FRAUD – the word that has launched a thousand investigation training schools conferences and events. 95% of which offer no solutions to “fraud” but do help the gullible to part with their money in a vague hope of reducing fraud in their workplace.

In this article Mike Evans reveals an old Fraud that targets every Australian Business and Government Agency, and what to do if you become an intended victim.

Few “Fraud” events address serious solutions to common Australian Fraud activity. That is because the good frauds are small and not noteworthy of a major CIA guest speaker who can talk for hours on terrorism and money laundering, which is irrelevant to my reality and that of 99% of Australia.

The committed fraudster is creative and has a “speed to market” that circumvents any response, and once fraud is exposed too much time has elapsed since , and not enough money is involved to warrant police involvement or interest. The best scams, ask for small amounts from hundreds of thousands of potential victims. This keeps defences down, and it easier to pay for the small amount than look up an invoice that was allegedly received 11 months ago.

Professional Fraudsters do get away with their activities, have access to legal representation when caught and are treated leniently by the justice system when sentenced or fined. The victims get nothing. Fraud without violence or use of weapons is called White Collar Crime, and in Australia it is rife.

I should know I set up my Investigation Training Academy on the Gold Coast – Australia’s Fraud Capital. Perhaps that is one of the reasons my investigation training business has boomed! Australian business wants to know about fraud that affects Australia.

Perhaps the most vigorous professionally operated White Collar Crime Fraud activity in Australia is:

Invoice Fraud

This fraud can be committed without violence, use of weapons or sale of drugs, however the proceeds of these types of fraud can be used to finance other activities such as drug or arms importation. Such fraud is attractive because penalties are almost non-existent.

Invoice Fraud is commonly known as “Blowing” it is widespread and the Gold Coast in Queensland is the centre of activity. The term “Blower” has been adopted as the Fraudster uses the telephone or a fax machine to solicit payments for Directory Advertising that has never been approved nor will ever be published.

Every school, university, business, government agency, website and charity in Australia is targeted by “Blowers”. Blowers collect logos, signatures, crests and letterheads to create false approval letters from any financial authority listed by an intended victim on a website or in any annual report or similar publication.

When approval for advertising is queried by a bookkeeper, accountant or auditor a forged approval complete with letterhead and signature can be faxed back straight away to invoke prompt payment. Some “Blowers” are so well organised that they have used genuine Collection Agencies to collect the overdue invoices for advertising that was never approved or provided. (Collection agencies don’t ask questions, they want business too.)

Investigating Blowers

These Fraudsters are smart people who know how to use the system to work in their favour:
 • They change address frequently (In Europe and America this is known as Boiler Room Addressing. Low cost rental in CDB building for 3 months, slash and burn the local business district through false invoicing, then move on to avoid detection)
 • A physical address never appears on the false invoices.
 • Telcos will not reveal the location of physical phones (The Fraudster knows how to use the system).
 • PO Boxes are never attached to the commercial premises.
 • Secure commercial premises that can only be accessed by lifts are another base preferred by Blowers.
 • Complainants don’t keep records of documents or conversations (no continuity of evidence)
 • Complainants are vague about the misrepresentations made to them.
 • Sales staff never use their real names

Examples of known income

Premises searches, interviews with and the bank records of 3 Gold Coast Blowers revealed:
 • One Blower grossing in excess of 3 million dollars per year.
 • One Blower openly admitting that in 17 years of trade on the Gold Coast he had made $40 million dollars.
 • A single young woman operating out of a Gold Coast High Rise selling advertising into two non-existent directories using a phone, fax and computer made $160,000.00 in 4 months. (She was charged and fined $5,000.00; I wonder what she is doing today?)

Don’t sucker for Invoice Fraud

Every workplace listed in the white pages, yellow pages, any directory, the Internet, and all government agencies, sports clubs, associations and charities are potential targets of this type of fraud.

