Philippines Detectives & Dating Scams

Private Detectives Investigate Scams










Online dating has boomed worldwide, and in the Philippines there is no exception. More and more women from the Philippines are seeking love and a new life abroad. To find their way out of poverty stricken Philippines, many women are opening accounts for online dating. It's no surprise that the level of dating scams are on the rise, and private investigators are quite busy.

Experienced Philippines detectives are accustomed to foreign clients seeking private investigation advice for a Filipina. In recent years, the level of complaints involving Philippines based investigators has skyrocketed, suggesting that not only is there a problem with Philippine women scamming, but now there is a problem with investigators scamming foreign clients.

The rise in fraud and romance scam cases has made finding a respectable Filipina more difficult than ever. To complicate matters, selecting a private investigator is now more difficult than ever. How did this happen? As the demand for investigations rose, many ameaturs tried to supply the market. The reality is few investigators in the Philippines are properly trained and financed to conduct a professional private investigation.

For those seeking a romantic relationship in the Philippines, as well as foreigners seeking investigation or background check assistance in the Philippines, extra caution is advised. Be very skeptical of both women and investigators who request money via Western Union. When seeking an investigator, we recommend reading the Philippines Investigator Advisory.

The global recession has hit Manila, Makati and Cebu hard and employment is scarce in the Philippines. As more women seek a way out, more individuals and so-called investigators are sure to try to join the market. Consumers should be skeptical of any "investigator" with no references, no professional website, and no proven track record of investigation.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway

Background Checks International

Comparing International Investigation Service










International background check agencies remain few and far between. There are no shortage of agencies that claim to offer international background checks, but only a few truly have the capability to offer services at the global or international level.

Whether you're interested in an international missing person search, internet dating verification, surveillance, due diligence on a foreign company, or a corporate investigation involving a foreign subsidiary, the choices remain limited. Previously, consumers had no choice but to use a local investigator, even if this meant dealing with lower quality service, and a serious language and cultural barrier. Times are changing.

Globalization and the rise of e-commerce is allowing new investigation agencies to truly go global. One firm that has led the movement in international private investigation is Wymoo® International. Wymoo now offers its services in over 100 countries, and operates through its network of global professional field investigators. Other companies such as Kroll are also putting more weight on their international services. International relationships are clearly on the rise, including romance and foreign hires, and these relationships need to be verified.

International background checks are often made complicated by different regulations and privacy laws within each country. Therfore, it is essential to use a company that has field investigators who know the local language, political and court system, and know how to access critical information. Searching databases from abroad isn't realistic. In fact, relying on databases for an international check is dangerously imprudent.

Most investigators will offer you a free investigation quote which includes the cost, turnaround time, and the services they can offer. Communication and reporting should be confidential.

As markets become more global, expect more international services to become available. When choosing among them, remember to ask the following question. Does the Company have experienced field investigators in the country or region?

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway

Russian Dating Scams

Avoiding Russia & Ukraine Dating Scams











Russia and Ukraine dating scams and bridal fraud continue to operate throughout both nations, and victims are now more widespread than ever. Dating sites in the U.K., United States, Canada and Australia are now infiltrated with scammers seeking victims, not to mention the sites which specifically cater to men seeking Ukraine or Russia brides or relationships.

Law enforcement struggles to identify known scammers and criminals of fraud via the internet, especially in the Ukraine and Russia, where corruption remain at high levels. Of course, there are many decent and honest women in Russia and the Ukraine who are online seeking an honest relationship with a foreigner. The challenge remains how to identify the good from the bad.

Internet scams and dating fraud is now a serious and costly international issue. The annual loss from such scams, from the Ukraine and Russia alone, is estimated at well over $5M USD. Victims end up losing their money via common schemes such as assisting with education, paying for medical expenses, visas, rent, flights, or other emergencies or travel arrangements, otherwise known as advance fee fraud, online dating scams, etc.

For those seeking an honest woman via the internet in Russia or the Ukraine are advised to proceed with caution and to contract the services of a professional background check service. Due to the high level of fraud here, there are now competent private investigators operating in Kiev, Moscow and St. Petersburg who can assist clients with verifying identity, background checks, verifying education and employment, and identifying fraud.

Wymoo® now has field investigators based in Kiev and Moscow and offers clients a free and confidential investigation quote via its website. Consumers are advised against using local Russian owned agencies due to reports of fraud among those agencies.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway

International Private Investigators Survey

2009 Survey selects Wymoo as leading investigator

Wymoo International began operations in 2006 and has rapidly taken up market share in Europe, North America and Asia for private investigation services. In 2008, we reported that Wymoo had increased its market share and client base more than 300% from 2007 levels. We also reported that a primary factor in this growth was the fact that Wymoo also achieved one of the industry's highest client satisfaction ratings. The word is out.

A February consumer research study conducted in over 10 countries in Europe surveyed existing private investigators and asked investigators to list the names and provide rankings for various investigation firms in the industry, regardless of the firm's location or size. Participants names were kept anonymous and polling was conducted primarily by phone and email. The results were made available March 10 in London and are designed to be a self assessment of the industry, and also as a measure which will help improve efficiency and investigator service.

