Showing posts with label international background check. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international background check. Show all posts
September 25, 2012
International Background Checks Prevent Bad Hires












The time has come when more and more companies around the world are hiring international employees.  It is a small world after all.  Contrary to the old days, these international employees represent a new type of work force and are often cost effective solutions and sharp talent acquisitions for hiring companies.  However, such international recruiting and hiring is risk inherent by nature, and carries substantially more risk than domestic hires.  Verifying if a person is who he or she claims to be can be a difficult process when you’re dealing with global hires.

At a glimpse, the internet offers a great way to quickly locate and recruit international talent.  Resumes for India and China and Malaysia professionals, for example, can quickly and easily be viewed online.  What you don’t know is if that resume or CV is accurate, if the subject is who he claims to be, and what his past may be.  Searching criminal records alone is a negligent method to mitigate risk, and is certainly not a background check investigation.  Now, when dealing with an international candidate, searching criminal records alone would be extremely reckless.  For all international hires, a professional and complete background investigation is advised.  To obtain a real background check investigation, you’ll need to contact a reputable investigation firm.

From your headquarters in New York or Chicago or Hong Kong, it can be tempting to check a few references and make the hire.  After all, the resume seems perfect, and you checked a couple references.  What could go wrong?  It’s too expensive you say to have the candidate properly verified?  These are the thoughts that cost companies major financial losses and can put an entire organization at risk.  A bad hire can be a major and costly mistake that is best avoided in the hiring process by proper verification and investigation screening.  This protects the whole company.  Think of an international background check as a way to be protected from fraud and problems.

Whether you’re dealing with a Philippines call center, Malaysia technology provider, West Africa manufacturing company, India IT support or Mexico City based consultant, it’s essential to verify all international hires and representatives.  It can be hard to know who you’re dealing with at home, let alone when you’re dealing with a separate country, culture and language.

Professional background check investigations can reduce risk for your company, your employees and save you money in the long run.  They can also help you hire the best talent for the job.  Be safe and search abroad responsibly.  Be skeptical.  Verify first, and then decide.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2012 S. Birch


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April 27, 2012
Do You Really Know Your Online Partner? Are You Sure?



As days go by, more and more people engage in online dating all over the world. In the U.S. a third of the total internet population has begun a love relationship on the net in the past couple of years, and experts say social media and dating sites now play a leading role in helping people finding the perfect match. Whatever happened to meeting someone in the real world?

People fall in love over the internet without actually meeting their sweetheart because most of the operation arises in the psyche of users. When you look for love online and start to talk to possible candidates, you project your hopes and wishes over that person and the same way around. Then people feel like they match because they wish for the same things. Internet lonely hearts also feel they are better heard by their virtual friends and “lovers” than in real life and it is easier for them to connect since they do not see their partner’s reactions, so they think they are being accepted and understood, so empathy makes them believe they have found their other half.

Internet users have more control of what they share online about themselves, photographs in which they look better, specific experiences and if something is not so good, well, you can always change some facts in order to make it sound perfect. Many stretch the truth beyond imagination.

According to results obtained through dating background checks, there are five fake or partly false profiles out of seven on Facebook and other major sites such as Match.com. Users tend to create fake profiles for two main reasons, to avoid being scammed or to protect their privacy, and others create false information or false profile to attract others, and some are criminals.

In most cases, the person you think you are talking to is not really who he/she claims to be. The truth is romance scammers are professional criminals who have studied their victims for the past eighteen years and know exactly their needs and the words they want to hear, that’s why they are so successful. Scammers in many cases are young people working for a seasoned group of fraudsters whether in Nigeria, Ghana, China, Philippines, Ukraine, Russia, or the Philippines, and even Colombia. These are the highest risk countries but experts caution fraud can come from any website, and from any country. Scammers now operate from the U.S and U.K. and more.

Some women in the Philippines openly conduct romance scams in front of their husbands, as the entire family wants your money, and they have no ethical issues in stealing it. The same is true in Malaysia and other developing countries where life is difficult, and many turn to drugs and crime.

Basic rules of online dating are, not to disclose all your personal information at once. Try to know the person on the other side of the screen. Never give them money or help them with getting money or goods from them. If you think someone is worth the try, better to invest some money and conduct an in depth international background check to know the truth. It is better to know from the beginning than to find out the painful and costly way down the road.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2012 S. Birch

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April 18, 2012
How to Spot the Most Common Identity Theft Scams



Verification is the key word for any relationship over the internet. The amount of defrauded people online worldwide is overwhelming. Millions of dollars are lost in scams each week. Sharing information in cyberspace opens the door to being the next target. For many internet users, experts say consumers are not aware of the risk when submitting their personal and payment information on website. On social networking sites, many feel it’s safe or okay to share anything, as if Facebook or Match.com were built to protect your privacy. Even banks have their information stolen from time to time, and social sites actually make their money off all the information you share. People now lose their jobs because of information they post online. Investigators say the less information about you on the internet, the better. It also lower your risk for identity theft.