If you receive an invoice for advertising or goods you did not approve, or you are unaware of contact the Office of Fair Trading in your state:
 • Keep the false invoice do not throw it away most people do and vital evidence is lost.
 • Keep a detailed record of any telephone conversations that follow requesting payment. Day, date and time, I said / She said.
 •  Insist on attending the premises to view the published advertising, approval letter and records of previous contact by the organisations sales staff. (They don’t want you there.)
 •  Ask to speak to the sales person who called you.
 • Remember you are dealing with professional fraudsters here, if they think you are aware of them their modus operendi they will leave you alone.

They rely on you being too busy to check, and gullible about supporting a non-existent directory for a worthy cause. Believe me their cause is not worthy, it is 100% fraudulent. And one final note, these Blower organisations are organised, they have sales targets, awards for sales person of the month and employee of the year. This is serious business with huge potential returns and low penalties; only you and I can put them out of business by not falling for their scam.

Beware this could lead to light dimming action!!!

Claims Performance Team Leader
CTP Division; Motor Accident Insurance Commission; Office of the Insurance Commissioner; Brisbane

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is a portfolio office within Treasury Department with responsibilities for Queensland’s motor accident insurance scheme, insurance arrangements for the Government’s assets and liabilities, and advice to the Government on general insurance issues. The OIC comprises the Queensland Government Insurance Fund and the statutory bodies of the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (the Commission) and the Nominal Defendant. The purpose of this role is to: • manage the legislative functions in relation to claims compliance, claims management monitoring and insurer oversight, including referee referrals, fraud prosecutions and complaints from stakeholders involving potential breaches of the MAI Act • provide technical advice and recommendations about the MAI Act and other relevant legislation, claims management and legal and litigation trends.
Job type: Permanent Full-time
Category: Management
Classification: AO8
Location: Brisbane - CBD
Job ad reference: QLD/TY1010/11
Closing date: 02-Dec-2011
Salary per annum: $101609 - $107466
Salary per fortnight: $3894.70 - $4119.20
Contact name: Kim Birch
Contact details: Ph (07) 3224 5954

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is a portfolio office within Treasury Department and comprises the Queensland Government Insurance Fund and the statutory bodies of the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (the Commission) and the Nominal Defendant.

The Commission is responsible for the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme for Queensland in accordance with the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 (MAI Act).

The purpose of this role is to:

• manage the legislative functions in relation to claims compliance, claims management monitoring and insurer oversight, including referee referrals, fraud prosecutions and complaints from stakeholders involving potential breaches of the MAI Act

• provide technical advice and recommendations about the MAI Act and other relevant legislation, claims management and legal and litigation trends.

Reporting/work relationships

The role reports directly to the General Manager, Motor Accident Insurance and works collaboratively with the Policy and Research Team and the Scheme Performance Team, as well as the broader Office of the Insurance Commissioner.  This role has approximately four staff (full-time equivalents).

Your key responsibilities

The responsibilities and duties of the role include the following:

• Lead, manage and motivate a team of technical specialists to ensure delivery of required outcomes.

• Manage the Claims Performance activities to ensure accurate technical advice is provided on claims management and litigation trends, insurer legislative compliance and strategic analysis of the CTP scheme.

• Oversee the preparation of technical reports, presentations and general communications concerning CTP claims performance and contribute to policy development.

Insurer Compliance

• Lead the activities of monitoring insurer compliance with the claims management provisions of the MAI Act, Regulation, Guidelines and other relevant legislation.

• Coordinate and review processes for managing complaints against insurers .

• Establish an appropriate insurer self-audit program, review submitted reports and, based on insurer outcomes and experience, conduct Commission claims audits.

• Manage the investigation of complex and/or sensitive allegations concerning potential breaches of the MAI Act and provide recommendations and advice to the Insurance Commissioner.

Claims Monitoring

• Monitor CTP scheme claim management, undertake analysis of complex issues and trends concerning claims, formulate recommendations to improve CTP scheme operations and performance.

• Develop and maintain sound working relationships with insurers and other key stakeholders, as and when required.

• Oversee claim file reviews so as to inform policy development and advice to Government.

• Provide expert strategic advice to the Insurance Commissioner and Government on claims legislation, systems, costs, trends and performance.

• Oversee insurer claims performance and report areas of concern and non-compliance to the Insurance Commissioner.

