Buyer Beware: Philippines Investigation
A. Hathaway asked:
Sifting through the Investigators
The Philippines has seen a strong demand for background checks, surveillance and investigation. With more and more people dating online worldwide, and the high percentage of Filipinas looking to meet someone foreign, the demand is expected to continue rising. In addition to personal cases, business activity and foreign investment in the Philippines is rising as the country continues to develop and gain access to global and capital markets.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The question for many companies and individuals with relations and or investment in the Philippines is, how can I select a prudent and professional private investigator? How can I determine who is the real investigation company, and who is the local with limited or even no professional experience?
To answer that question, we have reprinted the below information with permission from Philippine PI, one of the most reputable and largest investigation firms operating in the Philippines. The Company’s advisory is excellent advice for those considering a private investigation anywhere in the Philippines.
Investigator Advisory for the Philippines
Widespread fraud and corruption reaches all levels of Philippine society, including private investigators. There are many cases where clients seek investigation services or consultation from a so-called “professional” or “private investigator” in the Philippines, only to be scammed by the investigator. It is not uncommon for the local or amateur investigator to take the client’s money, and in return provide unacceptable service, or even no service at all. With the high level of unemployment and poverty in the Philippines, many locals have tried to take advantage of foreigners seeking investigation services. Other locals sincerely attempt to do the investigative work, but simply are not qualified or properly trained to conduct the case.
What you should know:
1. If it’s too cheap, it’s probably too good to be true.If an investigator claims to offer a remarkable service, at a very low price, it’s safe to assume you will get what you pay for. Real, professional and private investigation can be expensive.
2. Buyer beware of investigators that only accept Western Union.A reputable company or private investigator should have a website where the investigator accepts various forms of payment, including a secure site where you can pay by credit card.
3. Stear clear of investigators with no references.Prior to paying for an investigator, search the internet for references of the investigator or company. Chances are you can learn what others are saying about the company. If you can’t find enough information on the internet, you might ask the investigator or company for a reference.
4. Be weary of any investigator who doesn’t speak English.English is commonly spoken by the educated population in the Philippines. It is also necessary to conduct a proper investigation in the Philippines, since most people speak English in addition to their native language. An investigator who doesn’t speak English fluently is unqualified.
5. Choose an investigator who is available to discuss your case over the phone.It can be hard to tell who you’re dealing with over the internet, so check to see if your investigator is available over the phone. Often a brief phone conversation will allow you to ask important questions and determine if the investigator is right for you. It will also quickly show you what kind of service you can expect, since good customer service means being available for a phone call.
6. Avoid websites that look unprofessional.If the investigation company’s website looks unprofessional, chances are, the services are also unprofessional. Insufficient budgets and training for development of the business, which can be detected when viewing the website, will likely be reflected in other areas as well, such as reports, surveillance equipment, vehicles, etc. Expect to pay more for quality service.
7. Look for privacy seals and secure websites.Since private investigation can involve sensitive information and details of a very private nature, look for an investigator with a website that displays privacy seals such as Truste. In additon, to be sure your information is safeguarded with adequate technology, check for additional seals such as McAfee security seals which ensure the website and your data is safe and secure.
8. Expect to pay a fair price.Professional private investigation can be expensive. Rather than trying to save a few dollars by choosing an unknown or unqualified firm, try to work with a reputable company about the best option for you, and if an investigation will likely provide you with the evidence you need. Too often choosing a cheap investigator means money down the drain, so choose carefully.
9. Ask if surveillance photos have time-date stamps.Surveillance photographs during any professional investigation should have time-date stamps on them. This is industry standard and this type of photographic evidence should be included in daily reports to clients. If for any reason the investigator does not offer this service, you know this is not a professional, but rather a local or amateur lacking the proper experience and equipment.
10. Choose a U.S., Canada or European managed company.Due to the high level of fraud and corruption throughout Philippine society, try to find and use an investigation company that is managed or owned by a U.S., Canadian or European company. This will ensure the company is managed according to stricter standards, and is held accountable for safer business practices and ethics of the United States, Canada or Western Europe.
