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News organizations worldwide are reporting that Leslie Lapayowker, a former Airbnb "super host" and guest at Carlos Del Olmo's residence through Airbnb, was a victim of sexual assault from Del Olmo during her stay. Lapayowker has filed a lawsuit against Airbnb for negligence in reporting Del Olmo's previous criminal history.

Lapayowker alleges that Del Olmo would make suggestive comments towards her, pound on her windshield while she was in the vehicle, and scream at his son loud enough for her to hear through the attached studio she was renting for the month. She left the studio after three nights but returned to pick up a few items that she had left. Del Olmo let her inside, trapped her in the room, masturbated in front of her, ejaculated into a trash can, then as he let her leave stated: "Don't forget to leave me a positive review on Airbnb."

Since Lapayowker has reported the incident to the police and Airbnb, Airbnb removed Del Olmo from their website. The attorney representing Ms. Lapayowker discovered through Del Olmo's criminal records that he had been arrested and charged in 2013 for the battery. He was accused of pulling his former girlfriend by her hair, dragging her from the back to the front seat of his car while his child was in the vehicle. Del Olmo was never convicted but was referred to as an anger management program. Airbnb stated that they had done a background check on Del Olmo, but Lapayowker is suing for not disclosing the arrest to her and allowing him to host on the website.

Two questions remain: Was their background check provider thorough enough to report back the domestic violence arrest? If so, why did Airbnb still approve Del Olmo?

Background Check Providers-Did they report enough?

If the provider did not report back the arrest in the background check results, it would not be a surprise. We have discussed in our blog several times about how there are many online background check providers out there, but they may not have access to legal databases.  Airbnb even states on their help page that their background checks may not be thorough or accurate: "Due to the way certain databases are maintained, there may be gaps in the coverage provided by public records searches, and the online databases may be only updated periodically by local governments which we do not control or direct. Results of these database checks may not reveal or include recent criminal record activity." Regardless, companies are placing themselves at a liability by relying on background providers that may not have full, accurate, licensed access to background information. In order to access licensed proprietary databases, which can include the most updated criminal records and legal information, you need to be a professional with the proper legal licensing, such as a licensed private investigator.

Even if the provider did not accurately report the arrest, the fault would still lie with Airbnb for not crosschecking and verifying the information. Companies are catching on to this by hiring licensed private investigators to performed verified background check services to protect their liability.

Did Airbnb Practice Due Diligence?

According to Airbnb's help page, in the US they check "certain databases of public state and county criminal records, as well as state and national sex offender registries for criminal convictions and sex offender registrations." They also check the OFAC list for terrorist designations. Airbnb has not commented on whether they knew about Del Olmo's previous arrest, citing the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which prohibits disclosure of background check results, however, they did confirm that Del Olmo showed no prior convictions. Airbnb reports that they run background checks on at least the user's first and last name as well as the date of birth. However, what they state on their help page brings more concern on their level of due diligence: "We do not have these identifiers [full name and date of birth] for all hosts and guests and therefore cannot guarantee that we have conducted a check on every host or guest." Airbnb is missing vital information for background checks when users apply to be hosts or guests on their website. Airbnb should have a consistent signup process that disallows incomplete information in an application.

Bottom Line

It has not yet been confirmed whether the provider did not accurately report the arrest or if Airbnb was aware of the previous arrest and neglected to deny Del Olmo as a host. Regardless, Airbnb has a vast peer-to-peer travel hosting network with no face-to-face time with their hosts. It is imperative that they get their background check information from verified services from licensed private investigators and follow through on intelligence they receive to keep their website service safe for the public. Otherwise, Airbnb will be facing more lawsuits and put the company's future in jeopardy.

Image Source: Wikipedia Commons, Portrait by Achille Devéria

Eugène François Vidocq, (July 1775-May 1857) a french criminal mastermind, is regarded as the first private detective in the world and the father of modern criminology. After decades of a life of crime, Eugene turned and became an informant for the police, eventually founding his own private detective agency, and discovered and patented forensic techniques still used to this day.

First Private Detective in the World: From Convict to Private Eye

Even as a child, Vidocq could not resist the excitement of finding trouble. Throughout his teenage years, he found himself in and out of military, fleeing after killing two officers in a duel, joining another regiment, only to run again to avoid the noose after striking a superior officer in the head. As a young adult, he spent years committing fraud, forgery, assault on some soldiers, privateering, and accused of murder. (which was dropped once the victim admitted her stab wounds were self inflicted) He was imprisoned multiple times, yet always found ways to escape: Whether it was through the help of fellow inmates or through various disguises to escape apprehension. (Including dressing as a sailor under the name Auguste Duval, stealing a nun's habit to escape a prison hospital, and working as a cattle driver.)