International private investigators recommend background checks and due diligence on any company or individual overseas prior to proceeding in a personal or business relationship.
Consumers and businesses need to be skeptical when starting new relationships via the internet, and private information should not be shared until the individual is verified by an investigator. Identity theft can happen in a number of ways. From a chat partner sending you an email with an attachment, from a social networking site or dating site contact sending you a link or image to click on, from a friend or contact asking you about yourself until he has your full name, date of birth, address and copy of your ID, etc. It doesn’t take much for criminals to get what they need to steal your identity, and then drain your bank account – leaving victims is dire straits.

Below is a brief description of some of the more common forms of identity theft.

Phishing scams have been increasing in the past 12 months, usually in the form of an urgent message from your bank, credit card provider or utility company, informing you there is an issue with your account. Then they ask you to click on a link that redirects you to a copy-cat website of that institution where usually you fill in your password and user ID to access your account. Now you are in trouble. Another form of this same scam is someone calling you on the phone pretending to be an agent and telling you a problem with your credit card has been detected. These scams work because fraudsters contact people unexpectedly and people can’t think fast and say, wait a minute, this is something out of the ordinary and spot the red light. To avoid this whenever you receive an email from any financial institution you use, contact them directly, directly on their website or calling the helpline or customer service. Never share any information or click any link sent online.

Fake Job Offers are also everywhere over the net. Fraudsters take advantage of the very bad situation of the global economy, pull the strings of frustration and financial independence and have people paying to actually get hired, but they never see that happening. The Better Business Bureau explained that this is the number one scam on their list of customers’ claims, and also warned people to watch out for those ads offering to work from home. Some of these companies tell you you are hired and ask for your social security number, and with that, scammers have access to all of your information putting you in serious danger. Not to mention new credit cards in your name.
The only way to avoid this is by verifying those companies you are interested to work for. You can do your own by calling the companies or actually visit them and confirm they exist. Normally, private investigators are more effective to detect the red lights you could be missing.

Malware and Spyware are in your emails and also in Twitter and Facebook. They come as links with quite intriguing teasers that your curiosity finds really hard to ignore. You click the link which unleashes a program that sneaks into your computer and records your keystrokes, i.e. user names, passwords, account numbers, addresses, captures them and sends them back to the perpetrator, who has just stole your identity and will surely use it. Anti-virus and spyware protector software is a good start to avoid this threat. Not opening email from contacts you don’t know is another good way to avoid it and in your smart phone use applications from the official marketplace.

These are the most common phishing scams nowadays. Be skeptical online and never reveal your personal information unless you’re 100% sure you’re dealing with a reliable source. If you have any doubt, consider an international background check to lower your risk from fraud.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2012 S. Birch
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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

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March 24, 2012
Ghana West Africa Still a Hot Zone for Scams, Say Investigators



Throughout the years Ghana has been a significant threat for scams and fraud over the internet. According to the U.S. Embassy in Accra, a total of 540 emails from American citizens are sent to this institution every year asking for help and loss recovery from internet dating partners, penpals and people posing as potential investors or business partners.  The risk is high in Ghana.

Connections are often made via online dating websites, as well as social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.  Americans are among the primary targets, along with the U.K., Australia and Canada.  Many users of websites like Facebook and Match.com are not aware of the risks, and are especially vulnerable when users share personal information via these websites.  Experts warn that identity theft, internet fraud and romance scams typically hit those people and companies that are an open book on the internet.  When criminals can easily learn about you and who you are, then you are at high risk.  The more you share, the higher the risk.

According to Ghana private investigators, it is anonymity that has helped these fraudsters to keep committing scams over the internet and get away with it, as most profiles shown are completely fake, and pictures are usually taken from another profile or website on the internet.  Internet criminals in West Africa now use phone numbers, addresses and profiles from other countries, such as the U.K. or the U.S., so victims may never know their true identity.  In some cases, when people post sufficient information on the internet, a criminal may use that information to steal their identity, taking their name, photos and date of birth, and even education and employment from Facebook, for example, to start scamming other people around the world.  The result?  When victims or potential victims try to verify their online dating partner, everything seems to check out, because the person exists, and all the information is a match.

What consumers and businesses don’t know in many cases, is that West Africa criminals and Ghana scammers can assume the identity of any person or any company worldwide.  And, they can do so convincingly.  It no longer takes a fool to be a victim.  Scam approaches are becoming more and more sophisticated and difficult to detective.  In many cases, it requires the skills and resources of a professional private investigator to determine if the subject is who he or she claims to be. 

Victims from online fraudsters in Ghana can lose a lot of money, once the criminal has gained their victim’s trust they come up with endless stories or schemes to empty the victim’s pocket. On average a person can lose from $5,000 to well over $50,000 USD from dating scams.

Private investigators and law enforcement agencies agree that it’s important to hire a reputable investigation firm to conduct an international background check for cases involving new relationships, personal or business, that are formed over the internet.   Expect to pay a realistic price for a real investigation, where professional investigators are on the ground and verify all known information about an individual or company.  Generic database searches and website offering “background checks” for $39.99 are a fraud if they claim they will be conducting an actual background check investigation.  No investigation of any kind, period, can be conducted anywhere in the world for less than $100 USD.  Private investigations can be costly, but they are an excellent source of insurance to know who you are communicating with is honest and real.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2012 S. Birch

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August 26, 2011
Dating Background Checks: The Missing Link




Online dating sites like Match.com, eHarmony, Cupid.com, and even social networking sites like Facebook and Linkedin seem to be great ways to meet new people and connect with potential mates from all over the world. Meeting new friends, professional contacts or even romance online is now the norm. The benefits are clear and plentiful. Seemingly overlooked, however is the rapidly increasing rate of fraud and scam being committed on such websites.