Of the 32 private investigation firms mentioned in the survey results, Wymoo ranked #1 in client satisfaction and #3 in most reputable brands or companies. Paul Fletcher of Wymoo says their strategy is simple, "focusing on clients, listening to clients' needs and concerns, and hiring the best global field investigators possible to get the job done." Wymoo's rate of growth is drawing attention from competitors, and the investigation company's focus on quality field investigators over technology could be the firm's main competitive advantage. In fact, Wymoo is one of the few industry participants that openly criticizes the overuse of databases for conducting background checks, frankly stating the "information is often outdated or plain wrong."

About the Firm:

Wymoo® International, LLC is based in Florida, United States with operations in over 100 countries. The Company is privately held with no published number of its exact size, although industry oberservers estimate 30 to 50 field investigators in the group alone. Clients are global in scope and most find the Company via its private investigation website, and via its subsidiaries, Colombia PI and Philippine PI, a Colombia investigator and Philippines investigator. Wymoo's services are strictly confidential and clients may receive a free quote at any of the Company websites. Services include discreet surveillance, background checks, missing person searches, and due diligence screening. The average case turnaround is 7 days.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway

Russia and Ukraine Investigation

Elevated Risk Levels Warrant Extra Caution










Since the 2008 free fall in prices of crude oil, and the near collapse of the global economy, Russia and the Ukraine have entered somewhat dire straights, economically. These are nations that are crippled with fraud and corruption in a strong economy. A recession, unfortunately, always seems to bring out the worst, or in this case, the best of frauds, scams and criminals.

Scammers and criminals operating from the Ukraine and Russia have taken full advantage of the current global conditions, baiting individuals and investors around the world via the Internet. Among the tactics used are fake investment or company websites, inheritance scams, romance scams via match-making websites, and endless others. Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and in some cases, actual government documentation is even used. Scammers target businesses and use business acumen and vocabulary to build confidence in victims. Both romance and business fraud is becoming more difficult to detect.

Investors, individuals and companies are urged to obtain a professional background check or due diligence investigation prior to investing capital, serious time, or emotions in Russia or the Ukraine. Avoiding this verification can be costly.

While the number of PI services in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kiev is still somewhat limited, there are reputable investigation and background companies available. Consumers should consider a professional investigator based in the U.K. or U.S., but with field operations in Russia or the Ukraine for reliable service.

Lastly, business deals and relationships that require an advance fee or line of credit in Russia or the Ukraine are especially suspect, and should be verified. Be safe and smart.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway

Global Background Screening & Checks

Options for Employers and Individual Consumers










Employers and individuals are increasingly involved in relationships which involve someone overseas. International employment candidates, international romances, or foriegn business partners are quite common in today's globalized and electronically connected world. Verifying identify in these times, however, has become increasingly difficult. Global fraud is on the rise, and verifying an employment candidate or potential mate is more important than ever. The level of risk is rising.

Globalization is by definition global competition, which means many employers now need to search internationally for the most qualified candidate at the most competitve cost. Similarly, internet match-making sites have enabled individuals to find love abroad, without leaving home. This environment has been fueling the demand for international background screening.

Depending on the country or countries involves, consumers do have some choices. The first step is to identify the local market or markets where the subject needs to be verified. If the subject has a background entirely in the U.K., for example, a U.K. private investigator might be perfect. If the investigation firm is not based in the local market, it is important to choose a company with field investigators in the specific country. One such company with a global distribution of field investigators is Wymoo International, which is based in Florida, United States.

Companies to avoid would be those with no office, field investigator, or no mention of the country involved on their website. Companies and websites which offer global background checks but have no field investigator in the local market simply are not capable of conducting a comprehensive background screening, regardless of what database they claim to access.

Beware of companies that claim to offer background checks internationally for $99, for example. Professional investigations, international background screening and due diligence cases can be expensive, so expect to pay a fair price for a professional service and investigator. It's worth the investment.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway

Online Dating Investigations

Background Checks Rise with Internet Dating














More and more websites are popping up in the search results each week that offer Internet dating, online match-making, or ways to meet new people locally, or internationally. As a result, more consumers are trying this method in meeting new friends, business contacts, or potential mates. It's not uncommon these days to here about a married couple who met via the Internet. This booming industry has not gone unnoticed by criminals looking to cash in. Hence, the need for background checks.

Match.com and countless other sites offer the opportunity to meet Mr. or Mrs. Perfect via the Internet. Often times, this potential mate can reside, be employed, or be traveling overseas. It can be very difficult to verify someone's identity through email, photographs and phone calls, especially if he or she is from another country. Scammers use this fact to their advantage.

To avoid being a victim, we recommend the following steps. Never send money to anyone who is not known personally overseas, for any reason. Never reveal any personal data such as bank accounts, credit card number, date of birth, address, etc, to an individual who is not known personally. Get a professional background check before proceeding in a serious relationship started via the Internet, especially if this person is in another country, or if the situation is international in nature.

Paul Fletcher of Wymoo International states that "too many clients come to us after the damage is already done. We try to encourage consumers to think of a confidential investigation as a prudent insurance policy, and a way to verify identity."

Industry experts agree that an increase in e-commerce and trends in globalization should continue to fuel the market for online relationship services. Avoiding fraud, it seems, will be an ongoing and increasingly difficult battle.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway