Military Scams: A New Risk in Online Dating

The major match-making sites like Match.com and eHarmony offer valuable services, and are effective at bringing people together. Social networking sites like Facebook also are connecting people via the internet and friendship and even love is often found online. Not to mention the countless other online dating and social networking sites. But, this new online meeting platform of the internet has risks, and the risks are growing. Romance scams are actually growing as criminals find new and creative ways to fool their victims. Among the fastest growing among them, are scams involving members of the military.

International private investigators and law enforcement agencies have seen plenty of stories of divorced or single people searching for Mr. or Ms. Perfect online, and then to be scammed for thousands of dollars, ending in emotional and financial ruin. Criminals and reported cases of persons claiming to be servicemean or women in the U.S. or U.K. military is increasingly common. Scammers claim to be in the U.S. or British Army stationed in Iraq or Afganistan fighting for their country. They gain their victims trust by telling them about his or her family, talking about the hardships of being away from home, being in battle, and more. Eventually, a romance is formed and the criminal has gained your trust. Soon, the "soldier" will send you photos of him serving in the military and will talk to you about coming home soon. Within this tangled web of lies will be some requests for your personal information to steal your identity, or he or she will attempt to get you to send money or valuables for a hardship or complication while serving abroad.

Photographs used are often taken randomly from the internet, where there are over 1 billion available for scammers choosing! Dating sites and social networking sites are easy places for criminals to get all the photos he or she needs. Criminals may also search public records to assume a real identity of someone in the U.S. or the U.K., and so the scammer has a real photo, a real name and address, and a very convincing story. Yet, buried in the details is the truth. Because of the increasing skill level and complicated scam techniques being used by criminals, consumers often contract a professional investigation firm to conduct an international background check to verify if the person is who they claim to be. A reputable investigation company can verify the subject's identity, and confirm if he is indeed serving in the military.

Who's behind this growing type of fraud and scams? Law enforcement officials like the Metropolitan Police Service in London and Interpol say that criminals are often based or have connections to organized criminal operations in West Africa in Nigeria or Ghana, but also in Spain, the U.K., Russia and the Ukraine and Spain. China is also seeing a sharp rise in criminals taking advantage of the internet for easy money. In short, no country is immune, and criminals often operate behind proxy servers or internet cafes to hide their true identity. The FBI receives thousands of complaints a year from people who have been scammed by unscrupulous people they have met online. The message is clear. There is a real risk in internet scams, and online dating and social network subscribers should be skeptical. When in doubt, contact a professional international investigation firm to verify with a background check or verification service.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway

© 2011 A Hathaway

About the Author

A. Hathaway has 20+ years of experience in fraud prevention, foreign markets, international investigations and background checks. He has served as lead investigator for cases in over 20 countries in 5 continents. Hathaway works as a consultant for international private investigators and maintains his own private investigator blog.

Russia Scams Raise the Risk for Online Dating

Moscow based private investigators and law enforcement agencies like Interpol report that Russia scams and internet criminals remain in operation despite more informed consumers, and increased efforts by Russia police agencies to shut the criminals down.  Embassies of the United States, Australia and Canada in Moscow have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of crimes and scams involving online dating and social networking sites.  Experts say the bad economy is driving more people into the lucrative and criminal business of romance scams, and Russia happens to be one of the best in the business.

Russian private investigators are struggling to keep up with the demand from Western clients who want to verify their online partner or friend or fiancé.   Sadly, say investigators, many clients come to them asking for help after it's too late, and the client has already been a victim of fraud.  What Embassies and law enforcement agencies and reputable private investigation firms are trying to emphasize is this:  Romance scams are on the rise, and relationships via the internet are especially susceptible to scams and fraud.  In other words, if you're starting a relationship from an online dating or match making site or social network, be safe and verify first.  "The reported rise in romance scams is too great to ignore," said a representative from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow who took our call about the risks for online dating.  "Online dating scams can happen anywhere, and be run by criminals from any country.  With that said, Russia is one of the highest risk countries."  If your partner is in Russia, investigators strongly recommend a background check. Russia background checks and verification services conducted by a reputable private investigation firm with operations in Moscow or St. Petersburg can be highly effective.  Just as importantly, consumers and subscribers to online dating sites and social networking sites are becoming more aware of the risk, and internet users are becoming more skeptical. 