After a life on the run and numerous escapes, his past transgressions finally caught up with him in 1809 and was arrested. Vidocq had been running for four years after the last escape, and despite his best efforts to try to live a normal life, he kept being recognized by people from the past. Turning a new leaf, Vidocq offered his services as an informant to the Parisian police, which they approved. He worked within the prisons, gathering intel from inmates on forged identities and unsolved crimes, which he forwarded the information to the police chief of Paris. The inmates were unaware that he was a spy: They were blinded by their infatuation with his infamy as a master criminal, which Vidocq used to his advantage. After his release from prison, Vidocq continued to work for the police chief, Jean Henry. He blended into the criminal underbelly to gather intelligence, changing identities and disguises to thwart their suspicions.

Vidocq's work did not only include his insight into the criminal mind, but his discoveries in the forensic science field. Eugene's contributions include fingerprinting, ballistics, (which one of the first cases to use his technology was in identifying the person who murdered Abraham Lincoln) plaster of Paris for imprints, holds patents on indelible ink and unalterable bond paper, and forensic anthropometrics.

In 1833, Vidocq founded the first known detective agency, Le bureau des renseignments, (Office of Information) which was a mixture of a detective agency and private police force. Similar to his plain-clothes Brigade de la Sûreté, (Security Brigade) he hired ex-convicts for his force. After several lawsuits and an unsuccessful attempt to expel him from the city, he transitioned into a private life, taking on occasional cases through his later life. Vidocq died in 1857 in his home in Paris from illness.

Eugène François Vidocq's legacy has been depicted in literature, theater, film, and even video games. Modern police and detective work methods and techniques are indebted to Vidocq's contributions and legacy. He, rightfully so, is considered to be the father of modern criminology, the first private detective, and the leader in forensic science.

Sources: Eugene Vidocq: The Convict Who Became the Father of Modern Criminal Investigation
Eugène François Vidocq Wiki

Kate Warne-First Female P.I. in the United States

Kate Warne, first female private investigator hired in the US. This image has been debated on whether or not it is Kate Warne dressed as a male. Unfortunately, there are few portraits of Warne, let alone confirmed: However, that only adds to her legacy as a master of disguise and covert detective.

Kate Warne: First Female PI and Master of Disguise

In 1856, the now famous Pinkerton detective agency in Chicago, had a woman walk in inquiring on what Alan Pinkerton first thought to be for the secretary position. He described her as a "commanding person, with clear cut, expressive features...a slender, brown-haired woman, graceful in her movements and self-possessed. Her features, although not what could be called handsome, were decidedly of an intellectual cast... her face was honest, which would cause one in distress instinctly [sic] to select her as a confidante."

Kate Warne, a widow from New York, came in to the Pinkerton Agency to respond to the detective position that was advertised in the local paper. Alan Pinkerton was surprised at her inquiry; It was not custom for women to work as private eyes, but he was impressed by her argument: "[Women are] most useful in worming out secrets in many places which would be impossible for a male detective." She argued that women can befriend the wives and girlfriends of suspected criminals, since men love to brag when they are around women who encourage them. Warne added that women are observant and have an eye for detail. Pinkerton hired her as a private eye and despite protests from his brother who was also his business partner, Alan never regretted his decision.

Warne was a master of disguise: From portraying herself as a fortune teller to lure suspects into telling her their secrets, rich society matrons, to changing her Northern mannerisms into a Southern accent to play the role of a "flirty Southern belle" from Mongomery, Alabama, in the Pinkerton National Detective Agency's paramount case: The Baltimore Plot. Through Warne's disguise and ability to convincingly take on Southern mannerisms, she was able to infiltrate a ring of Southern sympathizers in Maryland and gather the details of a plan to assassinate then president-elect Abraham Lincoln on his way to the inauguration. Through Pinkerton and Warne, she was able to secure Lincoln and safely transport him to the inauguration by smuggling him through a train car, passing through Baltimore undetected. Lincoln continued to use Pinkerton and Warne through the Civil War to gather covert intelligence. In 1860, Pinkerton started a "Female Detective Bureau", hiring more female detectives, led by Kate Warne. This was very progressive at the time, as women were not allowed to join the police force until 1891 nor become investigators until 1903.

She continued to serve until 1868, when she died from a sudden illness. She is buried at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago in the Pinkerton Family Plot. In March of 1868, a memoriam was written in the Democratic Enquirer on Warne's life as a private detective: "Up to the time of her death, her whole life had been devoted to the service into which she had entered in her younger years. She was undoubtedly the best female detective in America, if not the world."

