Showing posts with label internet fraud. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet fraud. Show all posts
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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January 27, 2008
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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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January 16, 2008
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  • 1/16/2008
Recognizing The Signs of Fraud

Financial scams have been on the rise around the world, and unfortunately, have been rising in sophistication. Fraud was introduced to the Internet most notably by the Nigeria 411 scams, i.e. advance fee fraud. That was then, this is now.

Scammers today are using worldwide access to the Internet to their advantage. Accounts such as webhosting a new website, bank and credit accounts can now be easily opened on the Internet, from any location. Having some false identification gives the scammer the upper hand here, as he has essentially created an alias with little, if any, traceable information.

The False Website Approach

Many financial scams are taking the form of the classic advance fee fraud, but with a higher level of sophistication and tactics. Websites are often created with templates or a design is stolen from another reputable and legal investment company. Once the site is complete, the criminal has created what appears to be a legitimate website and company. The headquarters for these fictitious firms are often located in the United States, so the website claims. These sites are mearly a tool for fraud.

How to distinguish a real investment website from a fraudulent one? Search Google and Yahoo for the company to determine if there are other sites referencing the firm. Check the site itself to see if the firm has contact information. A website without an address or phone number is a red flag for potential fraud or scam. Search phone directories for the firm's telephone number. Lastly, check with the SEC's website for signs on how to recognize these investment scams, and to verify registration of the firm.

Knowing the Signs of Fraud

Although the level of sophistication in these scams continues to rise, an educated consumer can know the difference. Scammers today always contact their victims with an offer - the potential victim has been selected. The firm representative may speak perfect English, and even understand investments and asset management. He may even request you submit an IRS form and other documents. Bottom line, this person will request personal data and/or payment promptly and without ever meeting you. Be skeptical and ask for the firms' references and SEC filing.

Getting Verification

If you've searched the Internet for references, checked local phone listings, maybe even contacted the SEC for verification, and spoke with company representatives and claimed references - and you're still not sure? Contact a professional investigation company, like Wymoo International or Philippine PI for help. Get the facts on who your dealing with - then decide.

All the Best,

S. Birch

© 2006-2008 S. Birch
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