Opponents say major social networking and match-making sites have no interest in warning their users about the high risk for scams and fraud. No internet site is immune from fraud, after all. But, skeptical says these websites should be doing much more to educate, warn and protect their subscribers. Management at most companies say they lack the expertise and manpower to verify all new subscribers, and because large sites like Match.com and Facebook now have millions subscribers, there simply isn’t any realistic way to verify and screen all users on online.

How to stay safe online when online dating and social networking sites don’t aggressively screen their users? Most sites offer tips and information about fraud and scam prevention. (Although this information is very easy to overlook and usually not enough, say experts). Industry observers say at the end of the day, it is the responsibility of the consumer and website subscriber to know the risks, unfortunately. Media and law enforcement agencies routinely give consumer advice on how to stay safe online, but with criminals evolving and changing their tactics constantly, it’s hard to stay up to speed. In most cases, online dating and social networking site subscribers will turn to a professional investigation firm such as Wymoo® International for an international background check. Demand for such verification services continues to grow with the risking risk.

Most scammers today operate from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, the Philippines, Russia, the Ukraine, South Africa, Benin, Colombia and Malaysia. However, due to unchecked immigration in developed countries, Nigerian and Chinese criminal groups now operate from the U.S. and U.K. No country is immune from such groups thanks to globalization and overpopulation. The easy flow of people and information across borders is now a fact of life, so online criminals can move easily and have criminal accomplices or cells operating from other countries. Operating from internet cafes or hiding behind proxy servers (rendering IP address tracing obsolete), the groups are hard to identify, hard to locate and hard to prosecute. Because they hide in countries with significant corruption and lack of rule of law, getting an arrest is a major challenge.

Dating background checks are the key ingredients in the recipe for avoiding fraud online. Even when Mr. or Ms. Perfect seems to be so innocent, so perfect, and you have no reason whatsoever to doubt the person, expert advise caution. Professional scammers know how to get your personal information and your money, and they are willing to take the time to gain your trust, and slowly gather your information, without you ever realizing what is happening – even if it takes months. A typical response from a scam victim is “but, he never even asked me for money.” Stay safe online and keep your personal data private, and if in doubt, contact a professional investigation firm for a dating background investigation to have the person verified.

A true dating background check is a professional private investigation, carried out by trained and experienced investigators. Such services can include fraud screening, travel records, civil and criminal records, marriage records, identity verification, education and employment verification, address verification, public records and ID or passport verification, and much more. Don’t be fooled by a website claiming to conduct a “background check” for $39.99 by searching a generic database on the internet. Contact a real investigator and find out the truth.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
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August 16, 2011
International Investigators Say Seniors a Target for Online Scams

Seniors have a lifetime of experience and an understanding that most younger people simply can’t fully appreciate. Most senior citizens are kind and loving people, and trusting of others and believe in good things from the people they know, and even strangers. Seniors generally have a positive outlook and are thankful for their lives and experiences. May seniors have had successful marriages and children, and frankly have grown up in a more trusting and meaningful world than today’s electronic, overpopulated concrete jungle that has become the new reality. With more seniors accessing the internet, criminals have set their targets on this trusting group.

Criminals know well that senior citizens typically don’t have the tech savvy and understanding of the risks of the internet as do younger people, who have grown up online. Some seniors are lonely or widowers, and try to meet new friends and even partners on the internet. Targeting these trusting and honest seniors are despicable criminals, who often operate from organized criminal cells in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Russia, the Ukraine, the Philippines, Malaysia or even the U.K. Scammers often operate out of cyber cafes or hide behind proxy servers, making it difficult to track down these criminals who perpetrate the crimes. Organized crime in West Africa and Southeast Asia now have connections and accomplices operating in the U.K. and U.S., where lax immigration policies have led to the near ruin of each country, and criminals operate freely and undetected from within their borders. It pays to remember that most of the 19 Muslim terrorists who murdered more than 2,900 innocent people on September 11, 2001 were illegal aliens. One of the fast growing crimes among undocumented immigrants is internet scams and fraud.

The internet can be overwhelming for anyone, especially seniors. Fast developing and changing technology with new websites, applications, hundreds of online dating and social networking sites to choose from is hard to keep up with. Loneliness often drives seniors into this electronic world without knowing the risks. More and more seniors are reporting the crime and scams to local law enforcement and also to the FBI. Wymoo® International, a professional international investigation firm, says that they have seen a sharp increase in the number of internet scams targeting seniors. The most important factor is prevention and educating seniors to be more skeptical, never to provide personal data online, and never send money to anyone overseas, for any reason. Be careful about revealing personal information, and keep social security numbers, ID copies, addresses and birth dates protected. If in doubt, contact a reputable international background check company for a discreet and confidential background check to verify the person.