• Conduct legal and litigation trend monitoring and interpretation and report and make recommendations on areas of concern to the Insurance Commissioner.

Fraud

• Develop and coordinate strategies and initiatives to identify and combat fraud in or related to motor vehicle accident claims.

• Coordinate the processes for investigating fraud referrals and preparation of cases for prosecution through barristers.

CTP Helpline

• Oversee the operation of the CTP Helpline by ensuring operators are equipped to respond to enquiries from claimants, motor vehicle owners and scheme stakeholders.

• Provide technical assistance and support to the CTP Helpline operators to enable appropriate responses to customer enquiries on matters related to CTP claim processes.

• Monitor trends in enquiries to inform the development of education and information strategies and policy development.

Applications to remain current for 12 months

No phone inquiries to me please. I just advertise what they ask for, if you want details send me a resume and I will pass it on. The client is an employer with work for surveillance operatives in their investigation business. I am an instructor with 470 students to teach and assess in a busy training organsation. All applications passed direct to the client on reciept. This is not physical injury surveillance. View your results in the National media. This is a career building opportunity with one of Australia's best Investigation employer's. You will be paid on time everytime, this agency is excellent to work for, I have worked for them.

Your resume sent to me, will be sent to the client instantly, that is what will get you the opportunity.Talking to me about it on the phone will provide no further details, because I am not the client, and I cannot speak for it.

Positions close 11/12/2011

View the promotional trailer for this webinar here.

Over the last 10 years Mike Evans has personally met with all of these employers and delivered training and assessement services to their organisations. In this powerful Webinar resource you can find out who the employers are, what they do and their contact details plus much more. Target your applications appropriately and you will not be disappointed with the opportunities that follow when you view this Webinar  : How to get work as a Licensed PI in NSW!

You will discover FOURTEEN successful investigation agencies!

1. Who the quality civil investigation employers are?
2. Who the contact is for work applications is?
3. What they do?
4. Insights into who their clients are or the type of work they do.

This is the most powerful employment opportunity initiative that I have ever created. In this 25 minute video recording you will be introduced to the major employers in NSW. If they are major in NSW they are major NATION WIDE. Miss this and you will miss opportunities to establish contact with those who need you now or in the future to complete investigation work on behalf of their clients. It's a competitive business, get ahead of your competition now and gain the inside knowledge on the important NSW industry contacts.

With 18 qualifications on it's Scope of Registration the Academy provides compliance training solutions across multple industry sectors and government. Our clients are a mix of established and emerging compliance corporations, legal firms, and, local, state and federal government departments seeking quality professional development for their investigators.

The Academy has through consultation, innovation and client focused initiatives become a major supplier of Loss Adjusting Professional Development at Diploma level. We have achieved this by offering a flexible program that reflects the practical application of Loss Adjusting in the workplace as required by major insurance clients.

We have a casual vacancy for a talented, experienced on line Loss Adjusting instructional designer and presenter (no assessment required).
 Applicants must be familiar with LMS concepts (preferably Moodle), be able to quickly design and write dynamic interesting training Diploma materials for real time presentation on line. Knowledge of CVent would be highly regarded.
Confident presenation skills are mandatory, technical knowledge of on line presentation methods must be demonstrated. Short listed applicants will be required to demonstrate their teaching techniques and industry knowledge in real time on line.

Certificte IV in TAA and Diploma of Loss Adjusting are mandatory.

If you are an engaging instructor, have ambition to grow in an organisation and want your students to thrive and excel in the Loss Adjusting Industry, send your resume to:
michael.evans@australiansecurityacademy.com.au
Applications close November 20th 2011
No phone applications or inquiries willbe accepted.

With 18 qualifications on it's Scope of Registration the Academy provides compliance training solutions across multple industry sectors and government. Our clients are a mix of established and emerging compliance corporations, legal firms, and, local, state and federal government departments seeking quality professional development for their investigators.
We have a casual vacancies for talented, experienced on line instructional designers and presenters (no assessment required). Applicants must be familiar with LMS concepts (preferably Moodle), be able to quickly design and write dynamic interesting training materials for real time presentation on line. Knowledge of CVent would be highly regarded.
Confident presenation skills are mandatory, technical knowledge of on line presentation methods must be demonstrated. Short listed applicants will be required to demonstrate their teaching techniques and industry knowledge in real time on line.

