Showing posts with label dating fraud. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dating fraud. Show all posts
January 17, 2011
Online Dating Background Checks Increase

  • 1/17/2011
Background Checks Advised, Say Investigators













With millions of subscribers to sites like Match.com, eHarmony and Facebook, and with more people connecting online than ever before, it's no wonder that fraud and scams have increased. After all, it can be difficult to know who you're dealing with on the internet. This is especially true for international relationships. Private investigators say the online boom in networking and dating has seen a corresponding rise in the request for online dating background checks, which are designed to verify and investigate the person on the other end of the internet.

NBC News recently ran a story detailing the horror which can result from online romance scams. Victims can lose money and suffer serious emotional hardship from such ordeals, as criminals do and say whatever necessary to gain victims' trust, and then betray that trust. It's not uncommon for an advance fee fraud criminal or romance scammer to spend months setting the trap, establishing the relationship and building trust, all with the intention of stealing the victim's personal data or money. In the recent NBC story, Wymoo private investigators were able to uncover evidence of fraud. The victim in this case, like many victims, didn't contact a private investigator until it was too late. Private investigators and international background check companies agree that verifying early is essential.

Many people mistakenly think scam or fraud can't happen to them. Investigators caution that romance scammers and criminals operating via the internet are professional criminals, and anyone can be a victim. Some guidelines to keep you safe:

1. Never send money overseas unless that person has been verified.
2. Be careful not to reveal personal data or financial information online.
3. Remember no dating or networking site is 100% immune from fraud.
4. Be skeptical of anyone via the internet who falls in love overnight.
5. When considering a serious relationship, get a background check.

Lastly, when connecting, networking or dating online, stay skeptical and be weary of anything that seems too good to be true. Even if there have been no major red flags or signs of fraud, consider an international background check to protect yourself. In today's global and electronic world, it's easy to create false identities and profiles. Be safe. Verify, then decide.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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February 3, 2009
Online Dating & Background Checks

  • 2/03/2009
Rising Demand and Options for Consumers











Online dating has increased significantly in recent years. More people are meeting via the internet than ever before. It's not uncommon for marriage to be found on the internet, and increasingly, this new form of match-making involves an international relationship. Scams are also on the rise around the world. Often times professional scammers and criminals will target or select their victims on internet dating sites.

The number of reported scam or fraud cases in 2008 nearly doubled the number from 2007. In other cases, the subject may simply misrepsent him or herself by using a false background and profile, including photographs. This surge in scams has fueled a rising demand for international background checks. Consumers are well advised to consider a confidential background check service on any potential relationship which is begun on the internet, especially if the romance involves someone overseas. Experts consider the service a wise insurance policy.

Among the many websites offering international background checks, few are legitimate. Sites that offer "background checks" to run automated searches of databases for $39.99 or $59.99, obviously don't qualify as a real investigation. Consumers should expect to pay between $350 and $600 for a professional investigator such as Wymoo® to verify a background.

While international private investigators aren't always cheap, consumers should consider the risks and potential costs of not getting a background check. Many romance victims in 2008 lost their entire savings, had their identity stolen, and had to live through the agonizing ordeal of falling in love with someone who simply did not exist. The risks are real and rising.


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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February 4, 2008
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  • 2/04/2008
Investigation Services Available in the EU

The European Union (EU) has brought about enormous economic changes to the included nations as well as those neighboring the community. As financial systems have become more connected, so too have information systems and the ability to investigate persons and firms across national European borders.

Increasing transparency in legal systems is a requirement to membership in the EU, and more transparency means less corruption and easier access to data and records. INTERPOL(International Criminal Police Organization) is the largest international police organization, with 186 member countries. The group facilitates cross-border police cooperation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent international crime. In recent years, such international groups become increasingly successful in their investigations as the European community continues to merge. Private investigators have also become more capable.

Depending on the exact assistance required, there are many options available for consumers or citizens seeking investigative services. One should first contact their local jurisdiction and police, whether in London, Moscow or Bucharest. If the crime or investigation requires international assistance within the EU or Eastern Europe, INTERPOL may be of assistance. For Europe background checks, be sure to use a firm with international scope such as Wymoo International or Kroll in London.

The information flow between the EU is expected to continue to increase, and with this trend, investigations should continue to benefit. Private investigation firms, background check services and law enforcement should all benefit. As history has proven, however, crime too will evolve and the challenge goes on.

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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January 18, 2008
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  • 1/18/2008
Internet dating scams and how to stay safe

Access to the Internet and the sharp global rise in online dating sites have created new opportunites and new threats. Industry leaders such as Match.com, eHarmony, Yahoo Personals and Cherry Blossoms were among the first to establish the market for online dating. Since then, new websites are popping up on a weekly basis, and relationship scams are on the rise.

The Red Flags

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't take a dope to fall victim to online dating scams. Criminals searching the match-making sites are increasingly professional and sophisticated in their tactics. Scammers first contact their victims via email, then by telephone - they may even send flowers and carry on a relationship for months. Their pictures are beautiful, their personality so perfect. Then, the "emergency" happens. The young man or woman has been in a terrible accident, and yes, he or she needs money. More scammers are taking the time to build the trust level, once that trust is established, the victim is sold and the money lost.

Countries of Concern

The major countries in the world for relationship fraud are those in West Africa, the former Soviet Union block nations, and the Philippines. However, due to increasing technology being used by the scammers, as well as globalization, criminals now work from just about every nation on the globe. Easy access to technology has made this possible. These days, a scam can originate from England or the U.S. just as easily as from Nigeria.

Staying Safe Online

First, remember no site is immune. Match.com and the many others are all affected by persons seeking to commit relationship fraud. Know that scams and relationship fraud can come from any country in the world. Be wary of anyone who falls in love too fast or sudden emergencies and request for financial assistance. Be very careful about revealing personal information, and anyone (even Mr. or Ms. Perfect) who requests such information.

Verification Services

Because of the dangers of meeting someone special via the Internet, we always advise consumers to get a background check to confirm the person's identity. If the relationship is getting serious, we recommend verifying the person's story with a professional background check firm such as Wymoo or Philippine PI (for the Philippines). This kind of service is always confidential and can give you the piece of mind you're looking for. At the very least, the service can help you make an informed decision.

All the Best,

S. Birch

© 2006-2008 S. Birch
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