Can I hire a private investigator in Dallas Texas?

Service of Process, A True P.I

If you’ve never had to hire a private investigator, you might not realize what they can and can’t do. PIs need to have a license to operate. Most states require a criminal justice degree, a law enforcement background, or an apprenticeship under a licensed investigator.

Regardless of qualifications, there is usually also a test to establish their understanding of the legal aspects of their job. Contrary to their image in movies and novels as outsiders who act on their own accord, actual private investigators provide a range of legal and investigative services for individuals and businesses.

What Do Private Investigators Do?

It’s common knowledge that private investigators are often hired to gather evidence in legal disputes, but these professionals can do so much more. Here’s a list of the most popular reasons that businesses and individuals hire a private investigator.

Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance:

Whether it’s tracking down a cheating spouse, finding a stalker, or just finding out whether someone has eyes on you, a private investigator can provide you with accurate intelligence and the professional testimony to contextualize it in court.

Background Checks and Due Diligence:

Whether you’re screening someone you met online before meeting in person or checking out job candidates for sensitive positions within your organization, proper background checks take access to professional investigative resources.

Forensic Document Investigation:

Document investigation using modern forensic methods can help unearth proof of doctoring and other evidence of fraud.

General Fraud Investigations:

Fake or altered documents aren’t the only kind of fraud PIs can detect. They also uncover the workings of larger fraud and confidence schemes to aid victims or legal professionals.

Landlord-Tenant Disputes:

Investigators are often hired by one side or the other in disputes between renters and landlords. For landlords, property usage and whether tenants abide by agreements can be the key to an eviction. For tenants, an investigation can uncover past violations and ongoing landlord issues that support the lawsuit or other civil remedy.

This is just a cross-section of services, which vary if the client is an individual or a business. Laws governing corporate background checks and employment screenings allow them, under some conditions, to request information not available to private individuals who request background checks or to companies who are conducting them for reasons other than pre-employment screening.

If you’re wondering whether a private investigator can help you, chances are the answer is yes, even if you need some help figuring out exactly what that investigator should do to gather evidence for you.

Expertise and Independence

The biggest reason why people hire an investigator is to gain access to the intellectual and professional capacities of someone who understands the process of uncovering evidence. It’s a highly unique skill set that is difficult to develop. The methods used are usually very dependent on the situation. Many times the client request is for evidence about an issue. Then the investigator devises the exact range of services, who explains their necessity and obtains client approval for the expenses.

This means clear communication is key when you are hiring an investigator, and it’s an important part of the job. If you are looking to hire a private investigator in Dallas, TexasA True PI  offers a range of services and can help you navigate the legal system when you need to resolve a dispute.

Is it legal to hire a Private Investigator in Dallas Texas

Providing Proof, Texas Private Investigator A True P.I
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Online Dating Are You Being Catfished in Dallas?

Meeting people online today is as normal as waking up in the morning. Many relationships start on the internet and the old days of meeting through mutual friends are much less common. While online dating can be exciting, it’s also important you keep yourself safe from catfishing. Being catfished means you are being tricked into a relationship by someone who isn’t actually the person they say they are. The following are some signs of being catfished and what you should do about it. We at A True PI are here for all of your needs to protect you and find the truth.

  1. The Other Person Never Does a Video Chat

Now that you’ve been chatting online for a while, you’re ready to take the relationship up a notch and do a video chat. If your new significant other doesn’t ever want to show his or her face, that’s the first sign you’re being catfished. Perhaps they’ll have a good excuse, such as, “I look awful at that moment and am embarrassed.” Perhaps they’ll tell you they don’t have a webcam. Maybe they have an Android so they can’t FaceTime your Apple device.

In any situation, these are all excuses. Everyone with access to the internet has some sort of access to a camera and an app in which they can do a video chat. If you’ve received excuse after excuse about why the other person can’t ever do video chat, chances are their profile pictures, as well as any other pictures they’ve sent you, were stolen from someone else.