Certificte IV in TAA is mandatory plus qualifications in your field of expertise:
Investigation
Government Fraud Control
Security Risk Management
OH&S

If you are an engaging instructor, have ambition to grow in an organisation and have an understanding of social B2B networking, send your resume to:
michael.evans@australiansecurityacademy.com.au
Applications close October 24th 2011
No phone applications or inquiries willbe accepted.

If you wish to be a Government Investigator you must know these policies, in particular why you must be qualified in investigations.

View the new 2011 Fraud Control Guidelines

You can locate Mike Evans on Google Profiles here!

State licensing regulators such as the Victorian Licensing Services Division, WA Police, Tas Consumer Affairs, NSW CAPI  as well as Internal Dispute Resolution and the Insurance Ombudsman are now regarding professional development as mandatory for all investigators. The onus for education is not only on the investigator, but the employer and the client to raise standards of service delivery in Insurance Investigation.

In Australia today there is a growing demand for investigators with skills in Insurance Investigation, Corporate / Government Fraud Control and Compliance. This demand is driven by Insurers and Corporations and Government seeking to minimise fraud, and reduce opportunities for those who seek gain a credit, advantage or chattel by deceit. Electronic commerce with its speed and anonymity has opened opportunities for faceless white collar crime, never before experienced by organisations operating in a global economic environment. Police resources are not able to keep pace with organised and opportunistic crime in cyber trade. Police are not interested in minor frauds fewer than one million dollars in neither value, nor really do governments consider they can win any votes by channelling funding into the fight against this type of crime, when local needs in the maintenance of law and order are a higher priority. Police expect corporations and Governments to plug the holes in the systems and hand police a brief of evidence before they will commence an inquiry into white collar fraud. In the next foreseeable 10 years the demand for Investigation, Risk Management and Fraud Control specialists will continue to grow in order to minimise opportunities for white collar crime.

The Academy has responded to the fast pace of change in the investigation industry by making learning available to everyone who needs to develop skills in investigation, statement taking and interviewing, scene inspection, preparing evidence, report writing and surveillance. You can formalise your qualifications or commence uyour study today at te Australian Security Academy. Simply call Mike Evans 0755148100 to commence studying or formalising your qualifications in any of these programs.

BSB41407 Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety

BSB51307 Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety

CPP30607 Certificate III in Investigative Services

CPP40707 Certificate IV in Security and Risk Management

CPP50607 Diploma of Security and Risk Management

FNS30404 Certificate III in Financial Services (Mercantile Agents)

PSP40304 Certificate IV in Government (Court Compliance)

PSP40604 Certificate IV in Government (Fraud Control)

PSP41404 Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance)

PSP41504 Certificate IV in Government (Investigation)

PSP41604 Certificate IV in Government (Security)

PSP50604 Diploma of Government (Fraud Control)

PSP51704 Diploma of Government (Investigation))

PSP51804 Diploma of Government (Security)

PSP51904 Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection)

PSP60504 Advanced Diploma of Government (Management)

PSP60904 Advanced Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection)

TAA40104 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

The concept really clicked with me. Demand is what drives a market, and
satisfying a need in a market is what determines success.  If there is a
demand for a Drive Through Taxidermists 24/7, there is no less a demand for
what you can do with your knowledge, skills and qualifications in your
industry. Those who seize the moment and make their services available
deserve the rewards they receive from their efforts. Those who complain
about their life, see nothing but lack, think their competitors are
successful and believe there are no opportunities left, will never
competitively trouble an entrepreneur on the pathway to success.

So we come to my point. The market for investigation exists. Your task is to
attract a sufficient share of the market by making yourself available to
those with a need for your service and an ability to pay for you for that
service. Your energy must be directed at satisfying a need and creating
repeat business through service excellence.

