June is LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States. Throughout the country, members of the LGBTQ community are celebrating their identities and their histories. However, there is also an uptick in romance scams on dating apps devoted to the LGBTQ community. Rather than the talk-show topical model of romance scam in which the scammer earns the affection of the victim and then repeatedly asks for money for support, there is something more sinister in these LGBTQ dating app scams: Extortion.
What Does a LGBTQ Scam Look Like?
Most LGBTQ dating apps are aimed at gay and trans men, but there are a few that are marketed towards lesbians and trans women. Online dating in the LGBTQ community has its own set of unique and terrifying aspects, but just like heterosexuals, the threat of having intimate conversations and photos shared with friends and family is always a strong motivator in an extortion case. LGBTQ dating app scams can seem very much like those aimed at the straight community—two strangers connect on a dating app, begin chatting, and when the conversation becomes intimate, they exchange photos. Once the scammer has intimate photos of the victim, the extortion begins. The scammer may threaten to send the photos to friends, family, or even your employer unless their financial demands are met.
How to Stay Safe
Sometimes the threat can go even deeper if the victim is “closeted,” in the sense that their sexual orientation is not public knowledge. There are countless horror stories of LGBTQ individuals who have endured the process of being “outed” before they are ready—being disowned by their families and friends, having their identity made public without a support system, and being subjected to online bullying and harassment. While these cases can have many relevant factors, the tips for protecting yourself against them remain the same:
Never share personal information with someone you just met on an online dating app. This includes your cell phone number, personal photos, email address, or social media profiles.
Always verify the person’s identity by conducting due-diligence. Run the person’s profile picture through a reverse image search to ensure their photo is only associated with one online identity. If you see repeating patterns in the series of photos displayed on their various profiles, this could also be a red flag.
Check large swaths of their writing against scammer websites. There are a handful of websites devoted to exposing the vernacular of known online scammers by compiling their pre-written responses into a database.
Never pay scammers to destroy photos or to delete conversations. Scammers will always ask for more money once they’ve received the first payment, and there’s no guarantee they will destroy the evidence.
If you have spotted or been the victim of one of these LGBTQ dating app scams, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Hiring a private investigator can be a costly investment, but it’s often necessary when it comes to uncovering the truth in certain situations. Whether you’re looking to investigate a cheating spouse, find a missing person, or conduct a background check, understanding the factors that go into calculating the cost of a private investigator and their services is crucial. In this blog article, we’ll discuss these factors in detail.
Determining the cost of a private investigator
Complexity of the case: The complexity of the case is the most significant factor in determining the cost of a private investigator’s services. The more complicated the case, the more time and resources it will take to resolve, which will ultimately drive up the cost. For example, investigating a complex corporate fraud case will cost more than investigating a simple infidelity case.
Time spent on the case: The amount of time spent on the case also affects the cost of a private investigator’s services. Most private investigators charge an hourly rate, and the longer they spend on the case, the higher the bill will be. Therefore, if the investigation is expected to take longer, the costs will be higher.
Geographic location: The location where the investigation will take place also affects the cost. If the investigation requires the private investigator to travel outside of their usual working area, there will be additional expenses for transportation, accommodation, and other related costs. As a result, investigations conducted in remote or rural areas may be more expensive than those conducted in urban areas.
Type of services required: Different types of services require different skills and resources, which can affect the cost of hiring a private investigator. For example, background checks and surveillance are generally less expensive than forensic investigations, which require specialized expertise and technology.
Equipment and resources used: The type of equipment and resources used during the investigation can also affect the cost of a private investigator’s services. Advanced technology and specialized tools will incur additional expenses, such as the cost of renting or purchasing the equipment, maintenance costs, and other associated costs.
Experience and expertise of the investigator: The level of experience and expertise of the private investigator can also impact the cost of their services. Experienced investigators who have a good track record of delivering successful investigations may charge higher fees than less experienced investigators.
The cost of a private investigator is determined by various factors, such as the complexity of the case, the time spent on the case, geographic location, the type of services required, equipment and resources used, and the experience and expertise of the investigator. It’s essential to discuss the cost of the investigation upfront with the private investigator and to have a clear understanding of their fees and billing structure before engaging their services. With this information, you can make an informed decision on whether or not to hire a private investigator for your case.
Contact us
If you have need of a private investigator for your personal or corporate matters, please consider Lauth Investigations International as the private investigator who will sweat the small details and prepare comprehensive reports so you can make complex decisions in your everyday life.
As we plow full-steam-ahead into the summer months, many people will be planning some much-deserved time off. Unfortunately, this is also a popular and lucrative time for would-be thieves who target unsuspecting tourists and steal their credit cards and identities. If your summer plans include traveling, there are a number of things that you can do ahead of time to proactively protect your identity while traveling.
Password protect all electronic devices. Whether it’s your iPhone or laptop, make it harder for would-be thieves to access your personal info by password protecting everything. It may take an extra step when using these devices yourself, but keeping your identity safe is well worth the hassle.