Sources: Celebrating Women’s History: America’s First Female P.I.
Timothy Webster and Kate Warne
Kate Warne First Female Private-Eye

GPS Phone Tracking

GPS tracking is a valuable tool: Whether you are a parent keeping track of your kids as they go to and from school, monitoring your teenager as they become a more independent driver, or a business owner who wants to maximize efficiency and transparency in your fleet. Having a GPS tracking device in your vehicle or in a backpack is a great way to keep tabs on your loved ones.

GPS Phone Tracking: Is it enough?

Smartphones have come out with their own tracking capabilities, with Apple's Find My Friend for iPhone and iPad on iCloud and several apps available for Android. (although Google recently started to roll out the ability to share location via Google Maps) These apps allow the convenience of tracking loved ones through their smartphones under their current phone contracts. These apps are usually low or no cost, but as the adage goes: You get what you pay for.

Disadvantages to Phone Tracking

Battery and Data

You are limited to the battery capabilities of the phone, which combined with using other apps during use, can cause decreased battery life and performance on the phone, making it an easy excuse for those you are tracking to avoid being tracked. GPS tracking on a phone is notorious for racking up data, which could cause throttling or overage charges in your phone bill.

Easy to Turn Off

Amid privacy concerns, apps cannot force a user to keep GPS tracking on their phone: Which means that the user could turn off the tracking and attribute it to glitches, signal problems, or a dead battery. The other issue is that tracking apps can easily be manipulated: For example, some apps have reported that if the user is on a call, the tracking can stop in the duration of the phone call.

More Likely to Be Lost or Stolen

Phones are more likely to be stolen out of a vehicle than a tracking device, which while the phone can still be tracked, there is no guarantee you will be able to get the phone back. Plus if the thief does a factory reset on the phone, there is a chance that you will not be able to continue tracking it. (especially if you use the iPhone/iPad tracking with iCloud or Google Maps tracking)

Benefits of Using a GPS Tracking Device

No drain on phone battery or data

iTrail uses the Verizon CDMA network to transfer data, (which is included in the subscription to iTrail) and their product specifies that the device can run for 14 days from a full charge with 1 hour of movement per day. The device will also go to sleep if the vehicle is idle for a certain amount of time. By using a separate GPS device, it reduces data usage on your cellphone plan and saves battery for the user.

Alerts

Some phone tracking apps have alert systems, but devices like iTrail have alert systems to notify you if the driver goes above a certain speed, if they press the S.O.S button, turned off the device, if they departed or arrived at a certain destination, if they go outside a set geo-fence or travel area, or the battery is low. These alerts can be sent either via email or text to your phone.

Discreet

The iTrail device measures approximately at 3″x2″1″, making it easy to place in a glove compartment or backpack. KJB Security also offers a magnet case if you want to mount it to the vehicle.

Reports

Some apps either only show real-time tracking or are limited in history reports. ITrail Live allows you to review past data, including speed and location pings.

GPS tracking has become a vital tool in keeping track of loved ones or of a fleet if you run a field-based business. While smartphones have advanced considerably in the last few years in GPS tracking, they are not perfect when it comes to battery life and preventing someone from manipulating the phone settings. Having a dedicated GPS tracking device is the more efficient way to record a person’s travels.

Call us at 1-888-698-0077 for more information on using GPS tracking devices

We are available 24/7

If You are Recently Widowed or Divorced and Are Online Dating, Your Match Could be a Scammer

Losing a partner or going through a divorce can be a devastating and exhausting ordeal. As time passes and the dust settles, you may be considering (or already have started) online dating. You want to try to fill the void left by your previous spouse with the connection with another partner. Online dating can be a valuable option, allowing you to test the waters from the comfort of your home or phone, but unfortunately, there are those that prey on those in your situation, especially if you are widowed.

Dating scams happen more often than you think

There has been a recent uptick in cases I've received with stories that are similar to the point of being uncanny: Client is widowed, (or divorced) and in their lonely state, try online dating. They check the "widowed' or "divorced" box on their dating profile and begin to feel out for matches. Someone contacts them, they kick it off, and things move fast. The match is usually foreign, which adds to the allure. The match is also widowed or divorced and the clients feel connected through their hardships. The match sends them songs, love poems, little "thinking of you" mementos. Everything seems to be going well, but then the match discusses devastating situations that have happened in their lives. They don't know how they are going to get by without extra financial support. They ask to borrow money from you; The big job they were boasting about before will pick up, they swear they'll pay you back. The clients feel for them: after all, they've been in tough situations themselves. The client sends off money, usually a very large sum, through a wire transfer, such as Western Union. Once everything is said and done, the match goes ghost. Stops replying to messages, phone calls, emails, Skype calls. Now they are not only left heartbroken but at a loss of a huge amount of capital. They come to us to try to find the scammer, to try to get their money back, and stop them so this doesn't happen to someone else.