People say to me: "Mike it is alright for you, you have the resources and
contacts to do that, but I don't, and this recession is global, and swine
flu is making people scared". I say to those people, if you keep up that way
of thinking, you will never be successful at anything. Economies did not
stop for the duration of two world wars and umpteen dozens of lethal
diseases and recessions since.  Business continued then and so it does now,
there has never been a better time to enjoy the reward of business success.

Yes I have contacts and I have resources, but I networked, groomed and built
those over time. I made mistakes and missed opportunities too, but I do not
dwell on "what could have been"?   I expected no one to hand me an
opportunity, handout or instant success. Just like anyone else who has
achieved a share of a market I had to work to gain it. And so do you.

Here are three examples

I have in my role as an investigation assessor met people who have achieved
outstanding success in the Australian investigation industry who faced
adverse conditions or situations.

No ability to speak English. In 2008 I conducted assessments on the staff of
a major State Government Investigation Agency. I had known the Investigation
Manager for three years in his role, which was a substantially remunerated
one. During one on the job assessment he told me how he came into the
industry. As a young 18 year old man, who could barely speak English he went
to the Department of Social Security (now known as Centrelink). He found on
the job board a Position Vacant for a Surveillance Operative. He could not
speak much English, he did not know what a "surveillance operative" did and
he rang up and was given the job. On the first day his vehicle was rammed by
the surveillance subject. Now twenty five years later he is the
Investigation Manager of one of Australia's largest and most respected
government agencies. He worked, he learned a second language and he studied
his craft to get to that point. He did not say "this is the recession we had
to have, so I will lay down and die ". He got on with achieving excellence
in his work.

Competitive market place. In 2007 an investigator located in a competitive
saturated investigation market asked me if had identified any trends in
investigation.  She was losing business to cheaper competition, and her
market was the smallest in Australia, in Australia's least populated state.
I told her that Government Internal dispute and grievance and complaint
investigations were on the rise. Ethical Standards units and such were
overwhelmed with fraud and serious inappropriate conduct and inappropriate
use of power investigations. These agencies did not have the time or
resource to deal with minor internal disputes, grievances and complaints
that may escalate if not addressed. She took my advice and developed a
factual investigation market based on those investigations. Today she
employs four investigators full time in that type of work plus has three
other investigators doing her regular investigation work.  Yes, she now
rings me every six month to ask about any trends I have identified.

Paid too much. It was 2005 when I met Lucy. She had purchased an established
Investigation Agency; however she paid quite a bit more than that agency was
worth. Rather than give up, we sat down and looked at her options. There
were 23 subcontract investigators working for her. 18 of which were factual
investigators. Her accountant's advice was to reduce the staff. Rather than
that Lucy asked all the staff to a business generation meeting. She asked
them for their ideas on how to increase business. 13 past clients were
identified who had used the agencies services in the past but were not using
them now. From that it was discovered 2 had ceased operating, others had
changed management, or just not been contacted. Each client was invited to
the investigation agency, provided with a tour of the facility, a
familiarization chat and brochure.  Lucy increased her business by 240% in
the next 12 month just by asking her experienced staff who her clients
were."

If you have a goal to become an investigator, don't expect the industry to
fall into your lap without any effort. Many people do, and they become
disillusioned and bitter. Investigation is like any other career, you study
it, gain employment in it, build your business in the industry over time.
There is good, bad and ordinary competition out there. You can excel above
any of them.

Your success or failure will be determined by your desire to succeed and the
market you provide solutions for. If an idea as wild as a 24/7 Drive Through
Taxidermist can succeed, there is no reason why your sane Factual
Investigation or Surveillance Investigation business can't too!"

With thanks to Billy Connelly

Mike Evans conducts Investigation Success Seminars throughout Australia for
the next seminar date visit;

www.australiansecurityacademy.com.au

In this article Mike Evans of the Australian Security Academy explores some time honoured investigation techniques and theories by Author Arthur Conan Doyle, for the Character Sherlock Holmes, and discovers some interesting comparisons with today’s investigation teaching methods.

 Mike writes:

“In a recent Victorian Investigation training program one of my senior instructors told his students:

“There are no Sherlock Holmes’ in the world. Investigation is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Don’t let any one tell you they are master investigators. In investigation work if you don’t learn something new everyday you are not doing it properly.”

