Private investigator Services and Fraud Investigations

Crown Intelligence have private investigators with years of experience investigating fraud in its many forms. Investigating any form of fraud can be a very important operation ensuring that any persons or companies who are prepared to carry out misleading and illegal activities for financial gain are brought to answer for their actions. Below are some of; but not limited to the varying forms of fraud investigations that we can carry out.

False disbursements

Fraudulent disbursement schemes could include false statements or values of expenses on statements or claims. Improper use of company cards and finances, claims for disguised non work related expenses, falsifying documentation or receipts, and generally using the companies system for payment of proper expenses and incurred costs in a fraudulent manner.

False time sheets/time claims

Fraudulent time sheets and accounting for charged hours, invoices for employees or contractors time not used and addition of excess time or overtime that is not worked.

Economic extortion

When an individual within a company asks for money or some other consideration to “assist” in making a particular business or trade decision. This type of fraud can run from a few hundred pounds to hundreds of thousands or even more. Cases of economic extortion are often only uncovered when “whistle blowers” have provided information on the persons concerned.

Bribery

Bribery occurs when an individual accepts money, goods or services in order to change a particular course of action or inaction. This type of corruption is very difficult to detect under normal circumstances, and in the absence of an investigation may continue or repeat itself for long periods of time unnoticed. 

Long term fraud

Long Firm Fraud can be classed under two headings; the first example is when a business concentrates on developing a good credit and trading history in order to win the trust of its suppliers. This is often done by placing several small orders with other companies and pay for these orders regularly and on time. When the fraudsters wish to carry out the fraud they generally place several large orders with the companies with which they have established good credit and then disappear with the goods.
The second example is when a business sets up a fraudulent activity that is designed to be of a sufficient low financial level to be unnoticeable on a daily basis. When continued over a period of several years can amount to significant financial levels. This type of fraud is often associated with larger companies and companies with a high turnover.

False invoicing

Invoicing that has been adjusted or camouflaged to appear correct, but in fact constitutes financial gain for the fraudsters.

Fake companies / non existent products or services

This particular area of fraud can be some of the easiest to setup and can result in “quick wins” for the fraudsters concerned. A detailed setup is engineered with companies and seemingly available products. Support is usually engineered to give the impression of reliability and good trading. Often this fraud is engineered from offshore companies or those linked to them.

Other Fraud Investigations

In addition to the above areas of fraud, Crown Intelligence can investigate into Benefit Fraud, Company Fraud, and Identity Fraud. Please contact a Private Investigator at our offices and we shall be glad to assist.