  1. Your New Love Interest Wants You to Send Money

Someone who you don’t know well and is asking for money is also a serious red flag. Of course, they’ll probably have some very sad story, possibly something they’ve been buttering you up for, but you should never send the funds. Even if the transaction seems secure, you may not ever see that money, or that person, ever again.

  1. Their Social Media Accounts Aren’t Super Active

There are some people who aren’t very active in social media, but you’ll still see things pop up every once in a while. Perhaps they’ll be tagged in a friend or family member’s photo. Maybe they’ll have 100 friends wish them happy birthday. If this new person you’ve just met online doesn’t have a very active social media account or doesn’t have many friends on it at all, those are signs of being catfished.

  1. Meeting in Person Is Always Out of the Question

After spending a lot of time in online conversation and interaction, you’ll probably want to meet in person at one point or another. If the other person makes excuses or says meeting is absolutely out of the question, you may want to think about this relationship again. Perhaps they agree to the meeting, only to bail at the last minute with a very compelling excuse. This is reasonable if it happens once, but if it keeps happening, you can assume they’re not who they say they are.

  1. The Person Has a Dramatic Life

If the person at the other end of your chat history tells outlandish tales, they may not be true. If the person or the stories seem too good to be true, they probably are. Sometimes catfishers will claim to be undercover agents, giving you a reason they can’t meet up in person. Others may claim to travel the world for work or be stuck in another country while traveling for leisure.

Other drama to be leery of is if your new boyfriend or girlfriend shares very intimate details about his or her life early on. This tactic is meant to draw sympathy from you so you’ll form an emotional attachment and want to help him or her. Only so many traumas can occur in one person’s life, so if it starts to sound extreme, it probably is.

What You Should Do About It

Now that you’ve learned how to tell if you are being catfished, you need to know what to do about it. The first thing you should do is contact an investigator. A private investigator can help you determine whether or not you are being scammed and what to do now that you know. If you’ve already been taken advantage of by catfishing, a private investigator may also be able to help you track down this person and take back what you’ve lost. Next, cut off the relationship. The other person may seem rudely persistent, which is another sign they have evil intentions, but don’t go back and engage in conversation.

Finally, change your online accounts. This might include completely deleting accounts and starting over again or simply changing passwords and usernames so they can’t find you anymore. If your online chatting spilled over into text messaging, it might be a good idea to get yourself a new phone number. Any personal information you shared with the catfisher is already out there, but you can make some changes to protect yourself for the future. Contact the experts at A True PI for a Free Consultation today! 1-888-987-8374

10 Reasons To Hire a Private Investigator in Dallas TX

Some people have an image of a private investigator that is straight out of a dramatic movie or television show, complete with all-night stakeouts, back alley deals, and of course, the obligatory fedora and overcoat. The reality of private investigation is very much different; people in this field may combine a military or law enforcement background with expert skills of organization, critical thinking, and analysis.

Private detectives can help individuals and companies find out information that may be nearly impossible to track down on their own, and their level of proficiency and experience make them a trusted and reliable resource, even for other law enforcement teams. Still not sure what a PI can do for you? These ten good reasons to hire a private investigator can show you the value for your personal and professional needs.

Divorce

From marital infidelity to asset hiding, divorce may make reasonable people take unreasonable actions. A private investigator can help a legal team or individual to determine the truth behind any suspicions and provide evidence to support your position.

Background Checks

If you’ve ever attempted to perform a background check on your own, you know it can be time-consuming, expensive, and complicated. A private investigator has the resources and connections needed to take care of checking out a future employee, babysitter, company, a new tenant, or even a potential suitor to make sure everything is as it should be.

Child Custody

When parents are unable to reach an amiable solution to child custody, they may become secretive, vindictive, or irrational. A private eye can get to the bottom of asset searches or conduct surveillance to ensure that each child’s safety and best interests are protected.

Missing Persons

People may need assistance locating a missing person in Dallas or surrounding areas. Scanning public records and following paper trails on your own can be exhausting and difficult, but a private detective knows what avenues to explore to find people who may be under the radar.