Love is complicated. New relationships online are full of risk, but there are good and honest people out there. Online dating and social networking is a new option for senior citizens who are seeking new friends and partners. It’s a useful tool that can bring comfort and happiness, or tragedy. So if you are involved in online relationships, take precautions and be safe and wise. Know that the risk for identity theft, romance scams and advance fee fraud is real. Know that criminals are expert scammers and can be very convincing, and anyone can be a victim. Stay skeptical.

Professional international investigators are discreet and offer strictly confidential services. They can help you verify if your online contact is who he or she claims to be. For seniors, they can offer valuable advice, and give you the peace of mind you need to make an important decision. Be safe, protect your personal information, never send money, and contact a reputable international investigation firm for assistance when in doubt. It’s good insurance to have.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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July 22, 2011
South Africa Background Checks Used to Avoid Internet Fraud



July comes with the news that some internet criminals have been prosecuted and put behind the bars, in the U.K. and now in South Africa. In one South Africa scam case, a police officer was involved in a fraud ring, traced and tracked down by South Africa private investigators who picked up the evidence needed to have the scammer put in jail. Increasingly, due to the recent rise in criminal activity in South Africa, law enforcement and private investigators are advising for South Africa background checks.

The truth is that most of the cases involving the internet are very difficult to prosecute. The main reason is because most criminals are located in different countries from their victims. Along the years, developed countries have been the main target of internet scammers. Americans, Canadians, British and Australians seem to be the best pick for romance scams, investment fraud, advance fee fraud, and other internet scams. Lottery fraud is out, and the new approach is seeking out victims and easy prey on social networking sites and online match-making websites. Small businesses are also the target, where criminals pretend to have attractive business deals, and they use fake websites and documentation to convince their victims. The criminals are quite convincing.

South Africa is the most developed country on the African continent, and yet internet crimes seem to be spiraling out of control here, although not quite as bad as in West Africa, where Ghana and Nigeria are the clear leaders for online criminal activity. In fact, many criminal organizations conducting online fraud and scams in Johannesburg and Cape Town are actually Nigerian nationals and immigrations, say South Africa private investigators. These days, especially on the internet, it can be hard to know who you’re dealing with. Throw in the internet and another country, and the risk is high.

Tracking IP addresses is no longer effective, as criminals often operate from cyber cafes and use IP proxy server to hide their true location. When they are tracked down, having law enforcement make an arrest, and a court making a prosecution is a separate and difficult challenge. In short, prevention is the key ingredient to avoid the mess, and that’s why experts say a background check or due diligence investigation is essential when dealing with individuals and new business contacts in South Africa.

Internet criminals remain hidden in most case. The recent arrests made in South Africa are a very encouraging sign that law enforcement is making some progress, and that perhaps the crime rate could begin to drop. In the meantime, be safe and skeptical. Know the risks, and verify before engaging in business or personal relationships. And as always, never provide personal data or payment to anyone overseas who has not been verified. South Africa successfully beat internet fraud in the past, and most say the bad economy is responsible for the renewed crime way. Time will tell, and we will see history if history repeats itself, and South Africa overcomes this new crime wave.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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July 15, 2011
Ghana Private Investigators Face Evolving Internet Scams



There is no doubt that Ghana and Nigeria are the top countries for online fraud and scams, and even though most people know about the risk, scammers are far from going out of business. Criminal operations in West Africa are actually growing, and scam victims are increasing in number as well. Ghana private investigators say most people really don’t understand how sophisticated this crime has become, and it no longer takes a fool to be victim of the crime.

Online criminals have evolved and understand that victims no longer fall for the old time stories about someone dying in a plane crash leaving millions of dollars, or a major inheritance has luckily fallen in your hands. These scams are for amateurs. The new face of Ghana and Nigeria scams is rapidly changing, and scammers have reinvented themselves to avoid detection from would be victims. Even major global companies like Coca Cola or and government offices like the FBI have to be on the lookout. The reach of internet scammers conducting fraud online is worldwide, and the risk is real. Criminals are now using domains and email addresses that appear to be from business or government addresses, and authentic looking documentation and passports are being used to gain the victim’s trust. Furthermore, scammers in West Africa may even have a phone number in New York or London, where they make and receive calls, appearing to be in that countries. They talk the talk and know the industry lingo. They’ve done their homework, and are quickly learning what it takes to steal your money. It’s becoming harder to screen for fraud and to verify the facts, and often times individuals and business turn to a professional investigator.

Criminals rarely ask for money or payment for service or shipment until trust has been established. Surprisingly, this trust building process can last up to a year or even more, until they are certain that their victim is ready. This is when a contract, business deal, or investment will be agreed upon, and the Ghana criminal will ask for initial payment. Or, if it’s a personal relationship, an emergency will suddenly strike, or the scammer will ask for money to help with travel expenses to visit the client. The list goes on and on, as scammers earn a living through their creativity. A West Africa scammer might have a London address, London phone number, and British accent, and ask for funds to be sent to London, and he or she will provide the goods or services next week, they say. How could this possibly be a Nigerian or Ghana scam case? Simple. Internet criminals now have accomplices throughout the developed world, and such criminals are often in the U.S. or U.K. as illegal, undocumented immigrants. These are criminal organizations with global reach.

