Thankfully, fraud investigators have several information sources at their disposal. Public records with includes government, private sources, online databases and internet searches can be vital in gathering back ground information to aid in an investigation. DOJ, IRS, SS, CIA and SSA are agencies that can be helpful in identifying areas where the perpetrator was residing when the fraud was occurring. The state and local county office can also provide information. Utility records, DMV and the state prison are additional sources for information. Private investigator can also be hired to conduct legal research. The net worth method can be used to determine if the persons lifestyle matches his or her income. If it does not it could mean there are undisclosed sources of income or possible illegal or unethical income streams. Data analysis of several years even decades can show patterns since most fraud offenders can be repeat offenders.

DQ9: What is a kickback and who are most vulnerable to receiving one?