Corporate Compliance

How does a company protect its interests from either the competition or their own employees who may not be following policies, government regulations, or legal requirements? With outside investigations with a PI, a company can learn more information to ensure that all appropriate protocols are taken.

Forensic Document Scrutiny

Private investigators can evaluate any paper trail to determine authenticity and accuracy to aid in civil and criminal matters. From handwriting verification to imprinted documents, verified evidence can make the difference in many cases, which is why a detective’s skills can be so important.

Due Diligence

No business transaction of any significance should be undertaken without doing due diligence, and again, a private investigator can take the hassle out of this process as well. Corporate due diligence is more in-depth than a standard background check or public record search, and companies frequently rely on private investigators to go that extra mile.

Forensic Accounting

Crime doesn’t have to be violent to be harmful; financial fraud, theft, and asset hiding can be devastating for both businesses and individuals. Private investigation can focus on documentation, bookkeeping, and even digital records using the latest methodology to get answers. Most companies or law firms do not have that level of expertise on staff to effectively resolve these issues.

Security Details

From bug sweeps to event security, private detectives have the expertise to anticipate scenarios, defuse situations, and ensure personal safety in any setting. Specialized training and professionalism make all the difference for spot-on security. Some private eyes may also work as bodyguards or provide discreet executive security, both armed and unarmed.

Surveillance

Yes, you can still count on private investigators to do stakeouts, but surveillance entails much more than that. In-person observation is just one level of surveillance; detectives can also monitor with technical equipment, online capabilities, and intensive interviewing to gather information for you or your company.

These ten reasons to hire a private investigator are not the only ones. If you are unsure how a licensed and highly skilled private eye can assist you, you should find a reputable company that can answer your questions and explain its procedures. You may be surprised at how much easier some of the more challenging aspects of your life can be with the help of a private detective.

If you need to hire a private investigator, contact A True PI. We have over 30 years experience in all the cases mentioned above and a team of discrete, passionate professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement. Call and speak with a specialist now- Telephone: 1-888-9-TRUEPI (87-8374)

6 ways How to Hire a Private Investigator in Dallas Texas

Service of Process, A True P.I

There are many reasons why you might want to hire a private investigator in Dallas Texas. You may wish to obtain extra security, find a missing person, or screen a potential employee. Regardless of your reason for hiring a private investigator, you want to be careful in how you go about finding and choosing one. You will be investing a great deal into the PI you hire, not only in terms of money, but also trust. You need to be sure that the investigator will work for your best interest and not try to take advantage of you.

Red Flags To Avoid

There are many legitimate private investigation firms ready and willing to serve you to the best of their abilities. Unfortunately, a lot of scam artists pose as legitimate investigators to rip you off at the first available opportunity.

There are specific warning signs that indicate that the investigator you’re talking with is not right for you:

  • Doesn’t have an office
  • Doesn’t have a website
  • Pressures you into hiring them
  • Doesn’t ask you any questions
  • Promises the exact results you want
  • Offers or agrees to do illegal things

By law, there are certain things a private investigator cannot do for you in an Infadelity investigation. These include tapping into someone else’s online accounts (social media, email, etc.) or wiretapping someone’s phones. You shouldn’t ask a private investigator to do any of these things for you. And if the PI offers to do them, it indicates that this is not someone you should hire.

Places To Start Looking

Web searches are good ways to find information about private investigators, but they are not the first places you should start looking, and you should never hire a private investigator on the basis of a print or online ad alone.

As with many services, the best way to find a private investigator is referrals from trusted sources. If you have a friend or family member who has hired a PI in the past, you can ask for the name of the agency. Then make sure your acquaintance was satisfied with the service.

However, you may not know anyone who has hired a private investigator in the past. If that’s the case, there are other places to obtain referrals:

  • Criminal defense lawyers
  • Sheriff’s department watch commander
  • Local FBI duty agency
  • Police department clerk

Ways To Vet a Private Investigator

Once you have the names of a few candidates, you should narrow down the list by checking to see if each has a good reputation. Check to see if the agency is a member of the Better Business Bureau, or if any past clients have lodged complaints against it with the BBB. Your state’s private investigator association should also have records of any complaints or disciplinary actions against the PI or the firm.