Although it's bad for Russia to have a bad reputation, it's been key to preventing victims of fraud, as consumers are often skeptical of Russian businesses and individuals, and therefore tend to contact a private investigation or background check firm when needed.  Now, the bad news…  Experts say Russian scammers are targeting victims who may never know that they are in Russia.  Bank accounts and shell companies can be set up in the United States or China or the U.K. and criminal accomplices can be in New York, Malaysia or London or Madrid.  This means that you can be a victim of a Russian scammer, without ever knowing or suspecting anything to do with Russia. International private investigators and the Metropolitan Police Service in London agree:  Russia remains a threat to be reckoned with.  Online dating scams are the specialty, where they tempt Western men with hopes of finding love with a beautiful Russian bride.  With Russia, it pays to be skeptical.

All the best,

S. Birch

© 2011S. Birch

About the Author

Mr. Birch is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of experience in private investigation services and surveillance. Mr. Birch has served as an advisor for international private investigators including Wymoo International and maintains his own private investigation blog.  He has directed investigations in over 25 countries and is widely considered an expert.

Nigerian Scams Live On, Say Private Investigators

Nigeria is a high fraud risk nation, it is the country where 419 scams originated and a large group of internet criminals continue to manipulate and defraud millions from victims around the world, every single day.  Although most people think Nigeria's scamming days are over, and everyone knows about their scams, private investigators completely disagree.  The Nigeria private investigator business is booming, and law enforcement agencies say it's the growth in criminal activity which is driving the trend.  Commercially speaking, Nigeria was put back on track in the early 2000's, and oil production is a main attraction for international investors- mainly from the United States, Brazil and India.  The mixed economy relies mostly on manufacturing and producing goods for other West African consumers.  Corruption and crime and inefficiency are part of daily life here.  But, with a serious overpopulation problem (estimated at 160,000,000 for 2011), there is a real economic force in the country, in numbers alone.  Combine this with the natural gas and crude oil industry and pipelines, and criminals operating freely (not to mention the threat from Muslim terrorists), Nigeria is a complex land full of opportunity and risks. 

For those businesses in the natural resources market seeking an entrance to West Africa or continental Africa, Nigeria is often the choice.  With its exploding population, and buying power of its people, Nigeria is a place for investment for those that can tolerate high risk.  And that is where Lagos private investigators come into play.  According to the International Monetary Fund, corruption is hard to avoid and is a serious risk to individuals and businesses.  Criminal activity and romance scams are widespread, as is business fraud and 419 or advance fee fraud.  Because of the high risk, all personal and business relationships should be verified.  Any new business contact or potential investor or supplier, or unknown entity or organization should be screened for fraud.  Small businesses, individuals and corporations around the world are now relying on Nigeria background checks and Nigeria due diligence services to minimize the risk in the country.  Lagos based private investigators report significant growth, despite the poor economy, and say because of the problem with fraud and scams, business in the private investigation industry is growing at a fast pace. Of course, not all Nigerians are criminals.  Many businesses and individuals operating from Lagos are shining examples of the future Nigeria, where efficiency and transparency is cherished and counted on. 

As in any investment, the risk-reward relationship is often true, and Nigeria is no exception to the rule. Internet scams and business fraud is no joke.  Billions are lost each year from Nigeria based scams alone, each year.  Many crimes go unreported, and those that do get reported, rarely get investigated.  This is the Wild West and law and order has yet to arrive.  Until the situation improves, be safe and verify.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway

© 2011 A Hathaway

About the Author

A. Hathaway has 20+ years of experience in fraud prevention, foreign markets, international investigations and background checks. He has served as lead investigator for cases in over 20 countries in 5 continents. Hathaway works as a consultant for international private investigators and maintains his own private investigator blog.

Background Screening Used to Prevent Online 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

About the Author

Mr. Birch is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of experience in private investigation services and surveillance. Mr. Birch has served as an advisor for international private investigators including Wymoo International and maintains his own private investigation blog.  He has directed investigations in over 25 countries and is widely considered an expert.

South Africa Scams Have Investigators Working Overtime

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

About the Author

Mr. Birch is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of experience in private investigation services and surveillance. Mr. Birch has served as an advisor for international private investigators including Wymoo International and maintains his own private investigation blog.  He has directed investigations in over 25 countries and is widely considered an expert.

Benin Scams Present Serious Risk, Say Investigators

Benin, West Africa is looking more and more like Nigeria ten years ago. Criminal operations in Cotonou, the nation's capitol, are taking on the appearance of scam operations from Nigeria, and many in fact are modeled after Nigeria romance scams and advance fee fraud. Some private investigators and law enforcement officials say that Benin is destined to be the next Nigeria, a comparison that is by no means a good one. Benin private investigators say, more than ever, a background check or due diligence service is key to avoiding scams and fraud. It doesn't take a fool to be a victim, investigators say. The crooks are good.