Con artists are professionals and they can falsify all kinds of documents: passports, visas, letters from the migration service or international revenue service or any police department or gold export permits, etc. The truth is that most of these documents have been stolen or even created using false or stolen credentials. In other words, a falsified birth certificate and personal data can be used to create a real government issued passport. It gets complicated? How can you be sure you know who you’re dealing with, and that the identity of the person truly matches the documentation and that all facts are verified? In most cases, it takes a professional Ghana background check service to verify the individual and details, and screen for fraud.

Ghana is a growing and developing economy and will soon become a middle income nation. It welcomes international commerce and investment, and the country is rich in natural resources, precious metals and gold. With gold prices approaching $1600 USD per ounce, Ghana gold scammers are working overtime. With online dating more popular than ever, scammers are quickly setting up profiles on major match-making sites. Be safe. Verify first.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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June 29, 2011
International Background Screening to Avoid Dating Scams













They’ve been here for years, and don’t seem to be going away.  Quite the contrary, fraudsters and romance scammers are here to stay, as the global economy staggers and criminals seek easy money.  Scams and fraud have been a part of society since Ancient Egypt 5,000 years ago.  The difference now is the internet and the computer, but the concept remains the same: steal money or valuables from the victim by means of deception and misrepresentation.  This evolving crime and internet fraud takes on both genders, and anyone can be a victims.  The criminals themselves can be male or female.  It’s an equal opportunity crime industry.  Increasingly, consumers around the world are relying on international background check services to screen for fraud, and verify their online romance, friend or partner.  It’s a prudent way to lower the risk.

Professional private investigators around the world advise men, women and even businesses on the risks and verification services available when looking for love, friendship or business opportunities via the internet.  Experts say it’s wise to be skeptical, and be aware of the risk for fraud and scams when initiating relationships online.  Online dating has significant risks for fraud and romance scams, because criminals can so easily assume a false identity, or misrepresent the facts and their intentions.  They add fake photographs to their profiles, which are usually taken from one of the millions available on the internet, and come up with stories of success, have a great job, are attractive, and may even match public records when you search for the name and profile.  Investigators warn that even if the name and profile is real, that doesn’t mean that the person behind the profile is real.  Identities are easily stolen, and criminals often take a real name from a phone or internet directory, so they start out by using a real name and address.  In short, it can be hard to verify a person is who he or she claims to be.  International private investigators are especially important in cases which involve a person living or working in another country. 

Scammers are professional liars who go after your money. They claim to be successful business men or women living in the U.K. or New York or Australia, but suddenly have to travel to Africa or Eastern Europe or Latin America to finish a project or business deal.  Internet criminals are creative and create complex stories so that their victims are lost in the drama and details.  They may ask for money or a loan while traveling or for other complications abroad.  You’ve been talking to this person for months and he’s never asked for money.  You checked his name and address on the internet, and the person does exist, you say.  The FBI and reputable investigation firms like Wymoo® International warn that this is the red flag people need to watch out for.  To be safe, investigators advise never to send any money to anyone who hasn’t been verified.  For online dating, if the relationship shows signs of potential, consider a dating background check.

Fraudsters may hired by an organized crime cells anywhere in the world.  Although countries like the U.K., Spain, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Russia, the Ukraine, Colombia, the Philippines, Malaysia and South Africa have reported the largest incident of internet fraud and scams, consumers are advised that no site, and no country is immune.  A background screening or verification service conducted by a professional investigator is a vital tool that will bring you peace of mind.  Know who you’re dealing with, and lower the risk.
All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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June 21, 2011
International Private Investigators: A Growing Industry













International private investigators are a relatively new concept and there seems to be much confusion surrounding the very definition of the service, and what makes a private investigator “international”. This article aims to clear up that confusion and also reveal the impressive growth that is occurring in this seemingly overlooked industry. Markets and economies and the world in general is now more global and international than ever before, due to globalization, the internet and overpopulation. International private investigators represent a new specialty which deals with the new risks in today’s world.

The definition of an international private investigator is a private investigator or private investigation firm which specializes in professional private investigation services involving one or more foreign countries. The key ingredient or element defining an international private investigator is the presence of offices or field investigators in multiple countries. This allows the firm or investigator to verify facts on the ground in the local area, utilizing local contacts and local records, and checking records in the local language and obtaining evidence first hand. In many cases, especially in developing countries, there is simply no database technology which can replace the international field investigator. He is your man on the ground.

International private investigators may conduct due diligence, international background checks, covert surveillance, criminal cases and missing person searches. Such private investigators require the specialized training which is often obtained through military or law enforcement, and field investigators should be licensed or legally set up to operate in the country where he or she operates. True professional private investigation services can be expensive, and are a world apart from the hundreds of misleading websites claiming to offer “background checks” for $49.99. Expect to pay more for a real service.

The industry is booming according industry observers and private investigation companies. Wymoo® International, a Florida-based professional private investigation firm specializing in international private investigation and background checks, reported a 60% growth rate in 2010. The company has achieved significant growth during the past 3 years, and admits that even competitors have done well. “Our corporate and individual clients continue to face increased risk from scams and fraud, and we identify and minimize that risk,” said John Wallace, Director of Background Checks. “With the rise of China and India, and the shifting of global economic powers, businesses will need to continue to reach out to new contacts and countries to survive, and those contacts need to be verified as part of due diligence.”