Why do online dating scams happen?

To put it simply: money. Widows usually receive an inheritance and/or insurance payout from the deceased spouse. Even those who are divorced can be targets, despite many who have to pay for legal services, they can still get a big divorce settlement. Combine that with people who are in this type of situation are emotionally devastated and vulnerable, scammers have the perfect target to siphon money. These scammers specifically look for profiles that are listed as "widowed" or "divorced" and will be the ones to message you first.

Warning Signs that your match is a scammer

Doesn't answer calls, relies on text.

Calls repeatedly go to voicemail or endlessly ring. Many scammers use apps or services to redirect several numbers (or burner numbers) back to their main phone to avoid giving out their real phone number. Scammers prefer to maintain contact through text or email.

Vague or "parroted" answers.

Any answers seem generic or to a script. "Parroted" answers happen when the match asks a question, you answer, and you get an answer that would amount to "me too." While having a lot in common can be a sign of a good match, if almost every question or topic that comes up you both agree upon, they may be scamming you by manipulating you in establishing a connection. These answers may also come across as inconsistent with their profile or other social media profiles.

The topic of money.

Some boast about their big jobs to try to attract you to their wealth. If they do, all too conveniently they lose their job or some other devastating event happens where they cannot pay the bills anymore. They ask if they can "borrow" some money to cover unforeseen expenses. These expenses can include rent, medical expenses for themselves or a loved one, money lost from theft or a failing business, or travel expenses to come to see you. These payments can be requested by them in the form of a wire transfer, transfer of assets, money order, prepaid card, gift cards, or e-currency. Don't believe that by paying them once that it will stop: scammers will only get more aggressive and come up with more stories to keep the cash flowing from you. Scammers will even resort to extortion over any compromising content you may have shared with them. (Also known as revenge porn or "sextortion")

Moves quickly.

Says "I love you" or "you're my soulmate" in a very short period of time, without having met you in person. This can happen within just a few emails or message exchanges. As mentioned earlier, they prefer to move you over to maintaining contact through a chat app or email to avoid being detected by online dating websites, who have protections in place in their message boxes.

Master of flattery.

Many scammers love to use poetry and love songs and send them over to you as a way to win you over. Back to the last point of moving quickly, they will shower you with flattery very early on even when they barely know you.

Difficulty meeting in person.

If your relationship is long-distance, scammers use that to their advantage as to why they can't meet. Even if you travel to where they claim to live, they always come up with an excuse for why they can't get together with you.

Guilt trip or "ghosting."

If you decline to "lend" money or suspect they are not what they seem, the scammer can become irate and make you feel guilty for accusing them or by not giving money. This usually results in them fabricating another situation that requires money. If you stand your ground on not giving money or you do send money to them, the scammer disappears, known as "ghosting", by no longer contacting you and replying to any messages or calls.

Prevent yourself from being scammed

Overall, the best thing to practice is the old adage: If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Don't share personal or compromising photos or videos, which can be used as blackmail by scammers. Use Google Image Search to help confirm that the pictures they send or show in their profile are who they say they are and not a catfish account. (But be warned: basic Google Search and People Search services may not be enough or accurate.) Avoid giving out any personal information, (including credit card numbers, passwords, and addresses) and never give money to someone you met online. If you agree to meet in person, let a close friend or family know, and always meet in a public area.

If you are a victim of a dating scam

If you are a victim of a dating scam, you need to do the following:

1. Contact your bank as soon as possible and notify them that you are a victim of a scam.

Change any bank information that was given to the scammer and see if there is any way the money can be traced, blocked, or returned to you. Unfortunately, there is a very high probability you will not get your money back, especially if it was done through a Western Union or e-currency.

2. Do not accept any offers for help by online recovery "services."

Scammers like to double-dip: They can do a recovery scam, by claiming to be a police officer or legal professional, promising to help you recover the money and put the scammer in jail. They won't ask for money until after they "claim" to have arrested the scammer.

3. Do not accept any "repayment" directly from the scammer

It is very likely that money has been taken from other victims, which would involve you in a money-laundering scheme.

4. You can contact the police, but if the scammer is located in another state or another country, there is very little they can do.

Hire a private investigator to locate the scammer so you can hand the information to the proper authorities. (such as the FBI, who are unlikely to work with you unless you have a concrete lead on the scammer. Note that if the scammer is located internationally, unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to get your money back.)

Are You The Victim Of An Online Dating Scam?

Time is of the essence. Get a free, confidential estimate with our private investigators: The experts in locating scammers around the world.

