private investigation

6 Industries that Require a Background Check

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background checkBackground checks are a vital component of the hiring process in many industries, ensuring safety, security, and integrity. ASG Investigations, a leading private investigation company, explores six industries where background checks are essential:

  1. Healthcare: With access to sensitive patient information and direct interaction with vulnerable individuals, healthcare providers require thorough background checks to screen for criminal history, professional licensure, and disciplinary actions.

  2. Education: Schools, colleges, and educational institutions conduct background checks on teachers, administrators, and staff to safeguard students and maintain a secure learning environment. Checks may include verifying credentials, criminal records, and child abuse clearances.

  3. Finance and Banking: Due to the sensitive nature of financial transactions and access to confidential data, employees in the finance and banking sector undergo rigorous background checks to mitigate risks of fraud, theft, and regulatory violations.

  4. Government and Law Enforcement: Government agencies and law enforcement departments enforce strict background check requirements for employees, contractors, and applicants to ensure trustworthiness, reliability, and suitability for positions of public trust.

  5. Childcare and Elderly Care: Background checks are crucial in childcare facilities, daycare centers, and eldercare services to protect vulnerable populations from potential harm. Checks may include criminal history, child abuse clearances, and reference checks.

  6. Transportation and Logistics: Employees in transportation and logistics industries, such as trucking companies, airlines, and shipping firms, undergo background checks to verify driving records, criminal history, and compliance with safety regulations.

ASG Investigations specializes in conducting comprehensive background checks tailored to the specific needs of clients across various industries. With access to extensive databases and resources, ASG Investigations delivers accurate, reliable results that enable employers to make informed hiring decisions and mitigate risks.

By partnering with ASG Investigations for background screening services, businesses can ensure compliance with industry regulations, protect assets and personnel, and maintain a safe and secure work environment. Contact ASG Investigations today to learn more about our customized background check solutions and safeguard your organization’s interests.

Top 10 Questions to ask a Private Investigator

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questions to ask a private investigator
When seeking the services of a private investigator, asking the right questions is crucial to ensure they’re the right fit for your needs. Here are the top ten questions to ask when hiring a private investigator:

  1. Experience and Credentials: Inquire about their experience in handling cases similar to yours. Ask about their licensing, certifications, and affiliations with professional associations.

  2. Specializations: Determine if they specialize in specific types of investigations, such as infidelity, background checks, corporate investigations, or legal matters.

  3. Approach and Methodology: Understand their investigative approach. Ask about the techniques, technology, and methods they employ to handle cases effectively.

  4. Confidentiality: Ensure they prioritize confidentiality. Discuss how they handle sensitive information and maintain discretion throughout the investigation.

  5. Legal Compliance: Verify their adherence to legal and ethical standards. Ask how they ensure that investigations are conducted within the boundaries of the law.

  6. Communication and Updates: Inquire about their communication process. Understand how often they provide updates or reports on the progress of the investigation.

  7. Cost and Fees: Discuss their fee structure and payment terms upfront. Clarify what is included in the fees and if there are additional expenses to anticipate.

  8. References and Testimonials: Request references or client testimonials. Hearing about previous clients’ experiences can provide insight into their professionalism and success rate.

  9. Timeline: Discuss the expected timeline for the investigation. While some cases may vary in complexity, having an estimated timeframe can help manage expectations.

  10. Results and Reporting: Ask about the deliverables. Inquire how they present their findings and if they offer comprehensive reports or documentation at the conclusion of the investigation.

Remember, establishing a rapport and feeling comfortable with the investigator is crucial. Trust your instincts and assess their responses to determine if they align with your expectations and needs.

Choosing the right private investigator involves thorough research and asking pertinent questions. By addressing these key points, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of their expertise, professionalism, and suitability for handling your specific case.

Ready to get started? Contact ASG Investigations in Southeastern Michigan for all your private investigations needs.