Questions To Ask a Private Investigator

A legitimate PI should offer you an initial consultation at no charge. This is an opportunity to meet the investigator face to face and gauge whether this is a person in whom you can place your trust. When meeting with a private investigator you’re thinking about hiring, the following are good questions to ask.

  1. “Can You Provide References?”

A private investigator unwilling or unable to provide references for past clients is not trustworthy. Be sure you check out any references provided to make sure they are on the up and up.

  1. “Are You Licensed?”

Most states have licensing requirements for private investigators, although some are more stringent than others. If the investigator answers in the affirmative, ask for the licensing number so you can check.

  1. “Are You Insured?”

This is important because if the PI is not insured, you could be held liable for any damages resulting from the investigation. In some states, errors and omissions insurance is a requirement to obtain a private investigator license.

  1. “Do You Have a Specialty or Area of Expertise?”

Like many professionals, private investigators sometimes specialize in a particular area. It’s often best to hire someone with expertise in the type of service you require.

  1. “What Is Your Professional Background?”

You should look for a private investigator with previous experience in law enforcement, such as with the state or local police or the FBI. Also ask about any professional certifications or degrees in relevant educational programs, such as sociology or criminal justice.

Before hiring an investigator, you should take a moment to ask yourself if you are prepared to cope with the outcome of the investigation. You might find out something that you don’t want to know, or you may be upset if the results are not what you expected or wanted. Once you decide that you’re ready to hire a private investigator, contact A True Pi to find out more about available services.

Can a Private Investigator in Dallas take videos?

A True PI in Dallas Texas specializes in Surveillance.  Private investigator’s posses with artistic advanced techniques to help our clients achieve extraordinary results during a surveillance investigation. A True PI can uncover sensitive and confidential information, within the legal guidelines. A surveillance detective can testify as an expert witness in a court of law; And the evidence would be admissible within the courts procedures, in compliance with State and Federal law guidelines.

The most dangerous, illegal, costly and reckless act is to start your own surveillance. Following a person is not an easy task and causes many people to be involved in deadly auto accidents and even worse; If you have no idea who you are investigating, watching or following around. You will find yourself in uncharted and dangerous situations that may increase your legal problems. Not to mention, of course it’s illegal for anyone to start or commence their own surveillance. A True PI in Dallas and surrounding counties can cover the entire state of Texas. A True PI investigator’s always provide clients with integrity shots with the most advanced camera and video equipment.

Any and all videos and evidence must be obtained by a licensed private investigator during a worker compensation defense, Sub-Rosa investigation, or evidence that will be entered in a court of law.  Any other way such you or a friend helping by taking pictures, videos or evidence will not be admitted in court; Since it was not recorded and or collected by a licensed private investigator who is responsible to authenticate the evidence to be submitted, recognized and accepted in a court of law.

If you would like a free consultation tailored to your specific case parameters and needs; Then please just give us a call at 1-888-987-8374

If you’re caught running a surveillance or following a person around, you maybe charged with stalking, arrested and even a restraining order filed against you. The cost of surveillance can triple after an individual starts their surveillance and investigation without a private investigator; Since it would take the private investigator longer to capture the evidence due to a compromise.

Surveillance is an art that an investigator masters from years of experience through trial and error. Surveillance may sound simple, however, there are several obstacles that meet the most experienced investigator. For example Surveillance requires a private investigator to sit in a vehicle for long hours in the middle of the day, while being quiet and alert of the surroundings. Private Investigators must keep a close watch on the subject in order to be ready and follow.

