Showing posts with label ukraine background checks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ukraine background checks. Show all posts
July 8, 2011
UK Private Investigators Reveal the Profile of a Scam Victim



The computer laboratory at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. has developed a project of studies revealing the facts that make victims vulnerable for online frauds. Supposedly, one of the main reasons a person falls a victim to fraud or scam is that victims have been let down in one way or another, i.e. friends, lovers, family, employment, or a general negative or dismal outlook, and the potential victim soon looks for answers and solutions or better things via the internet. The social internet comes as an alternative source in which people believe to be safe. It’s not clear how accurate these findings are. However, the university along with UK private detectives have found evidence indicating some common factor among scam victims.

With some common traits among scam victims, private investigators and university researchers believe this information can be used to make websites safer, and help educate consumers. In short, the following information can be useful in stopping fraud and scams. Knowledge is power, and the following is another tool in the ongoing battle to fight fraud. With the rapid increase in reported fraud cases around the world that involve the internet, education and prevention is becoming essential to being safe online.

Distraction: This one pays an important role mostly in employment scams. People are so focused to fill in forms with personal and professional information that they often forget to check if the form is secure with SSL (lock on your browser) or check to see if the website itself is reputable and safe.

Social Compliance: People are taught not to question authority, so fraudsters pretending to be a police officer or government official can have an upper hand. Ask for references, credentials and documentation supporting the claims to businesses and persons on the internet. Are they verified by any third party, and is there positive information about this person or business when searching Google?

The herd: Where’s the harm if everyone is doing it? The internet is being used by more than 1 billion people every day. Why would you be a victim if everyone tries online dating, social networking, job hunting, shopping and even paying bills on line? That would be really bad luck, wouldn’t it? The risk is real, and there are more and more victims every day. Yes, it can happen to you. Be safe and informed.

Dishonesty: Unbelievable as it might seem, fraudsters make you do things that you will regret later on, like open bank accounts with money they supposedly got from honest sources, or they may ask you to cash checks, may ask you for a loan, or to co-sign some documentation, etc. The scenarios are endless. The bottom line is that you should never sign or do anything, and never provide payment or personal data to anyone via the internet for any person or business who has not been verified. Even if you are surrounded by honest people in the off-line world, be skeptical online, and remember there are liars out there!

Need and Greed: Remember the Bible words about greed? Well, the advice is still valid today. Many victims rushed into a business deal, investment or relationship too greedy. They jumped at the opportunity without conducting some due diligence, background check or verification of the facts. They crossed their fingers and hoped for the best. They had to, because if they didn’t, they might have missed the opportunity. Well, this is a very common scenario among scam victims. Be safe and verify the facts, and then decide. For international investments, business deals, new contracts and new relationships, contact a professional international private investigator for assistance, and request a discreet background check or due diligence.

Experts and researchers agree it’s important to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, back off and take some time to think things over. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

All the best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch

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June 22, 2009
Ukraine Dating Scams

  • 6/22/2009
Don't Be a Victim of Ukraine Dating Scams









Online dating and romance scams from the Ukraine and Russia continue to increase. Each year, more and more victims file reports with their local law enforcement agencies in Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States. To their credit, Moscow and Kiev police have made some arrests, although the fraud is still growing. Controlling the crime relies more on educating consumers and access to europe background checks.

Most scammers and criminals of fraud seek out their victims on websites that cater to meeting Ukrainian or Russian women, but no website is safe. Many Ukraine and Russia scammers now use foreign match making websites in the U.K., Canada and Australia, such as Match.com. Many scams are actually operated by men using beautiful photographs of Russia and Ukraine women.

Obviously not all the women in Russia and the Ukraine are involved in scams. Many are indeed honest and beautiful women, who are seeking an honest relationship with a foreigner. However, distinguishing between the honest women and the scammers is increasingly difficult. Elements typically used to achieve the fraud or scam include assistance for education, help with travel costs, visas, or a medical emergency. The money is almost always requested via a wire transfer, such as Western Union.

For those pursuing a relationship with someone from the Ukraine or Russia, a professional background check is strongly advised. Private investigation companies are now present in Kiev, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Wymoo® now has field investigators in these cities and offers a free investigation quote via its website.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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March 14, 2009
Ukraine Background Checks

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












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

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

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

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

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


All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
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