The global economy keeps sputtering along, and as it does, more criminals are seeking ways to make a quick buck. More companies and individuals are also taking more risks, trying to find profitable business deals and investments. In the eagerness to add to the bottom line, many are forgetting to do their due diligence. It is at these crossroads, where these groups meet that international private investigators play a key role by providing verification and investigation services. Statistics from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies confirm that fraud and scam cases are up. How far the trend will go is unknown. In the meantime, expect international investigators to stay in demand.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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International Background Checks Lower Risk













International background checks and international verification services are quickly becoming big business. In the wake of globalization and the internet, business and relationships are now international, even in a global recession. To find opportunity, new suppliers, investment options, employees and business contacts, and even love, it seems more people are finding more to choose from in the international and global market. Even with the easy flow of capital and information across borders, there are still great opportunities to be found abroad. Corporations, small businesses and even individuals are seeking out new emerging markets for business opportunities. Online dating and social networking sites are connecting individuals around the world like never before. With this new electronic and global communication platform comes new risk. There are real people and real money at work, and relationships and money at stake. More than ever, it’s becoming essential to verify relationships and contacts with an international background check.

For companies operating in the U.S. or U.K., there may be some great deals to be had in Southeast Asia, Africa or even Eastern Europe or Latin America. Overcoming the language and cultural barriers is not always easy. And, once an attractive business proposal is on the table, how can you be sure your new contact is who he claims to be? How can you be certain that the offer or company truly exists, or is the entity that it claims to be? Are the revenue numbers and customer base numbers accurate? Has the company or business contact been involved in any history of fraud or criminal activity? It might be easy to check these things in a domestic market, but when dealing with a new supplier or business associate in Dubai or Hong Kong or Sao Paulo, things can get tricky. There are a lot of unknowns.

International private investigators and law enforcement agencies like the FBI and Interpol agree, be prudent and do your homework. Conducting due diligence or an international background check is essential to avoid the risk of fraud and scams. Ignoring the risk and entering into a business relationship without verifying the facts can be a costly mistake. Individuals around the world also have a mutual need for verifying relationships. Personal relationships can be impacted both from a financial and emotional standpoint. Victims of scams often report significant financial losses from identity theft, romance scam, advance fee fraud and investment scams. What can be even worse, for many victims, is the devastating emotional impact. In short, scams targeting individuals often leave victims in financial and emotional ruin, with a broken bank account and heart. It can be difficult to come to trust someone you’ve never met, but professional scammers employ some proven techniques that seem to snag even the most skeptical. It’s best to be safe and verify.

One of the most recognized in the industry for professional services is the Florida-based investigation firm Wymoo® International. The company specializes in international private investigation and has achieved remarkable growth during the past few years, a testament of the demand for international verification. “We expect the demand for international background checks to continue to rise, because international relationships are rising,” said John Wallace, Director of Global Background Checks. “There has also been a steady increase in the level of fraud and scam activity worldwide, especially via the internet.”

International background checks conducted by professional investigation firms can be invaluable tools in screening for fraud, verifying facts, and identifying risks. A professional firm with offices or field investigators on the ground in the country where you need them is key. It’s a wise decision to stop and determine if an individual is who he or she claims to be. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.


All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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Colombia Private Investigators a Growing Industry











The private investigation industry in Colombia is growing and in cities like Bogota, Cali, Barranquilla and Cartagena, the profession can be a lucrative career for entrepreneurs and those eager to learn the trade. Most private investigators based in Bogota or with field investigators in the country agree that there is persistent growth in the investigation business. Individuals from Colombia and abroad are increasingly requesting background checks, surveillance, pre-marital checks and other services.

Corporations are requesting due diligence services, pre-employment screening, and background checks on new contacts and potential business partners and prospective employees. Many clients want to know if a business or investment opportunity is real. Infidelity and romance scams, admit investigators, is also a thriving part of their business which may underline a darker trend in the Colombian society and economy. Law enforcement and investigators agree that scam and fraud activity is rising in tandem with new investigation requests. There’s no doubt that Colombia private investigators are being used to combat the escalating romance scam and internet fraud cases. Until the country addresses the problem, the trend should continue.

Colombia is home to some of the most beautiful women in the world. Due to very limited economic opportunities at home, more women are seeking a foreign husband, often from the U.S. or Canada or the U.K. Women are looking for better lives and opportunities, where they can escape the poverty and crime of Colombia. Many Westerners are meeting the beautiful Colombians on match-making websites and social networking websites, or even through local match making services in Colombia. With the increase in international relationships, there has been a sharp rise in infidelity, romance scams and internet fraud. In some cases, the woman has no intention to marry (she may even already be married), and her objective is to steal the victim’s money. In other cases, the objective might be pure financial gain or marriage for immigration purposes. Of course, there are many decent and honest women in Colombia truly interested in love, and sorting through the good and bad is the challenge that many face. And many are relying on private investigation firms to verify individuals in Colombia, for both personal and business reasons.