The instructor had investigated crimes including murders and major frauds over a career spanning 27 years in Victoria. I must say I agreed with him, fictional stereotypes with condensed 60 minute TV or 100 page Paper Back solutions do not exist in the real investigation world. It made me wonder what other interesting comparisons may be drawn from the “Holmes “ example that senior instructors have said in the Academy’s training? I found the answer was full of significant and valuable contemporary learning comparisons which could be described as: Elementary dear reader!”

On an open mind about facts
“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” Sherlock Holmes A Scandal in Bohemia

“To catch these fraudsters - how do you think? You think like them.
Think and keep an open mind. Sometimes you might get tunnel vision; I have done it myself. Don’t make things out of one fact, don’t make five facts out of one thing.” Peter Spence Tasmanian Fraud Control Conference 2004

On details and trifles
“You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of trifles.” Sherlock Holmes The Boscombe Valley Mystery

The very first lie demands an investigation.
When a person lies to you; go deeper, go to a new level, go harder.
Play dumb and take notes – they will hang themselves on the details they give you. Russell Ames Suncorp Metway Seminar June 2004

On Evidence
“It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgment.” Sherlock Holmes a Scandal in Bohemia

 “Put all your evidence in and let the court decide.
It is difficult to predict how or where the evidence will be used in the future.
Bringing it down to its most basic – evidence is logical.” Patrick Flynn PWC Seminar September 2005

On investigating the obvious
“There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact”. Sherlock Holmes The Boscombe Valley Mystery

“People do admit to things they did not do, thus – A confession is a good start to an investigation.” Peter Spence:  Suncorp Metway Seminar Brisbane September 2004

On the little things
“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important”. Sherlock Holmes A Case of Identity

“A failure to seek is a failure to find, the most minute detail can be very relevant. A failure to ask is a failure to proceed.” Anthony Hodgkinson Korean Conference Melbourne October 2004

On scene inspections
“You see, but you do not observe.” Sherlock Holmes a Scandal in Bohemia

“The most important thing you can do is observe, and take notes.
What can you see?” Peter Spence Korean Conference Melbourne October 2004

On common investigations
“It is a mistake to confound strangeness with mystery. The most commonplace crime is often the most mysterious, because it presents no new or special features from which deductions may be drawn.” Sherlock Holmes A study in Scarlet

“Regarding motor vehicle accidents, as the term “crashes” indicates they are seldom accidents and fault can usually be found with someone or something.”
. Michelle Atkins Queensland Fire and Rescue Conference June 2004

On facts and relevance
“It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize out of a number of facts which are incidental and which vital. Otherwise your energy and attention must be dissipated instead of being concentrated.” Sherlock Holmes The Reigate Puzzle

 “Always keep in mind that information gained must be relevant, admissible and legally obtained to be of any investigative value.” Anthony Hodgkinson Suncorp Metway Conference Brisbane September 2004

On evidence
“There is nothing like first-hand evidence”. Sherlock Holmes A Study in Scarlet

What is evidence? It comes down to issues that need proving.
Substandard evidence in an escalated court matter is not acceptable in court. The better the evidence the greater the chance of success. Patrick Flynn Government Brisbane Conference June 2005

On ex servants & spouses
“There are no better instruments than discharged servants with a grievance, and I was lucky enough to find one “ Sherlock Holmes The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge

“Seek out and find the ex wife, ex husband or ex employee, if you can locate those people you have a wealth of relevant information provided to you.” Noel Leigh Department of Emergency Services Conference Brisbane February 2003

On discovering the truth
‘What one man can invent, another can discover.’ Sherlock Holmes The Adventure of the Dancing Men

“Say “I want to talk with you,” indicates “lets talk about it” Talk to you “Indicates fraud” Invite the person to part of the conversation. People will tell you just about anything if you make them feel comfortable, get used to letting them finish, establish a rapport by saying, “What happened then?” Use How, what, when, where, why, who. People who are being deceptive can’t think fast enough to answer.” Ron Davis Fraud Control Conference Melbourne July 2005

