Private Investigators Now

31/12/2024

22/09/2024

Surveillance 101. Always blend in with your surroundings.

17/09/2024

This is the OmniVision OV6948, the world's smallest camera has just famously entered the Guinness Book of Records, measuring just 0.575mm x 0.575mm x 0.232mm.

05/03/2024

Ever seen a scissor-lift drill? You have now. 🤣🤣

24/01/2024

Unfortunately, fraud and scams are increasing at a very fast rate. Why? because it's a tried and tested way to survive, especially when times are tough. Many people commit fraud and scams as soon as they realize it’s quicker and easier than working.

Many common reasons for the fast and growing rate of fraud and scams include the anonymity and global reach of the internet, the potential for financial gain, and the vulnerability of individuals who may be seeking quick solutions or opportunities. Additionally, advancements in technology have made it easier for fraudsters and scammers to create convincing fraudulent schemes.

It's important to stay well informed and be very cautious when sharing any personal information, engaging in financial transactions or clicking on any links.

23/12/2023

Best wishes throughout the festive season. 🥳🎄
Stay safe with a happy new year! 🌠🍾

13/12/2023

The British Observation Tree in Delville Wood, France, is a renowned example of a fake tree utilized in World War I.
These cleverly constructed structures, also referred to as "camouflage trees" or "Baumbeobachter" in German, served as concealed observation posts for military personnel.
During the First World War, the static nature of trench warfare created a need for innovative methods of surveillance. Traditional methods of observation, such as climbing trees, exposed soldiers to enemy fire. To overcome this challenge, armies developed camouflage trees as a way to gather intelligence undetected.
These fake trees were meticulously crafted to resemble natural trees, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. They typically featured hollow interiors that could accommodate an observer or a machine gun, providing a covert surveillance vantage point for monitoring enemy movements.

29/11/2023

AS WE HEAD INTO DECEMBER, WE ALSO FACE THE HIGHEST RISK TIME OF THE YEAR FOR ONLINE FRAUD, SCAMS AND DECEPTION.

HERE'S A COMPREHENSIVE LIST WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ONLINE SCAMS.

Almost everyone will be approached by an online scammer at some stage. Some scams are very easy to spot while other scams may appear to be genuine offers or bargains.

GOLDEN RULES:
• If it looks too good to be true - it probably is
• ALWAYS get independent advice if an offer involves significant money, time or commitment
• Do not agree to offers or deals straight away: tell the person that you are not interested or that you want to get some independent advice before making a decision
• You can contact your local office of fair trading, ASIC or the ACCC for assistance
• NEVER send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust
• Check your bank account and credit card statements when you get them. If you see a transaction you cannot explain, report it to your credit union or bank
• Keep your credit and ATM cards safe. Do not share your personal details with anyone.
• Do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions about money or investments: always get independent financial advice
• Read all the terms and conditions of any offer very carefully: claims of free or very cheap offers often have hidden costs
• Make sure you know how to stop any subscription service you want to sign up to
• Be very careful about offers for medicines, supplements or other treatments: always seek the advice of your health care professional
• Remember there are no magic pills or safe options for rapid weight loss
• Beware of products or schemes that claim to guarantee income or winnings
• If someone offers you an investment or other financial service, ask for their Australian Financial Services Licence number: check this with ASIC
• Be wary of investments promising a high return with little or no risk
• Beware of job offers that require you to pay an upfront fee

PROTECTING YOUR IDENTITY:
• Only give out your personal details and information where it is absolutely necessary and where you have initiated the contact and trust the other party
• Destroy personal information, don’t just throw it out. You should cut up, burn or shred old bills, statements or cards so scammers can not get your personal details from them later
• Treat your personal details as you would treat money: don’t leave them lying around for others to take
• Order a free copy of your credit report every year to make sure no one is using your name to borrow money or run up debts

SENDING OR TRANSFERRING MONEY:
• Never send money to anyone you are not totally sure about
• Do not send any money or pay any fee to claim a prize or lottery winnings
• Money laundering is a criminal offence: do not agree to transfer money for someone else
• Do not pass on chain letters or take part in pyramid schemes: you will lose your money and could lose your friends

DEALING WITH SUSPICIOUS OR UNSOLICITED OFFERS SENT BY EMAIL:
• Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam): delete them
• Do not click on any links in a spam email or open any files attached to them
• Never call a telephone number that you see in a spam email or SMS
• NEVER reply to a spam email or SMS (even to unsubscribe)

INTERNET TIPS:
• Talk to your internet service provider about spam filtering or, alternatively, purchase spam-filtering software
• If you want to access an internet account website, use a bookmarked link or type the address in yourself: NEVER follow a link in an email
• Install software that protects your computer from viruses and unwanted programs and make sure it is kept up-to-date
• Beware of free websites and downloads (such as music, adult sites, games and movies). They may install harmful programs without you knowing
• Check the website address carefully. Scammers often set up fake websites with very similar addresses
• Never enter your personal, credit card or online account information on a website that you are not certain is genuine
• Never send your personal, credit card or online account details by email
• Try to avoid using public computers (at libraries or internet cafes) to do your internet banking
• Choose passwords that would be difficult for anyone else to guess

10/11/2023

LEST WE FORGET.
Soldiers of an Australian 4th Division field artillery brigade on a duckboard track passing through Chateau Wood, near Hooge in the Ypres salient, 29 October 1917. The leading soldier is Gunner James Fulton and the second soldier is Lieutenant Anthony Devine. The men belong to a battery of the 10th Field Artillery Brigade.

30/10/2023

Happy Halloween! 👻💀🎃

12/10/2023

A 622kg bust! Well done to authorities.

Four men have been charged after about 622kg of methamphetamine was found hidden inside a shipment of toilet paper rolls.

Yesterday on Wednesday 11 October, the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), comprising of members from the AFP, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and Department of Home Affairs, arrested the four men, who are alleged members of a transnational serious organised crime syndicate.

The arrests include two 33-year-old Chinese nationals, a Malaysian national, 34, and a Hong Kong national, 32.

The investigation began when ABF officers identified anomalies in a consignment during an x-ray screening and reported the matter to the AFP.

It will be alleged in court that JOCTF and AFP Forensics officers located and seized 622 green and gold tea packages, each weighing 1kg, containing a white crystalline substance, which were further concealed within a pallet of toilet paper.