The growing trend in internet fraud and romance scams in Colombia is an alarming problem. The growth in the private investigation industry, is by most accounts, a positive contribution to society and enables Colombian citizens and foreigners alike to verify individuals and companies. In short, private investigators are keeping the fraud and scam levels in check to some extent, and Colombia background check and due diligence services offer a unique service to minimize the risk in Colombia relationships. Corporations and small businesses investing in Colombia now have a way to verify if their new business contact is who he or she claims to be. Online dating subscribers in the U.S. or U.K. now can verify if their partner truly is single, and a graduate from the university. Husbands and wifes and boyfriends can check to see if their partner is faithful and honest. All in all, these are net positives for Colombia, its people and economy. Time will tell if investigators and law enforcement can truly tackle the scams and fraud they are chasing.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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South Africa Scams Put Investigators in Demand













South Africa based private investigators and law enforcement agencies in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria recently announced a disturbing trend in Africa’s most advanced and developed nation. The great country of South Africa is suffering from a re-emergence of scam and fraud activity via the internet, and government officials and South Africa based businesses are concerned this could be a sign of worse times ahead. The developing and seemingly modern economy of South Africa had a serious problem with criminal operations conducting internet fraud in the past, but law enforcement and government agencies were aware of the damage being done to the country’s image, and criminal activity conducting internet fraud and scams were essentially shut down. South Africa private investigators say many of the new case of internet crime are actually being conducted by immigrants, which are often undocumented aliens from Nigeria or refugees from other crime ridden nations of Africa. The county hopes to stop the trend before it’s too late.

When a country gains international attention for its crime and scams via the internet, such as Nigeria of the Philippines, for example, there are serious economic repercussions. The damage done to a country’s image from internet fraud activity can be costly to both businesses and residents. If people associate a country with internet scams and fraud, tourism decreases. Foreign investment drops. People around the world begin to think poorly of the nation’s citizens, which is truly unfair. Such criminal operations are often worked as small gangs using internet cafes or proxy servers from a fixed location, and they typically represent a very small part of the national population. Government agencies, being directed from the offices of President Jacob Zuma himself, have been instructed to tackle this growing problem before it’s too late. Time will tell if law enforcement and private investigators are able to deal with the problem effectively.

The high risk levels for internet scams and fraud in South Africa have a surprising and global ripple effect. How could this affect you? After all, you might reside in the United States, the U.K., Canada or Australia, and you’ve never even been to South Africa. The truth is, if you’re an internet user, South Africa scams can impact you. The more criminal operations conducting romance scams, advance fee fraud, investment scams, gold scams, and identity theft on the internet means the internet itself becomes more risky. South Africa criminals can target online dating and social networking sites, and assume identities from someone in the U.S. or U.K. or Canada. Their goal is to gain your trust, win your heart or friendship, and then steal your money and/or identity. Professional criminals care little about the damage they do.

The objective of scammers is your money. Experts recommend a South Africa background check to verify new relationships pertaining to South Africa, especially those relationships begun via the internet. Online relations are especially susceptible to fraud and scam, so investigators advise to remain skeptical, be cautious about revealing personal data, and when in doubt, consider a background check or due diligence investigation to verify your contact’s identity and background in South Africa.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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June 11, 2011
International Private Investigators Reveal Romance Scams


He or she arrives in your inbox as a pretty face. They seem innocent and are just looking for love or a new friend. You met them on Facebook or Match.com, and everything should be ok. Why not try? It might turn into a meaningful friendship or more. He or she might even live or work abroad, so what could possibly be the risk in finding a new pen pal? The answer: a lot. Romance scams are becoming increasingly complex, and are growing into an organized crime ring in many countries. Criminals are targeting websites of all kinds, from Linkedin, to eHarmony to Facebook and countless others. Their goal is to establish a relationship, gain your trust, and steal your money and/or identity. And they are very good at what they do. International private investigators are working to reveal these scams.

Long distance dating has been around for a long time. Pen pals are now online chat partners, and the new and improved version carries a lot more risk. People used to write long letters allowing others to get to know them better. These days, the approach has changed dramatically, and short emails and profiles and photos are the selling point. And even if we do happen to find a profile you like, how can you be sure the person in the photo truly is who he or she claims to be? He says he’s a vice president for Airbus and is currently working in Germany, and graduated from Harvard, and has a home in New York. Sounds great, but is it true? Her photos are amazing, and she seems so perfect. You’ve been talking to her for 6 months and she’s never asked for a dime, and you’ve seen her on webcam, but is she real?

International background companies like Wymoo® International and the FBI say that romance scams are not going away. In fact, they are getting worse. FBI field offices receive complaints nearly on a daily basis involving romance scams, and the effects can be devastating and can even lead to financial ruin and major heartache. Romance scammers and criminals operating on the internet are learning what methods work and don’t work. Their objective is to get the information they need to blackmail you, steal your identity, or scam you the old fashioned way, and simply ask to borrow the money for an urgent matter. Experts say for any online dating or social networking relationships that is international in nature, and shows signs of a potential meaningful relationships, a dating background check is key.

