TOP ELEVEN PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FAILS

My worst fails in 11 years as a P.I.:

11. Accidentally dropping your evidence recorder into your Venti latte.

10. Not calling your surveillance in to local P.D. & having a nosey neighbour call in a "suspicious vehicle".

9. Realizing you shouldn't have had the 3 cups of tea & a bottle of water before your surveillance.

8. Staring at the subject location for hours, looking away for a second, & they're gone.

7. Being pinned down in your "perfect hiding spot" by people 3 feet away; unaware that you're there.

6. Feeling smug for having been smart enough to bring a dog treat for the aggressive dog - then realizing there are 2 of them.

5. Talking to your client about her baby on the way - and she's not having one.

4. Being a female, disguised as a man. And it works.

3. Speeding to catch back up to a subject you're tailing & then seeing the red & blue lights in the rear-view.

2. Working (& recording) undercover & accidentally hitting the "playback" button on your audio recorder.

1. Submitting photo "evidence" for Court; which unbeknownst to you, includes your teenaged daughter's selfies she secretly used your camera for.

TYPES OF Frauds & Scams

According to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre

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There are many known scams, pitches and fraud types, including variations thereof, with new ones invented daily. The following are some of those listed on the Anti-Fraud website:

900 Numbers
The consumer is encouraged, either via a letter by mail or email, to call a 1-900 number in order to claim some type of prize.

Advance payment scams
When a fraudster requests an upfront payment for the promise of good, services, and / or financial gains and never deliver on their promise.

Card Scams
Organized criminals have the technology which allows them to "skim" the data contained on magnetic stripes, manufacture phony cards, and overcome such protective features as holograms

Counterfeit products and cheques
Fraudsters have become proficient in producing web sites, email, goods, and fraudulent cheques that have the same look and feel as the real item.

False charities
Bogus charities use names that are very close to the names of legitimate and respected charities. The end of the years is the peak season for charity appeals. It is also the peak for the bogus charity appeals.

Emergency scams
Though the "Emergency Scam" (or sometimes referred to as the "Grandparent Scam") has been around for years, The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns the public to be alert after noting a marked increase in the number of complaints in the last two months.

Extortion scams
Extortion is a criminal offence of obtaining money, property, or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion.. The extortionist threatens to reveal information that is potentially embarrassing, socially damaging, or incriminating unless their demand is met.
**** I will be posting my recent experience with EXTORTIONISTS shortly, including their demands & my response. Be sure to report criminal acts to Police.

Romance scams:
Any individual with false romantic intentions towards a victim gains their affection and trust (sometimes with the promise of marriage) and access to the victim's money, bank account, credit cards, or in some cases by getting the victim (usually unknowingly) to commit fraud on their behalf

Scam Alerts & Tips to Protect Yourself Summer 2015

Monthly Fraud & Scam AlertAugust 2015

 Three Recent Scams to watch for:

1. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Scam
    Method: email & telephone calls

Email: We recently received one of these emails to our business email address. We knew that the CRA does not make initial contact via email or telephone call; however, to a lay person, these emails can appear very convincing. These scammers take advantage of a common fear of the taxman; even threatening to file a lawsuit backed by the full force of the Canadian Government if payment is not made immediately.

Tip: See what email address reply emails are sent to simply by hitting “Reply”. We did this and it was clearly obvious it was not a CRA or Canadian Government email address (in addition, the email address they typed at the top of the email did not match the reply one). Of course, do not actually send a reply & never click a link in an email you are not 100%certain of.

Phone: The BBB has seen a dramatic increase in calls from consumers who report being called by someone claiming to be a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Agent. “The scam artists gives a fake ID badge number and threatens the consumer with arrest by the RCMP if back payment of owed taxes are not paid immediately. Consumers are then instructed to wire money to a fake CRA account.

Again, CRA would send you a formal letter and would never request money be wired to them. Never wire money to any stranger in response to an email or phone call without doing your due diligence. To be safe, just never do it at all’ there are far safer ways of sending funds (e.g. Interac).

Tip: ask the caller to recite your Social Insurance Number. Legitimate CRA agents would have this & other personal security information on hand. Alternatively, ask them to leave a number so you can call them back when you are not busy – then look it up. You should quickly be able to ascertain if it is a CRA or Government of Canada number. The majority of telephone scammers & aggressive phone solicitors now use VOIP (voice over IP) numbers so never be fooled because a number “looks real”.

2. Redirected Robocalls
Method: Telephone calls

We recently booked flights with both Air Canada & WestJet but it is unclear if this is how the scammers obtained our telephone number. Receiving these calls shortly after booking may lull some people into believing they are legit.

Victims are called and told they have won a prize from a recorded call claiming to be affiliated with a reputable company, such as WestJet, (we receive calls from “Westjet and Air Canada”). It turns out that all they end up winning is a sales pitch for a cheap vacation or worse. The telephone number looks local because they use VOIP; however, the calls originate from Malaysia & The Philippines. They can be extremely aggressive; calling daily, and will simply hang up in your face when you request to be removed from their call list – only to call again the next day.

