Fraud is a growing problem for businesses, legal teams and individuals. Whether it’s a fraudulent insurance claim, falsified credentials during recruitment, or internal financial misconduct, the cost can be substantial, not just financially, but reputationally too.
We work closely with legal teams and corporate clients to uncover and document fraud. Our approach is discreet, lawful and thorough, ensuring that the evidence we collect supports legal proceedings where required.
Common types of fraud
Fraud takes many forms. While each case is unique, most fall into one of the following categories:
Corporate fraud
Often internal, this includes embezzlement, false accounting, procurement fraud and intellectual property theft. It may also involve collusion with external suppliers or contractors.
Personal fraud
This can include benefit fraud, identity theft or fabricated claims in family and civil cases, such as overstated income or hidden assets in divorce proceedings.
Insurance fraud
From staged accidents to exaggerated personal injury claims, insurance fraud can cost insurers and businesses millions. Private investigators are frequently called in to verify the validity of claims and gather evidence for litigation.
Warning signs to watch for
While not always immediately obvious, there are some warning signs that suggest something isn’t right:
Inconsistencies in documentation
Discrepancies in invoices, payroll records or timesheets can be an early sign of manipulation.
Reluctance to share information
If an employee or claimant is evasive or unusually defensive, it may warrant closer scrutiny.
Lifestyle mismatch
A sudden change in someone’s lifestyle that doesn’t align with their income can raise suspicions of misappropriated funds or undeclared earnings.
Frequent small errors
Mistakes that seem minor but happen regularly can sometimes be a deliberate tactic to avoid detection.
Patterns across multiple cases
Solicitors may notice recurring elements in unrelated claims, such as similar injuries or witnesses.
Preventing fraud in your organisation
While not all fraud can be prevented, proactive steps can reduce the risk:
Background checks
Thorough screening of new employees, contractors and even clients can flag up potential issues early.
Clear policies and audits
Defined procedures for handling finances, expenses and data help reduce the opportunity for misconduct.
Encourage reporting
Anonymous reporting channels or whistleblowing policies help bring issues to light before they escalate.
Regular monitoring
Internal audits and external reviews can highlight irregularities that need further investigation.
How investigators help uncover fraud
Private investigators bring specialist skills and tools to uncover fraudulent activity in a way that stands up to legal scrutiny. We support legal teams and businesses through:
Surveillance
Monitoring the movements or behaviour of individuals making questionable claims.
Document verification
Checking the authenticity of invoices, references, contracts and qualifications.
Background research
Identifying undisclosed business interests, property ownership or previous convictions.
Undercover work
In some cases, our investigators may go undercover to gather firsthand insight.
Witness interviews
Speaking with individuals to confirm or challenge a subject’s version of events.
Our reports are fully evidenced and designed for use in legal proceedings, providing clarity and credibility to any investigation.
Why choose us?
We work discreetly and within the law, and as members of the Association of British Investigators (ABI), we uphold the highest standards in the industry. Whether you’re a solicitor needing support on a litigation case, or a business trying to protect its reputation, we provide the intelligence you need to make informed decisions.
Concerned about fraud in your organisation or a client case?
Contact us on 0208 191 3445 / 01392 278612 or learn more on our Fraud Investigations page.