Install tracking apps on your mobile devices. Your smartphone or tablet is probably loaded with personal information, so increase the level of protection by installing a “find me” type app. There are also apps that can be activated remotely to essentially lock down your device if it’s stolen.
Log out of public computers. If you didn’t bring your own laptop, you may need to use a hotel computer to do things like check your email while you’re away. Remember to always completely log out of any website you access prior to leaving to avoid inadvertently giving access to the next person who uses the device.
Use only secure WiFi. If you’re going to access the internet via WiFi, make sure the only connections you use are password protected. Most hotels offer this, as do public places, like cafes. If it’s not secure, unauthorized people could access the network and your personal data could become compromised.
Take advantage of your hotel’s in-room safe. Whenever you leave your hotel room, any and all valuables – especially anything containing personal information – in your room safe. This provides an added level of protection in your absence.
Monitor financial accounts daily. Pickpockets are typically pretty quick to use whatever they’ve stolen from you, so stay on top of things by checking your financial statements on a daily basis. This way should you discover a problem, you can have it taken care of right away, before too much damage can be done.
Don’t broadcast your plans on social media.Not only do you need to be diligent about protecting your identity wherever you happen to be traveling, but it’s equally important that you’re careful about everything you’ve left behind. Make sure all privacy settings are intact on your social media accounts and be careful what information you share.
These simple tips can help you protect your identity while traveling so your dream vacation doesn’t have to end with the nightmare of identity theft. If you’ve already become a victim and you need assistance locating the person or persons responsible, feel free to call Lauth Investigations International at 317-951-1100 or visit us online at www.lauthinveststg.wpengine.com.
Private investigators can serve multitudes of purposes in both the private and corporate realm. Private investigator services are typically diverse and can bring clarity in the murkiest of circumstances. Whether it’s hiring a private investigator to track a missing loved one or to investigate a pervasive pattern of workplace theft, the name of the game is quality. When you’re ready to hire a private investigator, it’s important that you select the correct professional for the job. Here are some questions you can ask a private investigator about their firm and their body of experience when exercising due-diligence in the hiring process.
How long have they been in private investigations? What is their specialty?
While it’s true that many private investigator services can be very similar across all firm types—such as background checks, surveillance services, and location services, also known as “skip traces”—it’s also true that many private investigators choose to specialize in one or two areas of intelligence-gathering operations. For example, many law enforcement officials and investigators use their retirement years getting a private investigator’s license and continuing to serve the people in their communities by picking up missing person cases or helping families find clarity in the complex personal and domestic situations of their every day lives. Other private investigator services skew more towards the corporate side of the United States, such as internal corporate investigations, background check services, and serving as multi-tools for law firms. The nature of intelligence operations is knowing how to spot patterns, anticipate and assess cause and effect, and comprehensively pursue any and all leads that might arise. The more years private investigators have on the job, the stronger their investigative tool chest will be.
What is their level of transparency and communication?
Private investigators should always be straightforward with their clients. It demonstrates a level of integrity and transparency that is crucial in a quality investigator. Private investigators should be willing to meet with prospective clients in person. Quality investigators go the extra mile to establish professional relationships based on trust and transparency. Every investigation type is different, and the unexpected left turns of any case can be difficult to anticipate at times, but regardless, private investigator services should have a price range with the caveat that they may be subject to change. The best private investigator services will come with a cursory phone call and a free consultation from the investigator to determine the client’s level of need and to do their best to estimate what their retainer will be.
Do they have a verbal agreement or a written contract?
In tangent with transparency and communication, the terms of agreement regarding private investigator services should be clear, explicit, and in writing. Private investigators who do not clearly define their services, term of service, or outline terms of payment on paper should be a big red flag. Desperate clients sometimes get bilked for thousands because of dishonest professionals who intentionally keep them in the dark. A comprehensive, quality investigation is always initiated with clear terms in place, in writing, and signed by both the private investigator and the client.
Can you verify their private investigator number?
Private investigators are licensed state to state. Regardless of where the private investigator is located, they must be licensed in the state where the investigation is to take place in order to have investigative power and access to proper resources. Private investigators should provide their license number when asked so the client can run the number when their state’s database of privately licensed contractors.
In private intelligence, due-diligence is key, and that means as a prospective client, you have a right to know that you are getting what you paid for. That’s why you have to ask the right questions when vetting private investigator services for your needs. When it comes to your corporate or personal life, you deserve facts, not fiction.
Executives are finding that corporate diversity is not only the right thing to do but the prudent thing to do.
As the Black Lives Matter movement continues throughout the globe, corporate diversity is once again on the minds of leadership in the United States. Leadership has begun developing strategies to improve diversity in their structure. Regardless of the motivations behind resisting this change, leadership might not understand that corporate diversity is a measure that not only elevates BIPOC professionals, but will improve the quality of life within the corporation.