On emotion in investigations
Detection is, or ought to be, an exact science and should be treated in the same cold and unemotional manner. Sherlock Holmes The Sign of the Four

Get emotion out of it; look to see if the language changes from “I” to “We”, in the crucial description of the circumstances. Russell Ames Suncorp Metway Conference Brisbane June 2004

On danger
It is stupidity rather than courage to refuse to recognize danger when it is close upon you. Sherlock Holmes The Final Problem

When attending the scene of an accident (at the time of the accident and or sometimes after) it is important to be aware of potential dangers to yourself and others.  Do not rush in without thinking, stop and look for obvious dangers, it is far better to wait a few seconds and avoid becoming a casualty yourself.  Michelle Atkins Queensland Fire and Rescue Conference June 2004

On challenges
There is nothing more stimulating than a case where everything goes against you. Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskerville’s

“The reason we get an investigation is because it is too complex for the claims manager or legal representative to sort out by correspondence or over the phone, consequently what we are asked to do will mostly be of a challenging nature. Thrive on this, don’t think you can’t do it because you can!” Mike Evans every opening address at an investigation conference since 2000

Did you confirm something you already knew or learn something? Want more? Return to this site regularly.

There are literally hundreds of Investigation Agencies in Australia. The majority are small one or two person businesses, however there are some that employ subcontract Investigators, because the operate on a statewide of National basis. I am frequently asked who are the best ones to work for. I have not worked for them. But I have met most of their staff. Here are a few examples of established Agencies that have emerged stronger than ever from the GFC, who I consider progressive industry leaders and I would like to conduct investigations as a subcontract investigator.

NSW - GHA - G Hughes and Associates - Client Service focus, quality work, qualified staff, strong leadership, Loss Adjusting as well as factual and surveillance Investigation.

Vic -   MPOL - Mark, Vince and Siham are a strong competitive team. Qualified staff, dynamic leadership, Australia wide service, now well established in NSW. corporate fraud, Debt collection, real debugging, factual and surveillance investigation.

Tas Hobart - Crawfords - Graham has a qualified and talented team of Loss Adjusters and factual investigators. Blue chip clients, competitive but realistic business growth strategy. Client service focus, highly qualified team, can handle any type of investigation.

Tas Launceston - Sage Management - If Rob had stayed a Police Officer, the Tas Police Service would be run as a profitable business by now. Thank god he didn't and now Insurance and Government Clients are benefiting from his business acumen, and quality factual, surveillance and process serving services. 

Qld - Ashdale Integrity Solutions - Bryan captured a niche market in internal grievance and complaint, internal discipline and dispute. The go to organisation for Government Department's needing quality factual investigation services.

NSW - C&A Insurance Support Services - Coralie and the team have created a substantial investigation agency primarily in the workers compensation area. Specialist factual investigators, with a strong highly qualified team. Model your future on this organisation, it will guarantee success.

Vic - LKA - Operating Nationally Vince's team continues to deliver volumes of investigative services solutions for clients in every form of Insurance Investigation. Has successfully added government internal grievance and complaint, internal discipline and dispute investigations to their services.

Vic Probe - Bruce looks younger and fitter at 60 than I look at 50. Probe is always growing, on the look out for new business opportunities and delivering quality factual and surveillance services to a who's who list of state and federal government clients and insurers.

Vic CHS - Manja and Jim's investigation service specialises in complex workers compensation matters. Experienced, qualified staff with a strong client focus this agency successfully operates in Australia's most competitive state for investigative services. 

Vic  - D W Bowe - Murray operates a client focused investigation agency delivering quality factual and surveillance services. Highly qualified, highly motivated staff and clients with high expectations which are met.

Vic / NSW - Pinkertons - Andy and Tania provide corporate and insurance investigation solutions as well as risk management services through two states, but are so successful they operate internationally as well. Need any form of investigation done? Call Andy. 

NSW - Barringtons - Blayne and Don have recently been awarded national insurance contracts. This organisation I actually have worked for and has my highest recommendation. Ethical, progressive, consultative and satisfied clients.