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The role of fraud investigators is firmly rooted in the criminal justice field. Often spending time investigating criminal charges of fraud, some do branch into civil cases. In either case, investigating cases of fraud is not unlike investigating any other type of criminal activity, regardless of whether that investigation is conducted on behalf of a commercial organization or law enforcement agency. They rely on the same evidential procedures, relying on the facts to build their case against an accused individual. Because fraud takes many different forms, fraud investigators are able to work in many different industries with a number of different specializations. Some even step into the role after leaving government service from a law enforcement position. As mentioned, a background in criminal justice or law enforcement is a must for most fraud investigators. This means that many have worked for either a civilian or military law enforcement agency or investigative service. This is essential when taking on a role in investigating cases of fraudulent behavior. Various other backgrounds can help with specialization. Sociology, insurance law, accounting and business law are all potential specializations for fraud investigators. This means that while the role is clearly defined there is a lot of flexibility within that definition for an individual to apply their specific experience and education. Many private investigation firms offer civil fraud investigation services, allowing businesses to utilize the same skills and procedures in order to protect their assets. The process is the same as it is for law enforcement, requiring facts and evidence to be collected, witnesses to be interviewed and a clear picture of the truth to be formed. In this case though, the claimant is given the opportunity to file criminal charges against the accused, at which point any evidence collected during the course of the investigation is turned over to law enforcement. Their job is made easier because the original investigator is expected to follow the same procedure as law enforcement when documenting and storing evidence. Fraud investigations specifically seek out cases where a dishonest act of one party has resulted in a real loss for a second party. These could be small cases where a mechanic has given a quote for automotive repairs which aren't necessary or larger cases in which an employer has evaded paying on a legitimate worker's compensation claim. Both are examples of fraud and both can result in criminal charges pending an investigation by law enforcement. If a private fraud investigation has already found sufficient evidence to support a criminal charge it becomes their obligation to report it and turn over that evidence. A new arena in which seasoned investigators are beginning to tread is the investigation of internet fraud cases. These investigations look at possible cases of identity theft and malware intrusion. Forensic computer technicians can help in these cases, in order to find potentially damaging software and trace its origin back to the source. In this situation, a background in information technology comes in very handy, allowing an investigator to find his or her own evidence during the investigation. These situations are becoming increasingly common and can take on many forms, making the gathering of concrete evidence of increased importance. here are many important roles to fill as an investigator of fraudulent behaviors, from common financial schemes to high tech internet crimes. If criminal justice is a field of interest, but law enforcement itself isn't, this can be an excellent position to take on. While fraud investigators sometimes work closely with police and other government officials they don't necessarily always report to them. For many, the chance to work in the criminal justice field is often enough to make this job seem enticing.
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