private investigator

Time Card Fraud: How to Catch a Cheating Employee

Posted on by cara

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Employee theft costs American businesses an average of $50 billion annually. But it’s not just about property, financial, or inventory theft. According to the American Payroll Association, time theft is also an issue that can cost a single business up to 7% of its annual payroll costs. And in some cases, that may be enough to hire additional or replacement staff. Fortunately, there are some practical ways to catch a cheating employee. 

Keep Your Employees on Their Toes

If you suspect employee time card fraud, unexpected measures may be required to throw a wrench into the fraudster’s plans. One option is to run unannounced checks to confirm employee attendance. The easiest way to ensure compliance is to inform employees of the random checks but not tell them when they’ll occur. If your employees really want to be there for the right reasons, there will be nothing to hide or cover. Catching employees off-guard can help ensure your business is always run by the right people. 

Implement an Internal Reporting System

Encourage all employees to anonymously report any observed or suspected fraud. Management may need to cross-check such reports to ensure they’re all legitimate, but anonymous reporting can give insights into consistently problematic patterns or areas of concern. Chances are, most reports will allow employees to make authentic reports without fear of retaliation.

Cross-Check with Other Records

Time cards aren’t the only options for verifying expected or scheduled employee hours. Compare the time cards with client records, project records, and security logs to see who came and went or who stayed through their shifts. HR departments or managers may need to hire employees or create specific projects or positions to cover this if fraud is extensive enough. It may take some extra time and work to compare those records, but it could save a lot of money in the long run. 

Implement Technology 

Technological advancements in computer applications can improve business dealings all around. But special applications, programs, and even internal logging devices can make timecard logging and recording a breeze. Data analysis can also easily catch discrepancies in scheduling records. If specific programs aren’t reasonable for the company’s budget or industry, apply apps or other options to record and analyze the data for you. Even hiring a company or individual can reduce HR headaches and eliminate potentially pricey mistakes. 

Hire a Confidential Private Investigator

Consider hiring outside help to save time, headaches, and internal resources. Competent private investigators have access to the newest updated tech devices, so they can easily analyze the necessary data, apps, and programs needed to highlight scheduling discrepancies and discover employee fraud. A private investigator can conduct personal surveillance, set up surveillance cameras throughout the business, or record data through business apps, programs, and computer entries. They can also perform spot checks or audits, compare various records, and continually run background checks to ensure you’re keeping the right staff on the payroll. Catching a cheating employee doesn’t have to be an internal pain.  Be sure to contact ASG Investigations when you’re ready to discuss your needs with a confidential private investigator. 

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

Posted on by cara

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.

5 Things PI’s Look for When Investigating Insurance Fraud

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investigating insurance fraud asg investigationsInsurance fraud is a serious crime that costs insurance companies and policyholders billions of dollars each year. Private investigators ( or PIs) can play a critical role in uncovering insurance fraud. But how do they go about doing that? Here are five major things PIs look for when investigating insurance fraud. 

Suspicious Claims

Experienced private investigators are well-versed regarding a variety of claims. Therefore, not all PIs are equal and there is some truth to the saying ‘you get what you pay for’. A budget PI may sound like a great deal, but consider their qualifications when it counts. Qualified PIs look for claims that are suspicious or appear to be fraudulent. This includes claims for injuries or damages that seem exaggerated, claims that are filed very soon after a policy is purchased, or claims that are filed immediately before a policy is set to expire.

Inconsistencies in Claimants’ Statements 

Highly trained and experienced private investigators know how to scrutinize statements made by claimants to identify inconsistencies or discrepancies. They will look for changes in the claimant’s story or for discrepancies between the claimant’s statement and the evidence. Once discovered, they can compile their own case of insurance fraud or at least add competent claims and factual statements to an existing one. 

Surveillance Evidence

Private investigators will conduct surveillance on claimants to gather evidence that may support or refute the claim. They may use audio, video, or photographic evidence to document the claimant’s activities and to determine whether they are engaging in activities that are inconsistent with their injury or disability claim. A good PI has access to high-tech devices and surveillance equipment to which even the newest mass-produced Apple products can’t compare. And they know exactly what’s admissible and accepted by the local courts. 

Medical Records Reviews

Approximately 30% of medical claims are denied. But up to 60% of appealed medical claims are won. Courts are stringent when it comes to medical evidence, and medical practitioners have no problem hiring high-powered legal teams to keep their names and reputations out of the mud. A competent PI will review medical records to look for evidence that the claimant may be exaggerating or fabricating injuries. They may also look for evidence of pre-existing conditions that could be contributing to the claimant’s injuries.

Background Investigations

Anyone with access to the internet can access online background sites that offer basic information beyond a paywall. Most of that provided information is identical regardless of the site used, and the majority of information is public domain. Private investigators have access to private databases not open or available to those who don’t work in the legal industry. A PI will conduct a background investigation on the claimant to look for any past criminal activity or history of fraudulent insurance claims. They may also investigate the claimant’s financial history to see if there are any indications of financial difficulties that could motivate them to commit insurance fraud. Be sure to contact us when you’re ready to talk to an experienced private investigator who is thorough, detail-oriented, and diligent in their efforts to uncover fraudulent activity.