6 Signs You Need To Conduct a Corporate Investigation

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corporate investigations for safeguarding business

In the corporate world, maintaining integrity and security is essential for sustainable growth and success. However, various internal and external factors can compromise a company’s stability and reputation. Conducting a corporate investigation is a proactive measure that can protect businesses from potential risks and ensure a safe and ethical work environment. Here are six crucial signs that indicate the need for a corporate investigation.

  1. Suspicious Financial Activities: Unexplained financial discrepancies, irregularities in accounting records, or sudden fluctuations in revenue can indicate potential financial fraud within a company. If there are suspicions of embezzlement, money laundering, or other fraudulent activities, conducting a thorough financial investigation is crucial to identify the root cause and prevent further monetary losses.

  2. Intellectual Property Theft: A sudden decline in the company’s intellectual property (IP) value or instances of unauthorized use of proprietary information by employees or competitors can be indicative of intellectual property theft. A corporate investigation can uncover the source of the breach and help implement stringent measures to safeguard valuable trade secrets and intellectual assets.

  3. Employee Misconduct: Reports of employee misconduct, such as harassment, discrimination, or violation of company policies, should prompt an immediate investigation. Identifying and addressing instances of employee misconduct can foster a healthy work environment and prevent potential legal liabilities or damage to the company’s reputation.

  4. Breach of Confidential Information: Instances of leaked sensitive information, client data breaches, or unauthorized sharing of confidential company information can severely impact a company’s credibility and trustworthiness. A corporate investigation can help determine the source of the breach and implement robust data protection protocols to prevent future security lapses.

  5. Suspicious Partner or Vendor Activities: Unusual behavior or suspicious activities by business partners, vendors, or suppliers can pose significant risks to a company’s operations and reputation. Conducting a thorough investigation can reveal any potential fraudulent dealings or unethical practices, allowing the company to safeguard its interests and maintain ethical business relationships.

  6. Competitive Intelligence Threats: Unexplained changes in market share, pricing strategies, or product offerings that seem to align with a competitor’s actions may indicate potential competitive intelligence threats. A corporate investigation can uncover any illicit competitive practices or unauthorized access to sensitive business information, enabling the company to implement effective countermeasures and protect its competitive edge.

In conclusion, recognizing the signs that necessitate a corporate investigation is crucial for safeguarding a company’s assets, reputation, and overall stability. By addressing suspicious financial activities, intellectual property theft, employee misconduct, breach of confidential information, suspicious partner or vendor activities, and competitive intelligence threats, companies can proactively mitigate risks and ensure a secure and ethical business environment. Conducting regular corporate investigations not only protects the company from potential liabilities but also fosters a culture of integrity and transparency, driving long-term success and sustainability.

Contact ASG today to discuss your need for corporate investigations.

Why You Should Hire a Private Investigator to Investigate Workers’ Comp Claims

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workers' compensation claims, hire a private investigator

 

 

Approximately 5 million employees file workers’ comp claims annually, and those claims individually average $41,000. Hiring a private investigator to investigate workers’ compensation claims can provide several benefits for employers and insurance companies. But what are some reasons why you might consider hiring a private investigator for this purpose?

Uncover Fraudulent Claims

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation fraud is a significant issue that costs businesses and insurers a significant amount of money each year. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, workers’ injuries can cost a business over $100,000 per year. Private investigators are skilled at gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, and interviewing witnesses, which can help uncover fraudulent claims. By identifying fraudulent claims early on, you can save your organization from unnecessary expenses and deter others from attempting to defraud the system.

Ensure the Legitimacy of Claims

While not all workers’ compensation claims are fraudulent, hiring a private investigator can help determine the legitimacy of a claim. Investigators can collect evidence, review medical records, interview witnesses, and provide an unbiased assessment of the claim’s validity. This can prevent you from paying out on baseless or exaggerated claims and ensure that the benefits go to those who genuinely deserve them. Note: only up to 6% of claims are found to be fraudulent, but that can still cause financial issues for your business. 

