love overnight. Problems with immigration, passport, visas or agencies should be checked. Not having a background check can be costly.

As Russian and Ukrainian women continue to seek romantic relationships outside of Russia via the Internet and agencies, and foreign businesses look for investment opportunities in the region, private investigators will remain in demand.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2010 S. Birch
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March 9, 2010
Best Russia Background Checks

  • 3/09/2010
Choosing a Russia Background Check Service






Russia has made impressive gains in democracy and creating a more transparent economy and system of government. Despite the global recession, the country continues to develop at a rapid pace, economically and politically. Even with these advances, however, Russia remains a corrupt and high risk environment for business and for personal relationships. As a result, Russia background check services and Russia private investigators are in high demand. No one wants to be a victim of fraud or scam.

Choosing a Russia detective agency can be a challenge. Many of the Russia based companies in Moscow and St. Petersburg lack the professional training and experience necessary to handle cases from international clients. Industry observers report that among the case types most in demand are infidelity and pre-marital checks, background checks, due diligence and corporate fraud. Some of the agencies in Russia claiming to offer professional investigations are in fact locals who lack the proper training, experience and equipment. Finding a qualified professional means the difference between success or failure.

One company that has drawn signifcant attention from consumers and competitors is Russia PI™. The company is U.S. owned and managed, but maintains professional field investigators in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as Kiev, Ukraine. Investigators have experience in military or federal law enforcement, and client service is a top priority. The firm has been a relief for international clients searching for reliable investigators in Russia, and has served as a welcome wake up call for the competition. The time for transparency and Western style business practices in Russia has come. Client service is now required to stay in business.

Whether you require a Russia background check or Russia private investigator, it pays to shop around. Avoid local investigators who don't speak proper English. If the website or company is based in Russia, proceed with caution and make sure you ask for references. Be patient and keep searching until you've found a professional. Not having the background check or due diligence, or choosing to go with an amateur, is a risky alternative.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2010 S. Birch

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February 10, 2010
Russia Background Checks in Demand

  • 2/10/2010
Moscow Private Detectives Report Strong Growth





Despite the drop in economic activity across Eastern Europe and in Russia, one industry is reporting impressive gains and growth. Russia private investigators are in high demand thanks to an increase in internet scams, online dating scams, advance free fraud and other business fraud. International clients who have business and personal relationships in Russia and the Ukraine are increasingly hiring private investigators to screen for fraud.

Internet scams and fraud is perhaps the single biggest driver which is fueling the demand for Russia and Ukraine private investigators. Western clients are contracting Moscow private detectives more than ever to verify relationships begun on the internet. With more people meeting via the internet on match- making websites and social networking sites, there is an increased risk for scams. And although progress has been made by Russia private investigators and Russia law enforcement, Russia remains a world leader for romance scams and advance fee fraud.

Russia background checks are strongly advised for any individual or business seeking relationships or opportunity in Russia. Due to the high risk of fraud or scams, experts suggest that the risk nearly outweighs the opportunity. For those comfortable knowing the risks and pursuing a romantic relationship online with a Russian, or a small business abroad seeking an investment or business partner in Russia, failing to have a background check or due diligence check can be a costly learning experience.

Industry observers suggest the high level of fraud and scams is largely the result of the poor and desperate economy. When economic conditions improve, hiring conditions and business activity should increase, which will in turn fuel the demand for pre employment screening and due diligence cases. In the meantime, Russia private detectives will stay busy fighting scams.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2010 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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March 14, 2009
Ukraine Background Checks

  • 3/14/2009
Avoiding Scams and Fraud in the Ukraine












The Ukraine is a developing nation in many ways struggling to establish its economic and social independence from Russia. Its economy and government are largely under reform, although it will be a long and difficult road to achieve Western transparency and efficiency. In this current environment, fraud and scams have run rampant, and therefore Ukraine background checks are essential for both individual and business relationships.

In Kiev, there are a growing number of private invetigators who aim to take on the challenge and rising demand in due diligence and background check cases. Unfortunately, not many investigators in this region are serious and established companies. This makes it hard for foreigners to verify their business partner or potential mate in the Ukraine.

Consumers should be aware of the potential pitfalls when shopping for a private investigation or background check company in the Ukraine. Consider an alternative if the investigator has no references on the internet or from former clients; has no professional website on the internet; only accepts Western Union or wire transfer payment; does not speak proper English; or is not available for a phone conversation.

When possible, consumers should consider using a firm that is based in the U.K. or the U.S., but which has operations in the Ukraine. This can increase the standard of service, since these firms operate according to Western practice. Wymoo is an example of one U.S. company with operations and field investigators in Kiev. As the level of fraud continues to rise, the number of investigators should also increase.

Despite the difficulty in selecting a private investigator in the Ukraine, consumers are well-advised to consider background check and/or due diligence service. Relationships can easily be subject to fraud, so be safe, and verify first.


All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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March 3, 2009
Russia PI and Background Checks

  • 3/03/2009
A Consumer Guide to Selecting an Investigator












Russia remains a nation with high levels of fraud and corruption, despite recent efforts to increase transparency. It pays to know the right people, especially in Russia. The Russia economy is in serious trouble and the country is experiencing a sharp rise in fraud. One industry that is booming is private investigation.

Russia private investigators in Moscow and St. Petersburg report sharp increases in business from foreign clients. Investigations often focus on foriegn brides, internet dating relationships, girlfriends in Russia, foriegn business partners and investors. The fact is, with fraud at such high levels, obtaining a background check or due diligence investigation is a very wise decision. Proceeding in a relationship without one can be more costly.

There many reports of so-called investigators scamming clients. We recommend choosing an international company that has operations or field investigators in Russia, but is based in Europe or the U.S. This ensures the company focuses on client service and operates according to Western standards, but also has a man on the ground in the local market. Once such company is Wymoo International which as field offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg. A professional investigator should have a professional website, provide you with a contact phone number, a home office address, and a reference from a former client upon request.

Despite the fraud, there are opportunities in Russia, both for business and personal relationships. Beautiful brides and profitable business ventures do exist, but a professional background check is a wise decision for consumers.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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