When leadership is singular in representation, it cannot
possibly consider all the needs of everyone in the organization. Leadership
that is composed entirely of White executives will have a functional blindness
or bias towards the needs of non-White employees. Not only will they leave
their non-White employees feeling undervalued, but corporations can be selling
themselves short on opportunity to improve business from within, and ultimately
from without.
New ideas
One of the most obvious benefits to having corporate
diversity—both at the executive level and below—is that diversity breeds
innovation and creativity. When a corporation continually relies on the same
thinktank of people who all come from similar backgrounds and have similar
experiences, you will eventually begin to see a patter in the same 15 ideas or
solutions generated by that thinktank. Workforces with diverse backgrounds see
a more diverse array of ideas, innovations, and solutions to challenges faced
in the workplace and in the market.
Better ideas
The more corporate diversity you have, the more likely your
team will generate ideas and solutions that will better serve your customer
base. Different skills and different histories of experience will lead to a
more unique brainstorm—from the conference room to the loading dock. According
to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, businesses with corporate
diversity are able to find solutions to problems faster than teams of employees
from similar backgrounds. The speed attributed to corporate diversity is due in
part to the fact that these corporations foster an environment that promotes a
free exchange of ideas, where everyone has a place at the table and their voice
is heard. That is the sort of corporate culture all businesses should be
striving for.
Better culture
Diversity is more than a two-pronged approach, but it is important that you have diversity from the top down, and that every person feel as though they can safely bring ideas, concerns, or solutions to the table. By encouraging this diversity, you make sure every person on your team feels as though their voice is being heard. When employees feel heard and valued, the corporate culture of the entire business significantly improves. We know the effects of corporate culture move in a cycle. Employees are either positively or negatively impacted by engagement and validation from leadership, which in turn effects their own engagement, which directly impacts their level of output. As corporate culture improves, output increases. The elevation of those diverse voices has the capacity to save your corporation money in billable hours, workplace lawsuits, and engagement.
Corporate culture audit
At Lauth Investigations International, we pride ourselves on
using our intelligence services to connect business leadership with the
solutions they need to improve their company from within. If you suspect your
business is suffering due to a lack of diversity, call Lauth Investigations
International today for a free quote on our corporate culture audit.
When you’re considering marriage, you should also considering running a background check on your partner to protect your assets.
Even if you didn’t meet your significant other in cyberspace, you could still be at risk for con artists and scammers. That’s why more individuals are turning to private investigators to perform background checks on their potential life mates.
One of the most critical decisions we make in life is who to legally bind ourselves to in matrimony, not only because of the vows we make to each other, but also because the legal union in most states means entitling the other person to half of your assets. There is an unexpected trend of private investigators, especially female private investigators at Lauth Investigations, in countries where arranged marriage is woven into the fabric of culture. Many families seek to control familial relations and extensions for many reasons, like politics, financials, business consolidation, and status. As recently as 2017, arranged marriage accounted for 55% of marriages throughout the globe, leaving traditional marriage in the minority. This creates a niche market for private investigators to properly vet potential spouses in countries like India, China, Pakistan, Japan, and Israel to name a few.
Even though arranged marriage is not a major part of Western
culture, that doesn’t mean that engaged individuals in the United States
shouldn’t do their due-diligence when it comes to their life mate. When it
comes to your assets, you should expect facts, not fiction. That’s why hiring a
private investigator to perform a background check on your intended can save a
great deal of heartache and financial distress. Even a basic background check
from a private investigator can unearth risk factors. Private investigators
will pull criminal history, litigation history, credit history, and history of
residence to corroborate proposed facts about your romantic partner. It’s true
that there are many “people finder” databases on the internet that claim their
results are accurate and worth the cost of purchasing the report, and therefore
an individual could conduct a background check themselves. However, private
investigators must comply with specific security protocol and licensing in
order to have access to verified databases on par with certain law enforcement
agencies. This means that the quality of data entry comes with a much higher
degree of accuracy, and will be updated regularly with regards to both public
and private records. “People finder” databases cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, which
may lead to additional misinformation, especially with regards to criminal and
litigation history.
Private investigators also have years of experience that contextualize
available information on a subject. For example, residence history is
traditionally part of a basic background check. If the subject has a long
history of moving between jurisdictions, or from state-to-state in short
periods of time, a private investigator might examine this information—and based
on context—determine that the subject has a history of transience, which could
indicate a lack of reliability or a flight risk. If a subject’s credit history
is consistently poor, that would be a financial red flag that might disqualify
a subject as a spouse.
Private investigators bring valuable contexts to background
investigations that empower individuals to make critical decisions in their private
or corporate life. When two people get married, they often conduct other litmus
tests in order to determine long-term cohabitation, such as blood tests for
their health, or pre-marital counseling to determine their level of preparation.
Background checks are just another measure for you to ensure that your life and
your livelihood are protected.