The response of many, is why should we be concerned about a small West Africa nation with little economic or political influence in today's globalized world? The answer: globalization and the internet. In our wired global economy and connected world, ideas and communication moves freely across borders. Benin, like most nations, can't simply be locked out. All countries and players are now on the same field. With access to the internet, criminals in Benin can easily target victims in the U.S., U.K., Australia or Canada on major match-making website and popular social networking sites. The Benin based criminals employ convincing tactics and effective scam techniques. Their methods are proven and even the most skeptical can fall victim to some of the best romance scam, advance fee fraud or identity theft criminals. The risk from Benin is real.

The French speaking nation of Benin is a country rich in potential and culture, and most of the citizens are honest and respectable people. The internet criminals operating from cyber cafes or workshop like hideouts with proxy servers are truly a few bad apples, and make the rest of the country look bad. Corruption remains a serious problem across West Africa, and law enforcement and government agencies are often inefficient and ill-equipped. It's no wonder the criminals in West Africa feel they can get away with romance scams and internet fraud openly. Few people question or investigate the crime. The attitude is usually that people are doing what they have to to survive. This is a matter of debate, and of course the desperate economic conditions in West Africa have a direct correlation on criminal fraud and scam activity on the internet.

Economic and political uncertainty is nothing new, and the future is uncertain. What is clear, however, is that scam and fraud operations via the internet are booming here. It is easy money, say locals. Experts say to avoid the risk, a Benin background check or due diligence investigation can be an effective tool. Benin business contacts and personal relationships alike should be verified. Wymoo® International, a U.S.-based professional private investigation firm with field investigators in Benin, advises clients to verify first, and then decide. Avoid taking chances in Benin or West Africa. The risk for fraud is just too high.

All the best,

S. Birch

© 2011 S. Birch

About the Author

Mr. Birch is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of experience in private investigation services and surveillance. Mr. Birch has served as an advisor for international private investigators including Wymoo International and maintains his own private investigation blog.  He has directed investigations in over 25 countries and is widely considered an expert.

London Private Investigators Fight Online Dating Scams

There is a relatively new internet threat which seems to be hitting the U.K. harder than all other scams and combined. Use of online dating and social networking sites in the United Kingdom is up over 100% compared to 2007, so there are now more people than ever in the UK online and starting new relationships online. It seems the entire country is wired to Facebook and Twitter. The subscription rate to match-making sites such as Match.com is also remarkably high. The growth in subscribers to these websites has been matched or even exceeded by the reported growth in online dating scams and romance scams , coming from the U.K. or involving the U.K. London based private investigators, in fact, admit that 5 years ago a request to investigate a romance scam was not very common. These days, they receive calls regarding romance scams on a near daily basis, according to one major London private investigation firm. UK private investigators are working more cases pertaining to online dating and social networking sites. Clients want to know who is, or who was the person they were talking to. Complaints at the MET (Metropolitan Police Service) in London also have reported a sharp increase in complaints involving romance scams and internet fraud.

Romance scams are old news, and only a dummy could be a victim, right? Wrong, say law enforcement and private investigators. Wymoo® International, a U.S. based company with field investigators in London, says that complaints and cases involving UK romance scams are up 35% at the company compared to 2009. "We're seeing an increase in scam cases that have a higher level of sophistication, and more complex scam techniques are being used," said John Wallace, Director of Background Checks at the firm. "Many cases involve professional criminals who operate in the UK as illegal or undocumented immigrants, and often times these people have ties to criminal organizations in Nigeria and other developing countries. " Criminals are quite good, and their goal is to gain your trust, and then steal your money or identity. Experts say that even the most skeptical can fall for a romance scam or internet fraud. Often people publish private information on Facebook or Match.com or via email which they might not realize can be used against them. Once a criminal has your address, full name and date of birth, he is 3 steps closer to stealing your identity. Other romance scams follow a more classic approach, and once the trust and relationship is established, he or she will request financial assistance with a visa or passport, medical expenses, travel or education.

But, these scams won't happen to me, you say. You only use the major websites that everyone else uses, and you've never had any problem. Letting your guard down is perhaps the telling sign of most victims of internet fraud and romance scam. Private investigators and law enforcement say to remain skeptical and be cautious in all online relationships. If there are signs of potential, and it seems like the relationship could develop into something serious, play it safe, and consider a background check or international background check if your partner lives or works in another country.Be safe and verify.

Best of luck,

A Hathaway

© 2011 A. Hathaway

About the Author

A. Hathaway has 20+ years of experience in fraud prevention, foreign markets, international investigations and background checks. He has served as lead investigator for cases in over 20 countries in 5 continents. Hathaway works as a consultant for international private investigators and maintains his own private investigator blog.