11. Never use a “company” with no business address or phone number.Perhaps the easiest way to distinguish the real investigation firm from the local individual or shady operation is to check their contact us page. A real investigation company has a secure contact us page on their website, with a business address. In addition, a legitimate investigator will be happy to provide clients with a business telephone number where he or she can be reached. If any given investigator refuses to provide this information, it would be very wise to look elsewhere.
12. Buyer beware of any investigators who only accept PayPal.While PayPal is a legitimate and secure payment option, a red flag should be raised if this is the only way to pay your investigator via a credit card. A professional investigation firm should offer various forms of payment options, from wire transfer, PayPal, to submitting your credit or debit card data directly via their secure website. A website that only offers PayPal for credit card payments is almost always a clear indication that you are dealing with an individual and not a real company.
Best of luck,
A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
Sifting through the Investigators
The Philippines has seen a strong demand for background checks, surveillance and investigation. With more and more people dating online worldwide, and the high percentage of Filipinas looking to meet someone foreign, the demand is expected to continue rising. In addition to personal cases, business activity and foreign investment in the Philippines is rising as the country continues to develop and gain access to global and capital markets.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The question for many companies and individuals with relations and or investment in the Philippines is, how can I select a prudent and professional private investigator? How can I determine who is the real investigation company, and who is the local with limited or even no professional experience?
To answer that question, we have reprinted the below information with permission from Philippine PI, one of the most reputable and largest investigation firms operating in the Philippines. The Company’s advisory is excellent advice for those considering a private investigation anywhere in the Philippines.
Investigator Advisory for the Philippines
Widespread fraud and corruption reaches all levels of Philippine society, including private investigators. There are many cases where clients seek investigation services or consultation from a so-called “professional” or “private investigator” in the Philippines, only to be scammed by the investigator. It is not uncommon for the local or amateur investigator to take the client’s money, and in return provide unacceptable service, or even no service at all. With the high level of unemployment and poverty in the Philippines, many locals have tried to take advantage of foreigners seeking investigation services. Other locals sincerely attempt to do the investigative work, but simply are not qualified or properly trained to conduct the case.
What you should know:
1. If it’s too cheap, it’s probably too good to be true.If an investigator claims to offer a remarkable service, at a very low price, it’s safe to assume you will get what you pay for. Real, professional and private investigation can be expensive.
2. Buyer beware of investigators that only accept Western Union.A reputable company or private investigator should have a website where the investigator accepts various forms of payment, including a secure site where you can pay by credit card.
3. Stear clear of investigators with no references.Prior to paying for an investigator, search the internet for references of the investigator or company. Chances are you can learn what others are saying about the company. If you can’t find enough information on the internet, you might ask the investigator or company for a reference.
4. Be weary of any investigator who doesn’t speak English.English is commonly spoken by the educated population in the Philippines. It is also necessary to conduct a proper investigation in the Philippines, since most people speak English in addition to their native language. An investigator who doesn’t speak English fluently is unqualified.
5. Choose an investigator who is available to discuss your case over the phone.It can be hard to tell who you’re dealing with over the internet, so check to see if your investigator is available over the phone. Often a brief phone conversation will allow you to ask important questions and determine if the investigator is right for you. It will also quickly show you what kind of service you can expect, since good customer service means being available for a phone call.
6. Avoid websites that look unprofessional.If the investigation company’s website looks unprofessional, chances are, the services are also unprofessional. Insufficient budgets and training for development of the business, which can be detected when viewing the website, will likely be reflected in other areas as well, such as reports, surveillance equipment, vehicles, etc. Expect to pay more for quality service.
7. Look for privacy seals and secure websites.Since private investigation can involve sensitive information and details of a very private nature, look for an investigator with a website that displays privacy seals such as Truste. In additon, to be sure your information is safeguarded with adequate technology, check for additional seals such as McAfee security seals which ensure the website and your data is safe and secure.
8. Expect to pay a fair price.Professional private investigation can be expensive. Rather than trying to save a few dollars by choosing an unknown or unqualified firm, try to work with a reputable company about the best option for you, and if an investigation will likely provide you with the evidence you need. Too often choosing a cheap investigator means money down the drain, so choose carefully.