Mitigate Risk and Liability

Conducting a thorough investigation of workers’ compensation claims can help you mitigate risk and limit potential liability. Private investigators can identify any factors contributing to future accidents or injuries as well, such as unsafe working conditions, policy violations, or negligence. By addressing these issues promptly, you can reduce the likelihood of further incidents and protect your organization from potential lawsuits. 

Gather Evidence for Legal Proceedings

In cases where workers’ compensation claims lead to litigation, private investigators can play a crucial role in gathering evidence and building a strong defense. Their expertise in collecting information, conducting background checks, and interviewing witnesses can provide valuable support to legal teams. By having a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding a claim, you can better prepare your case and potentially achieve more favorable outcomes in court. This, of course, would also result in financial benefits and a safer reputation for your company. 

Save Time and Resources

Conducting thorough investigations can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Outsourcing this task to a private investigator allows you to free up your internal resources to focus on core business operations. Private investigators are experienced professionals who know how to efficiently gather information, follow leads, and compile comprehensive reports, saving you time and effort.

It’s important to note that when hiring a private investigator, you should ensure that they operate within the bounds of the law and adhere to ethical standards. Additionally, consult with legal professionals to ensure that the investigation process aligns with applicable regulations and requirements in your jurisdiction. Be sure to contact us when you’re ready to hire a private investigator and avoid internal headaches for your hiring, managerial, or HR team. 

What a Private Investigation Asset Investigation Can Find

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Private Investigation Asset Investigation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A professional private investigator can handle a variety of investigation needs, but an asset investigation takes it to the next level. A private investigation asset investigation is a type of investigation that aims to uncover an individual’s financial assets, liabilities, and net worth. But what are some things that a private investigation asset investigation can find?

Bank Accounts

Business acquisitions, divorce cases, and even child custody claims may require a deep dig to go beyond someone’s claims and discover the hidden skeletons they’re trying to conceal. A private investigator can conduct a bank account search to identify all bank accounts held by the individual. This can include checking accounts, savings accounts, and investment accounts such as stocks, pensions, and other mutual funds or retirement accounts held by the bank or split between financial institutions.

Real Estate

Real estate prices inflated at baffling rates in the early 2020’s. Even though those prices have stabilized somewhat, the industry is still maintaining an impressive 5-7% annual growth rate. So it comes as no surprise that property owners may try to minimize the extent of their personal real estate assets. A private investigator can conduct a thorough property search to identify all real estate owned by the individual, including homes, rental properties, and commercial properties. And that can result in significantly higher settlements for a claimant or more extensive capital prospects for a business venture. 

Vehicles

Owned or leased vehicles, both personal and professional, can add to someone’s overall net worth and lead to higher court claims or professional capital interest. Yet, some of those assets are often “accidentally” undisclosed in legal drafts or intentionally omitted altogether. A private investigator can conduct a vehicle search to identify all vehicles owned by the individual, including cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles.

Business Interests

The right business deals can make or break a company’s overall success, so it’s crucial to know the full extent of what assets are on the table before finalizing any mergers or acquisitions. A private investigator can conduct a business search to identify all businesses owned by the individual, including partnerships, corporations, and sole proprietorships.

Securities and Investments

Not all legal financial holdings are held or secured through a bank or credit union, but they are all registered somewhere. A private investigator can conduct a securities search to identify all securities and investments owned by the individual, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

Liabilities

Over 340 million Americans are currently in debt. So it’s crucial to know what extra financial responsibilities you may potentially be taking on in any serious relationship, whether that’s a personal or professional venture. Asking outright is a good start, but people may not know the extent of their debt. They could also be too embarrassed to disclose its entirety. A private investigator can identify any outstanding debts, loans, and other financial obligations that the individual may have so at least you’re aware.

By conducting an asset investigation, a private investigator can provide valuable information about an individual’s financial situation, which can be useful in various contexts, including divorce cases, lawsuits, and business transactions. Give us a call when you’re ready to discuss your needs with the right professional private investigator.