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The 4 Most Common Myths of Working as a Private Investigator

It’s safe to say that many of us have read or watched the likes of Sherlock Holmes, CSI, or Magnum P.I. and become starry-eyed towards the private investigation profession. New investigators enter the field expecting car chases, gun fights, and heart-stopping action. But once they have been in the industry, many become burned out or disheartened to see that it’s not what they thought private investigation would be. As someone who is a licensed private investigator, I’ll try to bring you down slowly.

Myth 1: We're just stalking people's spouses/exes

Surveillance is the most well-known service that private investigators provide, with the stereotype that we’re hiding out behind alleys and street corners in a trench coat, following your cheating partner or spouse. While there are still private investigators who specialize in doing infidelity cases, many private investigators (including myself) have moved away from being “cheater chasers.” Investigations are moving to the digital realm: with services including social media investigations, computer and phone forensics, and data acquisition. With that said, surveillance is still a valuable service and strategy: for example, using surveillance as a method in investigating and verifying a disability claim for a business or insurance company. As for being “stalkers”, keep in mind that a licensed and insured investigator knows how to follow the proper legal procedures that differentiate “surveillance” from “stalking.” (For example, a P.I. cannot illegally enter a property, home, or building, AKA breaking and entering. PINow has an excellent general guide on what private investigators can and cannot do.)

Myth 2: P.I.s only uses Google to find people (AKA: "I could do it myself with a little extra effort!")

I have had countless cases come in with this mentality. When we do background checks or missing person/asset searches, we are not just Googling it. Any Private Investigator worth their salt are licensed professionals who have access to top-quality legal documentation and databases that are not available to the public and restricted to licensed private investigators. Period. We have numerous posts discussing why using online databases not only are not comprehensive, but inaccurate and not kept up-to-date. With that said, even with our databases, getting a full comprehensive report of information on an individual is not going to be achieved just by entering a name and state into a database search. We cross-check information and utilize various resources and strategies, (depending on the case, can include fieldwork such as surveillance and interviewing neighbors) which is not something you can achieve with just a Google search or a cheap online database search service.

Myth 3: Private Investigation is always exciting

Sorry kids, it’s (usually) not like the movies. Don’t get me wrong, I have had cases that have been exciting and taken twists and turns that I never anticipated or could have ever imagined. But to be honest, you will be spending the majority of your time in the office or a surveillance vehicle. To succeed in this field, it’s not just enough to be skilled in the physical work; You need to know how to gather intelligence, assess multiple streams of information, (most of which is digital) write top-notch comprehensive reports, (Reports are no joke and where you will easily spend most of your time. Regardless of what the client does with a report, it must be of a quality that is admissible in court) and conduct intake interviews.

Myth 4: We'll share our war stories with you

As I mentioned in the last myth, our work can get exciting and we do get cases that move in directions we never expected to go from the start. However, don't expect us to share the details with the world. Legitimate private investigators can only succeed by operating on strict confidentiality practices on all cases to protect them and their clients. Failure to maintain confidentiality not only is unethical, but can put our licenses on the line. Which means no, we are not going to hash out the latest cases with you.

Matthew Seifer

Matthew Seifer is the Lead Licensed Private Investigator at Radius Investigations, Registered Armed Guard, and NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Certified Instructor. Seifer is a US Army veteran with over 26 years experience in the private sector. Matthew's specializes in corporate due diligence, TSCM bug sweeps, security services and assessments, and digital forensics

Why Hiring a Private Investigator to Verify Google and Social Media Background Checks is a Good Idea

Hiring can be a long and stressful process, but a necessary procedure. Many companies try to cut corners and make it as streamlined as possible, but lose vital details in the process, and set themselves up in a legal minefield.

Businesses need to use a professional background check service

As the internet has grown rapidly comes more accessible information. What once required a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica to answer inquiries, has now become cumbersome door stoppers, its original purpose replaced by Google and Wikipedia. There is an alarming amount of businesses that have deduced that solely using Google and checking social media accounts are sufficient methods in gathering background information on candidates. Only using internet searches to do a background check is like building a house with just a crowbar and a hammer. While these tools can gain some insight, they should be used as supplementary to a professional background check service such as Radius Investigations, who can verify the information you find online.

Why is checking Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google not a sufficient background check?

Privacy settings

While some candidates may be naive and freely post with no filter, many are becoming smarter to hiring agents. 70% of employers report using social media to screen candidates and those who are looking for employment are taking notice. With the right privacy settings, users can hide questionable material from their profile. On the flip side, those who have no privacy settings enabled on an account could be knowingly posting non-controversial content.