9. Ask if surveillance photos have time-date stamps.Surveillance photographs during any professional investigation should have time-date stamps on them. This is industry standard and this type of photographic evidence should be included in daily reports to clients. If for any reason the investigator does not offer this service, you know this is not a professional, but rather a local or amateur lacking the proper experience and equipment.
10. Choose a U.S., Canada or European managed company.Due to the high level of fraud and corruption throughout Philippine society, try to find and use an investigation company that is managed or owned by a U.S., Canadian or European company. This will ensure the company is managed according to stricter standards, and is held accountable for safer business practices and ethics of the United States, Canada or Western Europe.
11. Never use a “company” with no business address or phone number.Perhaps the easiest way to distinguish the real investigation firm from the local individual or shady operation is to check their contact us page. A real investigation company has a secure contact us page on their website, with a business address. In addition, a legitimate investigator will be happy to provide clients with a business telephone number where he or she can be reached. If any given investigator refuses to provide this information, it would be very wise to look elsewhere.
12. Buyer beware of any investigators who only accept PayPal.While PayPal is a legitimate and secure payment option, a red flag should be raised if this is the only way to pay your investigator via a credit card. A professional investigation firm should offer various forms of payment options, from wire transfer, PayPal, to submitting your credit or debit card data directly via their secure website. A website that only offers PayPal for credit card payments is almost always a clear indication that you are dealing with an individual and not a real company.
Best of luck,
A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Investigation in the Philippines-pi
Simon Birch asked:
Finding a Professional, Avoiding the Amateurs
With demand for background checks, surveillance and private investigation on the rise in the Philippines, there has been a major increase in the number of providers. Many of these so-called investigators are locals trying to take cash in on the demand, and many clients end up having their money stolen, or receiving unacceptable and reliable work for their money.
The Local Joe vs. the Professional
Selecting a professional private investigator with the proper tools, experience and management team can be a challenge. Fraud and corruption reaches all corners of the Philippines, including many of the operating private investigators. In many cases the local investigator provides unacceptable service, or even no service at all. Other local investigators honestly attempt to do the work, but are not qualified or properly trained.
Sorting through the Mess: A Checklist
1. If it’s too cheap, there’s probably a reason.
If an investigator claims to offer an exceptional service, at a very low price, it’s a safe bet you will get what you pay for. Real, professional investigation can be expensive.
2. Beware of investigators that only accept Western Union.
A real company or professional investigator should have a website where you can submit various forms of payment, including a secure site where you can pay by credit card.
3. Avoid investigators who only accept PayPal.
PayPal is a secure payment option. However, be very skeptical if this is the only way to pay your investigator via a credit card. A real company will offer various forms of payment options, and allow you to submit your credit or debit card data directly via their secure website. A website that only offers PayPal for credit card payments is almost always a clear indication that you are dealing with an individual and not a real company.
4. Is the investigator available for a phone call?
Make sure your investigator is available over the phone. This will show you what kind of service you can expect throughout your case. Avoid any investigator who does not provide an office phone number on his email or website.
5. Use secure websites with privacy seals.
Private investigation can involve details of a very private nature. Look for a PI with a website with privacy seals such as Truste and/or McAfee security. These seals show that the company is serious about protecting your privacy.
6. Do surveillance photos have time-date stamps?
Surveillance photos during any professional investigation will have time-date stamps. This is industry standard and this type of evidence should be included in daily reports to clients.
7. Avoid websites with no business address or phone.
One of the best ways to distinguish the real investigation firm from the local or shady operation is to check the website’s contact us page. A real company has a secure contact us page on their website (with a lock on your browser) with a business address. A real investigator will be happy to provide clients with a business phone where he or she can be reached. If any investigator fails to provide this information, look elsewhere.
8. Avoid investigators with no references.
Before paying for an investigator, search the web for references of the company. This way you can learn what others are saying about the investigator. If there isn’t any feedback on the web, ask the investigator for a former client reference.
9. Avoid investigators who don’t speak proper English.
English is commonly spoken in the Philippines. It is also necessary to conduct a proper investigation there. A PI who doesn’t speak English fluently is unqualified.
10. Avoid websites that look unprofessional.
Inadequate budgets and training for development of the business, which can be perceived when viewing the company website, will likely be reflected in other areas as well, such as reports, surveillance and communication. Pay for quality.