In order to engage in a successful surveillance, a private investigator must have the most advanced equipment and tools since most people who are being watched are surveillance sensitive and always paranoid and looking around. Surveillance is a very useful investigative service and tool since it provides intelligence and and overall picture of a person, business or entity. For example most people who are committing or doing wrongful activity are naturally paranoid and their conscience play a big part that indicates guilt but at the same time caution. Human nature plays a very unique part of any surveillance, it can be described as a sword that cuts both ways: Through a video surveillance you can clearly notice from the body language how a person is uneasy, paranoid and looking around to ensure that he/she are not caught committing or doing something wrong. At the same time this uneasy feeling and paranoia allows the perpetrator to become more responsive, alert and fully aware of the surroundings. An experience PI surveillance expert would have learned that obtaining several different types of video equipment, binoculars, internet access in a vehicle and most advanced surveillance tools & tactics are a must for successful results of an investigative surveillance.
Surveillance pays off when it’s done by a professional private investigator who is consistent and ready to capture that priceless moment.

 

Is it Legal to hire a Private Investigator in Houston?

Listening Device Detection & invasion of privacy, A True P.I
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How does a private investigator catch a cheating spouse?

Surveillance – A private investigator watches your spouse using advanced surveillance methods to ensure that you obtain the evidence you need. Some of these methods include tracking your spouse’s vehicle, searching their assets, and monitoring their internet activity.

Infidelity / Cheating Spouse Investigation

Is your husband or wife cheating?

The suspicion that your spouse may be cheating is a painful thought. Unfortunately, if you have a suspicion that your spouse is unfaithful, you may be right. According to statistics, wives who suspect their husbands of cheating are correct 85% of the time, while husbands who suspect their wives of cheating are correct 50% of the time. Therapist Peggy Vaughan’s research has suggested that approximately 60% of men and 40% of women will cheat at least once in their marriage. Despite the prevalence of cheating, 70% of married women and 54% of married men do not know about their spouse’s infidelity. These statistics do not even include nontraditional forms of infidelity. It is estimated that 40 million Americans have virtual encounters of a sexual nature on the internet which many consider to be “emotional affairs”.

What are the common signs of a cheating spouse?

Signs of a Cheating Spouse Infographic

In a cheating spouse infographic released by PINow in February 2012, infidelity investigators noted six of the most common signs of cheating:

  1. Changes in intimacy: A distinct increase or decrease in intimacy, affection levels, and/or sexual preferences may indicate infidelity.
  2. Suspicious phone habits: A spouse that hides his or her phone or is secretive about their call logs and text messages may be cheating.
  3. Changes in appearance: A marked change in style of dress, intimate wear, and/or personal hygiene can be a clue.
  4. Suspicious internet use: Much like phone habits, a cheating spouse may be overly secretive when it comes to their browser history and general internet and computer habits.
  5. Changes in work routine: It may seem like a cliche but a husband or wife that suddenly needs to “work late” or “go to a conference” frequently is a sign of infidelity.
  6. Changes in bathing habits: A spouse that showers right when they get home, switches cologne or perfume, or changes their grooming habits can be a sign of cheating.

If you have suspicions we are here to help! Call a Specialist at A True PI Now for a No Cost Confidential Consultation! 1-888-987-8374

Dallas Infidelity Investigations

3 Signs You Should Initiate a Dallas Infidelity Investigation

Infidelity is hard on the heart, mind, and soul. When you suspect that the person you love is cheating on you, you may want confirmation of their infidelity as much as you don’t want to know. Take it from private investigators – it’s always better to know what’s really going on. Knowledge is power, and you can make all the decisions when you’re the one in charge. Not sure whether a Dallas infidelity investigation is really necessary? Here are some signs that say otherwise.

Michigan Infidelity Investigation

You obsessively check his/her phone or social media.

You may feel like you’re the most qualified person to check up on your significant other’s activities, but attempting to uncover their infidelity on your own can be disastrous. If your partner is savvy about their deception, he or she will stay off social media entirely for the duration of their affair and may even use a separate phone to communicate with the person they’re cheating with.

Often, there is no obvious proof of infidelity – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. You’ll just drive yourself crazy and waste precious time trying to check up on your spouse. Let an investigator do the digging.