People want to relate to new people with a different culture because they find it more appealing and interesting. Also, societies have become more competitive. Long work hours leave little time for meeting someone outside, so why not try the internet? Modern love happens online in an electronic world. And, the pretty face of a vulnerable person from a developing country is always there for you… how could that be a bad thing? So sweet and caring… until the bait and trap is set, and the trust is won. Once the trust is won, the criminal has complete the hard work. Getting your personal information like your full name, address (to send you flowers) and your birth date (to send you a gift) will be a piece of cake.

The cold and hard truth is that roughly 10% of online dating relationships are true and honest, with no misrepresentation or falsification of the facts. The other 90% can range anywhere from partly truthful, somewhat truthful, to a complete fraud and romance scam. Some subscribers even say they lie about things to protect their identity online. Online dating and social networking is a confusing world, with potential rewards. Investigators simply emphasize the importance of knowing the risks.

All the best,
S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
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February 4, 2011
Match.com Scams and Online Dating Scams: How to Avoid The Fraud

Romance Scams a Growing Threat, Say Investigators
















Match.com is the leading online dating site with over 20 Million members and serving 25 countries and languages. Many members are using the site not just to find love in their local area, but also abroad, finding romantic relationships with international members. In addition to Match.com, there is eHarmony, Facebook and countless other ways to connect and meet people online. Starting relationships online is a great way to connect, and can be fun and rewarding. This trend also has new risks, however, as investigators and law enforcement agencies such as the FBI report a significant rise in online dating scams, romance scams, identity theft, and other types of fraud from online dating.

For relationships begun online, it's important to know that no site is immune from fraud. Match.com and other match-making sites have no effective way to screen or verify all users, so be aware that there are criminals mixed in with the honest members, and these criminals are actively looking for victims. Their objective is to gain your trust, win your love, and then steal your money or your identity. And, they are quite good at what they do. Experts advise never to reveal your personal information online to anyone not known personally. Keep your credit card information, address and date of birth private. Take your time and be skeptical of any request for money, such as emergencies, etc. If the relationship is progressing, or if you suspect scam, private investigators say the only way to truly verify the subject is via a real international background check company or firm.

The FBI and Wymoo® International reported in a recent NBC dating scams report that online dating scams are a growing and serious problem, and both are receiving more reports of people being scammed. Fox News ran a similar online dating scams report, highlighting the problem with romance scams on sites such as Match.com. Fox News also applauded Wymoo's efforts on investigating these types of cases, and for their work on preventing scams and fraud.

Because criminals are experts at gaining victims' trust, experts say a professional international private investigator is often required to minimize the risk. If a person lives or works in another country, it can be very difficult to know who you are dealing with, and investigators say it is better to be safe than sorry. Experts say to think of a background check as a prudent insurance policy when dating online.

1) Be skeptical of anyone who falls in love over night.
2) Requests for financial assistance is a red flag.
3) Be skeptical of model like photos and "too good to be true."
4) Never share your DOB, address or credit card data.
5) If there is real potential , get a background check.

Online dating and finding love and new friends via the internet is here to stay. Subscribers should proceed with caution, understand the risk, and get a background check when necessary.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
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September 6, 2010
Global Background Checks, Know the Facts

  • 9/06/2010
Do Global Background Checks Really Exist?









Global background checks offered by companies on the internet are normally a scam. There are a few firms that actually offer sufficient international services to qualify, but 90% of the companies or websites claiming to offer global background checks are a fraud. That's right, the majority of the companies don't even offer a true domestic investigation, let alone a global one. Most websites claiming to offer background checks actually just search databases for criminal records. This is not an investigation, it is not a true background check, and it is a reckless way of dealing with risk. A real background check is a professional investigation. An international background check requires professional field investigators in foreign countries. And a global background check requires a global company, or a real organization with a significant number of field investigators in foreign countries to investigate at an international level.

A real background check is a prudent investigation conducted by professional investigators; it is a verification and investigation process which includes searching criminal records and many other factors. It's important to know that criminal records cannot be checked via a database for most international cases. Foreign investigations require international investigators or field investigators in the countries where you need them. If you require a background check on a person or company with significant operations or history in one or more foreign countries, a real global or international background check would be required to gather the evidence.

True professional background checks and private investigations don't exist for $39.99. Real background checks are investigations which cover many factors, including education and employment history, criminal and civil records, ID and passport verification, document verification, informant testimony, travel records, etc. It is not imposible to conduct an international or global background check with no offices or field investigators, or agents in the countries where you need the evidence. There is no magical global database, not even for the CIA. The fact is the majority of the world is still developing, and vast regions in South America, Africa and Asia are still filing records the old fashioned way. If there is no field investigator on the ground who speaks the local language with the appropriate contacts with police, government and other offices, the job won't get done.

Always ask where the company offices and investigators are located. To conduct an international or global background check, an international private investigator, or a company with offices or investigators in several countries is required. You can't conduct a Malaysia background or Benin background check without investigators in Malaysia or Benin, plain and simple. Ask or check the company website to make sure the field investigators or field offices exist, and they are where you need them. Searching databases simply isn't an option for international cases.

Fraud and scams are on the rise, so it's more important than ever to know who you're dealing with, and minimze your risk.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2010 S. Birch
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