Lacks Vital Information

It is no common that someone will be posting about their recent arrest online, (although it does happen, we personally have come across it in our investigations) or their credit and financial information. Going back to the earlier point, candidates can easily fabricate their social media pages to appear desirable to recruiters or withhold information. A professional background check goes beyond the basics and can access criminal, legal records, and financial information.

Inaccurate and Incomplete

It is important to remember that any information gathered online and on social media is not verified the information. To extend on the last point about fabrication, social media pages are not going to necessarily tell you whether the prospect would be a good employee. For example, someone who posts about their pets and hobbies doesn't tell you whether they are qualified for the position. More importantly, relying on internet searches could end up with you making a critical mistake by screening the wrong account due to similar names.

How a Professional Background Check Resolves these Issues

Comprehensive

Professional background checks cover a wide range of facets that can be used in the hiring decision process. A professional background check can include:

• Driving records
• Court records
• Education records
• Drug test records
• Criminal records
• Military records
• Past employers

These are just a few of the types of records a professional background check service can obtain.

Legal Protections and Liability

Using a professional service can prevent you from unknowingly discriminating someone from hiring or firing based on information gathered from social media or internet inquiries because professional background checks provide verified information. It also protects you from violating any privacy laws, which are still vague in regards to information on the internet. Private investigators who provide professionals background checks services provide verified information, know how to identify potential legal issues, and proceed between your company and themselves to remain in compliance with the law.

Confirmation of Employment History

Getting a professional background check ensures an accurate employment history. Private investigators can not only perform background check services but have the ability to physically go to the sites or conduct interviews to confirm candidates' employment records.

Convenience and Confidence

Letting a professional service handle your background check procedures can ease a big legal and logistical responsibility. Even doing a basic internet search and social media screening can be time-consuming, and the quality of the results is not worth the investment.

Using social media and internet research can be valuable in understanding more about your candidates, but come with the caveats of legalities, being unverified information, and provide no guarantees of accuracy or insight. These methods should be used with caution and taken with a grain of salt in the overall hiring process. Social Media and Google should never be used as a replacement for a professional background check.

Need Professional Background Checks?

Get the facts on your potential hires through our expert Private Investigator from Radius Investigations!

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Why does a company need to perform a background check?

The goal in any hiring process is to gain employees that you have confidence in their abilities and experience. However, things from a candidate's past can fall through the cracks that can affect employment or your company's reputation. Studies show that 3 out of 10 business failures are actually caused by employee theft, and that over half of all job applications contain lies. It is important to have a proper background check process in place to ensure you are hiring the highest quality employees.

Is searching public information or the internet a good background check?

While you should use free public records and internet research to verify candidates' information, public information may not be accurate, since public databases are not obligated to update their information on a regular basis. A background check investigation through our licensed private investigators from Radius Investigations is a more thorough check for information, including data that is not accessible to the public.

What is searched in an employment background investigation?

Our employee background check service consist of an array of different types of inquires tailored to each client’s individual needs; which includes searching criminal, financial, and legal records.

An employment background check from Radius Investigations consists of the following:

• Name Verification
• Address Verification
• Social Security Number Verification
• Driving Records
• Vehicle Registration
• Credit Records (If the employee signs a release)
• Criminal Records
• Court Records
• Workers Compensation

• Bankruptcy
• Character References
• Neighbor Interviews
• Medical Records
• Property Ownership
• Education Records

• Military Records
• State Licensing Records
• Drug Test Records
• Past Employers
• Personal References
• Incarceration Records
• Sex Offender Registry

Call 1-888-698-0077 today for a free consultation with Radius Investigations on how we can conduct thorough employee background checks in NYC and Long Island for your business!

Swipe Left the Fakes: Is an Internet Search Enough to Find the Truth?

Many of us have found ourselves on an online dating website, looking for the right match. After what feels like endless swipes or the millionth question answered from match quizzes, (you swear you seen the same questions a thousand times, just worded differently.) you finally found a great profile. You send a message, heart beating fast, hoping this person responds. After what feels like an eternity, they do, you both hit it off, and schedule a date. As the butterflies begin to settle, you realize that something seems a bit off with their profile and interactions. You find their name, do a quick online search, and everything seems fine. Their social media pages are set to private, so it's hard to find more information. Yet this feeling isn't going away. Despite feeling troubled, you give the benefit of the doubt, finally meet, and become disheartened as you realize once you're face to face that they are not who they said they were online.

Unfortunately, this type of situation happens more frequently than you may think. The questions you should ask is "Could anything else have been done to sift out the fakes from the real matches?"

Online Dating: The Facts

Online dating is not going to go away, as over 38% of single adults in the US have tried online dating. With popular dating websites such as eHarmony and Match.com boasting over 17 million and 24.5 million members respectively, and 1 in 5 committed relationships that started online, finding a special someone online has become an ingrained part of our culture in courtship.