You’re ready to confront him/her.

You have no proof of infidelity, but you have long suspected it. If your significant other has made a hobby of evading and lying to you, confronting him or her with no proof will only make you feel more nuts. Cheaters are good at lies, manipulation, gaslighting, and turning around the situation so you seem like the one who is doing something wrong.

Initiating a Dallas infidelity investigation ensures that you have the proof you need so you can hold that up to your partner’s face and stop them in the middle of their lies. That being said, the investigation may also uncover that there isn’t anything going on – in which case, you’ve saved yourself from putting a major dent in your relationship.

You just have a feeling.

We get it. You just think something is going on. Chances are, you’re probably right. That gut feeling is important and you have to listen to it. But it’s always a good idea to get confirmation one way or the other.

What Happens in Dallas Infidelity Investigations

Discretion is key in every undercover investigation, especially when it comes to Dallas infidelity investigations. When you hire a private investigator to look into your partner’s whereabouts, habits, and associates, the following surveillance will happen:

  • Follow the subject
  • Identify who he/she spends time with
  • Monitor online activity
  • Take photos and videos
  • Trace emails
  • Use a vehicle tracking device
  • Conduct asset searches

Sure, you could follow your partner yourself, but how well can you stay out of the way so you’re not noticed? Professional investigators are anonymous to your partner and their job is to blend in and look natural in a situation while gathering intel about your spouse’s activities.

Worried your partner is cheating on you? Contact A True PI in Dallas Texas to discuss a private Dallas infidelity investigation.

Get the answers you need right away just give us a call at 1-888-987-8374.

Corporate Private Investigator Dallas Texas

When headlines blast that someone has been caught embezzling money from their employer, many think that it is an anomaly in the business world. The truth is that while it should be something that doesn’t happen at all, it’s actually more common than people realize. According to one report, small businesses are at the highest risk.

Most employees complicit in fraud, theft, forgery, and other illicit acts resulting in huge consequences for the company are smart enough to cover their tracks and escape the monitoring eye of surveillance cameras (where installed). In situations where employees work to defraud their employers by embezzling funds, discovering the fraud and identifying the culprits may be quite difficult. Only the intervention of a private investigator can solve the issue while also saving the reputation of the company from being damaged. Corporations and businesses will always need the help of corporate investigators.

What is a corporate investigation?

A corporate investigation can be defined as the rigorous investigation of a corporation, an organization, or a business to uncover illicit acts/activities perpetrated by staff members of the corporation or third parties that could harm the company, thereby ensuring the effective running of the organization’s workflow. Investigators who specialize in this type of work can be incredibly valuable in preventing and catching these types of criminals.

Let’s explore some of the scenarios in which a corporate investigator can be beneficial.

Employee theft

Employee theft, regardless of how big or small the item stolen, can cripple a company’s finances either rapidly or in the long run. It could involve a manager, a supervisor, or other superiors with or without the help of other employees. Staff members of an organization may steal large amounts of money, company items or equipment, and in extreme instances, intellectual property of the company. In some cases, employees may work in collaboration with the accounts officers to cover up their tracks. Some organizations use CCTV surveillance to catch such activity on camera but, in situations where the staff member(s) is working hand-in-hand with the security person, such footage may be deleted. Employee theft can leave a devastating effect on an organization’s finances and the organization itself.

Enlisting the services of a corporate investigator will help the organization uncover and curb employee theft and fish out the culprits. Investigators are experts at surveillance and interviewing subjects so they can uncover responsible parties with or without the aid of security camera footage.

Sexual harassment

Another reason for an organization to hire a corporate investigator is to root out sexual harassment. Sexual harassment may be defined as any form of unsolicited, unrequested, and unwanted sexual behavior or misconduct committed by an individual to another individual either verbally through sexually offensive language, by asking for sexual gratification, or physically through direct contact.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 60% of women say they experience sexual harassment in the workplace. Most of this sexual harassment is perpetrated by a superior to a junior colleague either by requesting sexual gratification subtly or making sexual comments at the individual, sexually-suggestive behavior, or full-blown unwelcome advances. Although some companies have sexual harassment policies, very few implement them, and sexual harassment at the workplace continues to go unchecked.

