Showing posts with label romance scammers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance scammers. Show all posts
June 15, 2013
Ukraine Romance Scams Revealed: A Checklist to Lower the Risk
















Romance scams and dating scams on the internet seem to be taking over, and the Ukraine is a country with high risk.  In fact, most law enforcement and private investigators agree that the Ukraine is among the highest risk countries in the world for online relationships, even worse than Russia by most standards.  After all, there is big money to be made and criminals are looking to cash in on the profits.  Ukraine private investigators offer some useful information to lower your risk online, and also some easy steps you can take to avoid online dating scams.

According to international investigators based in Kiev, the first thing you should consider is that in internet relationships of any kind are risks that are hard to avoid.  You do not know the person in the real world, and it can be very difficult to determine and verify who is the real person behind the online profile.  Romance scammers around the world can be run by men or women, or even men posing as women.  In the case of Ukraine and Russia, they may be real people and beautiful women, but their intentions may be your pocket book, not moving to be with you.

Once scammers have got your attention, the next step is to gain your trust.  It doesn't take much to get your attention with good looks and great photos.  The rest is where the experienced con artists come in.  They target vulnerable people looking for love, and they know most people looking for love over the internet are people who are hoping for a change.  Ukraine scammers take their time building trust and convincing their victim that they are real and caring.  Once the trust is established, the criminal will move in to steal your money, your identity or even blackmail you.

International background check firms stress the importance of verifying first, rather than later when it is too late.  Use the following checklist to stay safe online when meeting people on social networks and online dating sites, and remember that no site is 100% safe or scam proof.

1) Never share too much information online or with someone you've never met
2) Keep personal data such as date of birth, employer, address, bank accounts private.
3) If something seems too good to be true, remember that is probably is!
4) If you think you have someone real, consult a professional for a background check.
5) Never send money to anyone you've never met or verified by a professional.

Romance scams cost the U.S. over $55M in 2012. Somehow we have to help people from being the next victim. If you know someone involved in online dating, inform them of the risk.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2013 S. Birch




Read more
August 25, 2012
How Internet Scams Complicate Online Dating













It is well known by law enforcement and even many internet users that countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Russia, Ukraine and the Philippines are risky countries for online dating. Some people receive requests from dating prospects from these places and basically ignore them. Some others give them benefit of the doubt. Although the location is really a first red flag, though, scammers tend to target people from any countries these days.  With IP address hiding software and proxy servers, a criminal from West Africa or the Philippines may claim and appear to be from the U.S.

Online dating would be simpler if dating sites like Match.com, Cupid.com or e-Harmony, and Facebook would screen their users, but, that is not their business.  There is just no way such sites can properly vet all their users.  It isn’t their business and it is outside their area of expertise.  Besides, it would mean significant charges for subscribers who might not be willing to pay.

Not all people joining dating websites are criminals of course, but unfortunately, romance scammers are a growing threat and have infiltrate most dating and social networking sites.  They can have large numbers of fake accounts in these sites and they are targeting you.  They want your information to be used against you for identity theft, extortion or a romance scam.   Romance scammers are not always individuals.  In some cases, they are criminal groups.

Dating sites say it is virtually impossible to screen all their users, because of the amount of subscriptions they get. Skeptics argue they should find a way to protect their subscribers. Users on the other hand, should be more aware and less naïve. It seems that when the love bug bites, people ignore the risk and throw caution to the wind.  A happy ending is not always the outcome, as scam victims can face serious repercussions, such as financial loss and heartache.

Romance scammers approach their victims knowing they are vulnerable and open to meet anyone and take advantage of the anonymity that the internet provides.  Law enforcement and privacy experts say be careful what you share online, and consider a comprehensive dating background check by a reputable private investigation company to be safe and verify your partner.

Love does not fall from trees, much less over the internet. Users should be skeptical until proving that special someone is who they claim to be.  If you want to be safe, join online dating and social networking sites knowing the risk and protect your private data.  Know that sharing on the internet is now always the smart thing to do.  Be safe consult a professional for advice.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2012 S. Birch



Read more
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)