Seasoned veterans in the field of private investigation know that fraud is one of the toughest types of assignments that private investigators may be hired to research. These veterans know what signs to look for when it comes to uncovering illegal activity happening within businesses/organizations. Fraud investigations can encompass the practices of a business/organization as a whole or focus on the activities of a particular employee. Here are some forms of fraud that private investigators may be asked to research.
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False claims – Sometimes, people will make false claims of injury or theft in order to get compensation from companies. Private investigators are hired to look into these claims and check their validity. False claims can also include smaller allegations such as an employee’s claim that they worked overtime hours, in order to receive extra compensation.
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Bribery – Employees that accept goods or services in exchange for a particular action/inaction are guilty of bribery. Usually, these actions/inactions work to harm the company.
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Long form fraud – This happens when a business works to build trust with another company in order to buy a product in bulk once trust is established. Before the payment for the product is due, the buying party disappears and the seller is left high and dry.
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Extortion – Extortion occurs when someone obtains money, property or services from a person or entity through coercion.
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False disbursements – Sometimes businesses require their employees to travel at the employee’s initial expense, only to be compensated for things like toll road payments and gas. If an employee makes claims on expenses that they did not use, this is an example of false disbursement claiming.
It is important for private investigators to keep an eye out for each form of fraud when they are hired by a business/organization. To learn more about private investigation visit the National Investigative Training Academy, Inc’s website. NITA offers online private investigation courses to start your private investigation career. Call us today at 1-800-730-NITA(6482).
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.