Because a culture of silence is still predominant even in today’s society, more than 85% of victims of sexual harassment at the workplace do not report it. This can interfere with an employee’s attitude towards work: a decrease in productivity level, cause distraction with work, and in serious cases may lead to an employee neglecting their work or resigning from the organization.

In cases where the productivity level of female employees is low or they keep turning in resignation letters without a tenable reason, the help of a corporate investigator comes in handy to help identify such culprits and put an end to such inappropriate action in the organization.

Fraudulent activities

Fraud activity is one of the major reasons that corporate organizations and businesses go bankrupt or eventually fold up. Even though it is rife, very few companies take precautions in preventing it from getting to the extreme. Examples of some types of fraud activity in an organization include:

Misappropriation of assets

Misappropriation of assets includes tampering with financial statements, cheque forgery, inflating expenses incurred, forging receipts, increasing account figures, signature forgery, defalcation (also known as skimming in which sales made are not recorded and the money is pocketed into the salesperson’s hand), inventory theft (where the money is either diverted to another account not belonging to the company or is physically stolen), or theft of service where an employee uses the company’s services for his own interest.

Vendor fraud

Vendor fraud happens when an employee of an organization enters into an alliance with vendors used by the organization to defraud the organization. This happens in different ways. Staff members can ask a vendor to overbill an organization for shipping and waybill costs. Bribery also happens when an agreement is made between the employee and the vendor for the vendor to pay some amount of money in exchange for a service that the company renders without the company’s knowledge.

Accounting fraud

Another type of fraud that happens is accounting fraud. Accounting fraud usually involves the participation of an employee or an accountant to mislead an organization. Instances where accounting fraud could happen include when staff members set up a fake supplier and make the company pay for nonexistent goods and services. It could also happen when an employee conspires with a supplier to bill the company for twice the amount of goods and services supplied.

Losses are incurred and debts are piled up as a result of fraudulent activities in an organization and thus, the company’s finances suffer the consequences. Plans to expand the company are put on hold and there is a struggle to pay salaries. In a situation where staff members involved have sworn to secrecy, fraud activity in an organization can continue for a long time without the root cause being detected. This is where the help of a private investigator is enlisted to thoroughly investigate the root cause of such activities.

How a corporate investigator can help

Corporate investigators act as unbiased watchdogs who can not only catch perpetrators of corporate fraud and misconduct but also help to prevent it from happening in the first place.

An investigator could perform background checks on a suspected staff member, carry out thorough research, and perform financial investigations to uncover embezzlements, bribery, accounts manipulation, etc. Investigators can also assist with surveillance, technical surveillance countermeasures (bug sweeps), and computer forensic investigation. Corporate investigators also specialize in undercover work where the investigator is given fake employment as a staff member, blending in with them in order to discover hidden activities.

Furthermore, PIs specializing in corporate investigations can assist with due diligence investigations, which are important to conduct before a company is acquired, is purchased, or goes through a merger. These types of investigations help to ensure the secondary company or new business owner is not going into business with a company that would be a severe liability.

The negative impact that fraud can have on a business is palpable. Businesses’ reputations can be destroyed or at least hurt significantly. According to a 2018 Embezzlement Study by Hilcox, “Companies that were victims of embezzlement lost far more than money: they lost customers, had more difficulty attracting new customers and lost business partners. They admitted the D embezzlement negatively impacted the company’s reputation.”

Bottomline: your business needs a corporate investigator

The importance of a corporate investigator to a corporation cannot be overemphasized as it aids in both precautionary measures and in the ability to weed out bad actors in a company. And as reported, a corporate investigator can help save a company from going bankrupt or closing altogether. It’s always a good idea to invest in corporate investigation as it might save your company money and its reputation.

Contact a specialist today for a no cost confidential consultation @ 1-888-9-TRUEPI (87-8374)