11. Expect to pay a fair price.
Private investigation can be expensive. Instead of trying to save a few bucks by choosing a local or someone unknown, speak with a reputable firm about the best option for you. Choosing a cheap PI may mean money and time lost, so choose carefully.
12. Go with a foreign-based company.
Because of the fraud throughout the Philippines, we recommend using a company that is U.S or European managed or owned. This will ensure the company is ran according to stricter standards, and is accountable for safer business practices.
Keep the above checklist in mind when shopping for a private investigator in the Philippines or elsewhere. Philippine PI™, a U.S. based firm with operations throughout the Philippines, contributed to the information in this article.
All the Best,
S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
Finding a Professional, Avoiding the Amateurs
With demand for background checks, surveillance and private investigation on the rise in the Philippines, there has been a major increase in the number of providers. Many of these so-called investigators are locals trying to take cash in on the demand, and many clients end up having their money stolen, or receiving unacceptable and reliable work for their money.
The Local Joe vs. the Professional
Selecting a professional private investigator with the proper tools, experience and management team can be a challenge. Fraud and corruption reaches all corners of the Philippines, including many of the operating private investigators. In many cases the local investigator provides unacceptable service, or even no service at all. Other local investigators honestly attempt to do the work, but are not qualified or properly trained.
Sorting through the Mess: A Checklist
1. If it’s too cheap, there’s probably a reason.
If an investigator claims to offer an exceptional service, at a very low price, it’s a safe bet you will get what you pay for. Real, professional investigation can be expensive.
2. Beware of investigators that only accept Western Union.
A real company or professional investigator should have a website where you can submit various forms of payment, including a secure site where you can pay by credit card.
3. Avoid investigators who only accept PayPal.
PayPal is a secure payment option. However, be very skeptical if this is the only way to pay your investigator via a credit card. A real company will offer various forms of payment options, and allow you to submit your credit or debit card data directly via their secure website. A website that only offers PayPal for credit card payments is almost always a clear indication that you are dealing with an individual and not a real company.
4. Is the investigator available for a phone call?
Make sure your investigator is available over the phone. This will show you what kind of service you can expect throughout your case. Avoid any investigator who does not provide an office phone number on his email or website.
5. Use secure websites with privacy seals.
Private investigation can involve details of a very private nature. Look for a PI with a website with privacy seals such as Truste and/or McAfee security. These seals show that the company is serious about protecting your privacy.
6. Do surveillance photos have time-date stamps?
Surveillance photos during any professional investigation will have time-date stamps. This is industry standard and this type of evidence should be included in daily reports to clients.
7. Avoid websites with no business address or phone.
One of the best ways to distinguish the real investigation firm from the local or shady operation is to check the website’s contact us page. A real company has a secure contact us page on their website (with a lock on your browser) with a business address. A real investigator will be happy to provide clients with a business phone where he or she can be reached. If any investigator fails to provide this information, look elsewhere.
8. Avoid investigators with no references.
Before paying for an investigator, search the web for references of the company. This way you can learn what others are saying about the investigator. If there isn’t any feedback on the web, ask the investigator for a former client reference.
9. Avoid investigators who don’t speak proper English.
English is commonly spoken in the Philippines. It is also necessary to conduct a proper investigation there. A PI who doesn’t speak English fluently is unqualified.
10. Avoid websites that look unprofessional.
Inadequate budgets and training for development of the business, which can be perceived when viewing the company website, will likely be reflected in other areas as well, such as reports, surveillance and communication. Pay for quality.
11. Expect to pay a fair price.
Private investigation can be expensive. Instead of trying to save a few bucks by choosing a local or someone unknown, speak with a reputable firm about the best option for you. Choosing a cheap PI may mean money and time lost, so choose carefully.
12. Go with a foreign-based company.
Because of the fraud throughout the Philippines, we recommend using a company that is U.S or European managed or owned. This will ensure the company is ran according to stricter standards, and is accountable for safer business practices.
Keep the above checklist in mind when shopping for a private investigator in the Philippines or elsewhere. Philippine PI™, a U.S. based firm with operations throughout the Philippines, contributed to the information in this article.
All the Best,
S. Birch
© 2006-2009 S. Birch
Continue Reading Comments Off