While online dating has become more accepted, (59% agree that online dating is a good way to meet someone) it fits our digital age and provides convenience, there is a dark underbelly to online dating. People are taking advantage of the autonomy of the internet, at others' expenses. You may have had that "gut feeling" of something not being right about a match, you are not alone: over half of those who use online dating sites felt that some were misrepresenting themselves online.

Some disturbing trends:

10% of sex offenders use online dating websites

1 in 10 dating profiles are fake (AKA Catfishing)

53% of users lie on their dating profile

These numbers are concerning and could be enough to turn you off from online dating, which is understandable. Whether you want to continue is a personal decision. However, the fact remains that online dating is one the rise and depending on your location, meeting people online may be the most accessible way to find the right match for you.

Are common search methods enough?

As explained in our earlier story, using common search methods, such as social media and Google, can work in finding out about your match, but not only can it miss key information not available to the public, it can become exhausting when you go at it alone. More than likely you are one of the 53% who has dated more than one person at the same time, which means you are conversing with multiple matches.

Is online dating worth it?

Online dating can be rewarding, but incredibly daunting. Fortunately, there are services that can help. Private investigators are moving into the digital realm to help people get peace of mind. Radius Investigations has a team of licensed private investigators that can provide professional and comprehensive background checks on your matches, as well as social media investigations. We have access to databases and resources that are not accessible to the public and won't pop up through Google. Don't let negative experiences prevent you from finding the right match: using a professional background check service can give you the peace of mind to move forward.

Don't Fall Victim to Online Dating Scams

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3 Tips to Detect Credit Card Skimmers

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon case throughout the country. As technology continues to grow, scammers are getting more sophisticated in stealing your credit card information. 27% of adults have been victim to credit card theft in 2016 from using cards in stores. It is important to be informed on how to prevent and report these devices.

What is a card skimmer?

A card skimmer is a device or series of devices (including scanners and cameras) used to steal your card information. Skimming is when there is an additional discreet device placed on a card reader and/or pin pad so that when you swipe or insert your card, that device transmits your credit card information to their computer to use at their disposal. These devices usually are placed over the original card scanners and number pads.

Are RFID chips secure from card skimmers?

Just as credit card technology advances, card skimmers are getting smarter. Skimmers now can activate the RFID chip to gather information. With that said, obtaining the information from the RFID chip alone may not be enough. However, when using a card reader skimmer, like in an ATM, they can access the RFID chip, magnetic stripe, and using a camera in the card reader to read the CVC code, scammers can get all the information they need to start making fraudulent purchases on your account.

If there is a card skimmer device, will my credit or debit card still be read by the original machine?

These skimmers are designed to sit just above or before the original manufacturer's card scanner. So your transaction will still go through normally, which is ideal for scammers. By completing a transaction, a scammer can get the information from the magnetic stripe, the RFID chip, the CVC security code on the back of your card, and the PIN number for your card.

How can I tell if there are skimming devices?

These devices are designed to appear as innocuous as possible, matching the design of a card reader or ATM, making it difficult to find at first glance. The good news is that there are ways to check if there are devices.

Here are some tips to follow the next time you need to use your card:

1. Check the area where you swipe or insert your card for any adhesive or extra plastic. You can do this by tugging and squeezing the card cover or swiper. The plastic should not be able to move, bend, or shift. A man at a 7-11 in Seaford, NY was able to identify a card skimming device using this method.
2. Check the number pad-does the pad feels flush the machine? Note any "layers" or appearance of an additional number pad on top of the original. Also, look under the number pad covers for any cameras or devices facing the number pad. Look carefully-the camera lens can be as small as a screw. Always assume someone is watching you when you complete a transaction: cover your hands as you enter your pin number in case there is a camera.
3. Swipe or Insert the card yourself whenever possible. If an employee needs to swipe your card, watch them carefully for any suspicious behavior. Employees could potentially swipe your card on their own device, or have a skimmer on the register machine.

Most Importantly, if you are unsure about the integrity of a card reader or ATM, follow your gut: Do not use the reader and contact the police, even if you are not completely sure. If you live in NY, you can send a report autonomously through the See Something, Send Something App. If you find a card skimming device, contact the local police immediately. Do not use the card reader. 

Contact Radius Investigations today for a free consultation on how to protect yourself from identity theft at 1-888-698-0077

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As I discussed in my previous blog post, identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in modern society and can represent substantial ongoing challenges for individuals who have fallen prey to it.  Many cases of identity theft can start with a minor, easily overlooked changes to bank accounts and credit charges. However, if these things are left unaddressed, they can rapidly escalate and ruin lives.

