02 July 2019

What Are a Fraud Investigator’s Duties?

Submitted by: Ruan Fourie
What Are a Fraud Investigator’s Duties?

Fraud investigation services are becoming more and more necessary as businesses boom as the economy shifts, pushes and pulls. This means that there are multiple opportunities for fraudulent activities that continue to evolve, especially with the rise of the internet. Fraud investigations now require new fraud investigators to take on new responsibilities. This article discusses some of the actions considered to be the duties of a fraud investigator.

Identifying Fraudulent Behaviour

The quintessential characteristic that companies who provide fraud investigation services look for in the fraud investigators they hire is strong intuition. This instinct or “gut feeling” is what kicks off successful fraud investigations, as knowing where to look is the first step of any fraud investigation. No one wants a fraud investigator who doesn’t know when they are barking up the wrong tree or one who walks away from companies riddled with fraud. Knowing when you are onto something is key.

Gathering Evidence

Fraud investigations begin once there is enough suspicion that unsavory activity is afoot. Fraud investigation services should be called in the moment numbers don’t add up the way they should. In most cases, this is a strong indication that there is a reason for suspicion.

Gathering evidence during fraud investigation can include anything from documents and financial statements to photographs of property and video footage. This will allow the fraud investigator to identify the vulnerabilities of a company and the assets that are most at risk of being targeted by fraudulent activities.

Interviewing Witnesses

Fraud investigators must be as diligent in their interviewing process as they are while gathering evidence. Fraud investigations often involve multiple and extensive interviews with witnesses. Often all that is required to be considered a witness in fraud investigations is that the person in question works at the company under investigation. You may not have literally “witnessed” this activity, but it will help the fraud investigator to determine exactly where the wrongdoing lies.

Compiling Reports

This is, arguably, the most important step: to compile a report once the fraud investigations are nearing completion. This makes it clear to the client exactly what activities have taken place and whether they are indeed fraudulent.

Professional fraud investigation services can put an end to these activities before they do serious and irreparable damage to your business.