| Background Checks Rise with Dating Scams | | | | consumers should be skeptical of "companies" or |
| & Fraud | | | | investigators based in the Philippines. When |
| | | | | possible, consumers should consider a U.S. or |
| Private investigators in Manila and Cebu, Philippines | | | | Europe based private investigation company with |
| report a surge in background check and | | | | operations in the Philippines, such as Philippine PI, |
| surveillance cases due to a sharp rise in internet | | | | which is based in the United States but has |
| match-making, and online scams. Online dating | | | | professional field investigators on the ground |
| websites report a similar rise in volume, as people | | | | throughout the Philippines. Going with a Western |
| seem to be looking beyond the global economic | | | | firm ensures a more professional investigation and |
| turmoil, and thinking more about their personal | | | | a higher level of customer service in most cases. |
| lives and romance. More people online dating in the | | | | While it may mean slightly higher prices, most |
| Philippines means more scam cases. | | | | clients quickly find they get what they pay for in |
| According to the largest Philippines private | | | | the Philippines. The risk for fraud is also a problem |
| investigator in Manila, clients are becoming more | | | | with businesses. |
| savvy and more aware of the risk for scams. | | | | Industry observers stress that although there is a |
| Consumers are considering a background check or | | | | high risk for scams and fraud in the Philippines, and |
| pre-marital check as an insurance policy, due to | | | | choosing a private investigator can be a difficult |
| the high risk in the Philippines. This is a relief for | | | | process, there are many rewards for doing |
| many in the industry since clients have typically | | | | business in the Philippines, and many meaningful |
| contracted a private investigator after the | | | | and lasting relationships have been formed with |
| damage has been done, and the scam complete, | | | | Filipinas via the Internet. Due to the high risk, |
| or the money drained or stolen completely. Having | | | | investigators and dating sites agree that it is wise |
| the background check or pre-marital check earlier | | | | decision to have relationships verified. |
| enables clients to be informed and minimize the | | | | Best of luck, |
| risk for scams which are all too common. | | | | A. Hathaway |
| Philippine background check services vary greatly | | | | © 2010 A. |
| in prices and professionalism. As a general rule, | | | | |