While the threat is widespread, there are steps you can take to reduce your vulnerability to identity theft.

Credit Protection and Personal Protection

A common misconception that many people have is that account-backed credit protection can be enough to counteract the tactics of identity thieves.  However, the truth is that while loan providers and the anti-fraud practices of credit card companies can help customers in credit protection for certain accounts and even regarding specific charges, this protection does not stop or uncover every activity that may occur as a result of identity theft.

One of the tricks used by identity thieves involves making sporadic and small charges on an existing or new account that may be established in your name.  This can make it very easy to overlook initial suspicious activity so that by the time more extensive or overt fraudulent activity is detected, the situation may have escalated, and the victim’s personal information, credit score, and finances may already be significantly damaged.

Other schemes used by identity thieves and hackers include the following:

• Opening up new credit card accounts in their victims’ names, piggy-backing on the victims’ otherwise established credit, and using the new cards, while the victim is left with the bills.
• Pilfering individuals tax information, filing fraudulent tax returns and claiming false refunds in their victims’ names.
• “Free-riding” on victims’ health insurance, by stealing their insurance identification information, and receiving treatment under someone else’s coverage – often causing serious complications when the victims try to get treatment for their own health issues.

For this reason, it is always vitally important for individuals to:

• Safely dispose of any documents with personal information. While identity theft is a crime, it is also important to remember that any trash left on the curb is considered public domain, which means that anyone can claim it.  The use of a personal shredder and the apartment building incinerator are wise choices for protection.
• Monitor all account activity, no matter how small. Catching the smaller unauthorized charges can lead to the prevention of your alternate identity being fully established.  Any suspicious activity should be reported to the bank, as this can lead to a formal investigation.
• File a police report. Some lenders will ask that clients do this in order to verify the authenticity of the theft claims.  However, victims are encouraged to file with the local precinct regardless, as this can also help to substantiate the theft claims should criminal charges against the perpetrator become a necessity.
• Hire a Private Investigator. The use of a private investigator can often help to uncover how widespread identity theft may range.  This can include exposing any false accounts that have been taken out in your name, where your personal information has been distributed, and can also aid in the recovery of assets that are not protected through credit lenders.

In recent weeks, there have been news stories of high profile data breaches, in which innocent people’s personal information was made vulnerable, or deliberately accessed, by wrong-doers.  Aside from the Wikileaks issues, probably the most widespread of these data breaches occurred at Yahoo.  The online media company reported that in 2014, somewhere between 200 million and 500 million users had their accounts hacked, and the hackers obtained access to the users’ names, email addresses, addresses, telephone numbers, and hashed passwords.   The hackers attempted to sell a database with these users’ information and claimed that this information was derived from a data breach in 2012.

An article summarizing the Yahoo data beach can be found here:

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3123426/security/yahoo-data-breach-affects-at-least-500-million-users.html

On a much more local scale, but similarly troubling, the Village of Mastic Beach, in Suffolk County, Long Island, reported that they had been the victim of a different kind of data breach.  A former employee of the Village is alleged to have illegally accessed the personal data of hundreds of Mastic Beach residents, including local political figures and their extended families, for as yet unknown purposes.  This employee (allegedly) obtained this information by fraudulently claiming to have law enforcement credentials in order to access proprietary databases used by law enforcement, lawyers, and private investigators.

I am very proud to announce that a digital forensics team from Radius Investigations, led by my partner Matthew Seifer, uncovered the Mastic Beach data breach and have provided evidence of the former employee’s unlawful activity to the property authorities.

The press release from the Village of Mastic Beach disclosing the data breach, and Radius Investigations’ work in uncovering the breach, can be found here:

https://www.masticbeachvillageny.gov/notices/2016/9/27/mastic-beach-village-press-release-and-mayoral-statement-data-breach-september-27-2016

Although vastly different in scope, these two cases reflect the sad truth that we are all vulnerable to identity theft as a result of criminal activity, whether through weak points in our email systems, our use of credit cards, or the abuse of power by individuals whom we have entrusted with our information.  In fact, identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in modern society and can represent substantial ongoing challenges for individuals who have fallen prey to it. One of the larger concerns that people may have is the fact that many cases of identity theft can start with minor, easily overlooked changes to bank accounts and credit charges. However, if these things are left unaddressed, they can rapidly escalate and destroy lives.

In a future blog post, I will detail a number of steps that you can take to reduce your vulnerability to identity theft.  In the meantime, if you believe that you have been victimized by identity thieves, or would like more information about how to protect yourself, call either local law enforcement, or feel free to contact Radius Investigations toll-free at 1-888-698-0077, or our office number, 631-351-6473, or email us at info@RadiusInvestigations.com.