3.  Security Breach of Information (Big Box Stores)

Method: Hacking, email, & telephone calls
Two – pronged scam

First, the hack. Your personal and financial information has been stolen by hackers to be used for Identity Theft.

Second, the scoop. Scammers call victims of these hacks; pretending to be the big-box store, credit agency, or credit-protection/ security company. The purpose of the call is to trick the victim into giving their personal information or to get them to pay for "Identity protection” (that doesn’t exist). They may obtain the victim's name from the original hack or they just cold call until they "hit" a victim. This scam literally causes the victim to be scammed twice, doubling their exposure to identity theft.

Tip: Use credit cards instead of store-cards & debit cards. Virtually all credit card companies have zero-liability policies; however, by using a debit card, you will likely not be able to recover a cent stolen from you. If you do open a store-card, only give them the information needed & no extra. They intentionally collect information on customers for advertising purposes. Ensure that all of your banking passwords for accounts & credit cards are different so that if they hack one account, they can't get into others. Check your credit report; doing so can alert you of hacking before the store or the news announces it.

Employee Theft & Fraud

Employee theft and fraud can affect any type or size of business such as; corporate or professional, small business, service provider, retail, restaurant, or grocer.






AREAS of employee theft and fraud:

• Embezzlement
• Property
• Merchandise
• Cash
• Time
• Illness & injury benefits
• Identity or credit card information
• Proprietary Information

SIGNS of employee theft and fraud:

• Retail business with shrinkage rates higher than 1.04% (Canada)
• Cash drawers being out or accounts that don’t reconcile
• Your competition inexplicably seems to have insider knowledge of your business
• Unexplained increased costs
• Increase in medical claims & sick days
• Customer complaints regarding unauthorized charges to credit cards
• Any sign of surreptitious audio recording or unauthorized computer program installations, downloads, or log ins

SIGNS that may point to a specific employee

• Disgruntled, resentful, or un-invested behaviour or comments
• Evasive response or unlikely explanations when asked about inconsistencies
• Indicators of substance abuse. Habits require money & often result in absence
• Arriving late, leaving early, & long lunches
• Refusal to take vacation days (their scheme may require them to make regular, manual entries to keep it from being discovered)
• Living beyond one’s means
• Repeated injuries and compensation claims
• Suspicion that an injury may not have occurred at work, as claimed
• Customer comments about inconsistent pricing or discounts for cash purchases offered by a certain employee
• Comments by other employees
• Employee being in an area where (or when) they have no legitimate reason to be

How to prevent employee theft and fraud:
Even though it cannot be prevented entirely, there are steps you can take to protect your business, profits, intellectual property, and even other employees. Hiring practices and proper training are key.

• Conduct BACKGROUND CHECKS, including criminal convictions
• Confirm references and resume claims. Some hiring policies may include drug screening or credit checks. Consult your lawyer(s) to ensure that you are acting within the law.
• Businesses with a high percentage of minimum wage, non-permanent, employees may see higher rates of credit card skimming and identity theft yet, due to the nature of the employment, resumes are scrutinized and verified the least.
• Create & implement clear, comprehensive, policies & training practices
• Create a positive work environment where staff are paid fairly, feel appreciated, and are rewarded (praise, bonuses). Numerous studies have shown that employees who feel valued and appreciated are more loyal and less likely to steal or commit fraud.
• Reduce opportunity. This may be as simple as locking an office door, installing cameras, or changing passwords or login procedure.

Increasing your company’s protection against theft and fraud may take an investment of time, effort, and expense; (particularly when implementing new policy & procedure) but the benefits of doing so far outweigh the costs

Valentine's: Christmas for Scammers

Along with the increased online dating ads, obligatory chocolates, & overpriced roses, February brings an increase in romance & internet dating scams. Romance scams are now Canada's # 1 and fastest-growing crime.
The internet is now the most prevalent way in which strangers meet. Online dating can be a completely legitimate way to find romance & there are probably lots of great people online, (although I've yet to meet one). Unfortunately, (male & female), scammers are also out there. I'm not referring to people who lie about their age, photo shopping, or income; (although, that is annoying), but to those who actually earn a very lucrative living by manipulating unsuspecting victims.

Background checks are quick & inexpensive & can help to prevent financial & emotional ruin. Googling someone is simply no longer enough. Even a minimally skilled fraudster can create a convincing, (yet fake), online presence in no time. We typically get contacted after the fact; in an attempt to mitigate or recover damages (good luck). All too often we hear, "I wish I knew about you sooner...".
Background checks can be an integral step in protecting one's self but they are only part of the equation. Being proactive and able to identify a possible scam are also vital. A quiz, signs, tips, & case studies are on our Romance Scam page at axiominvestigations.com

Just yesterday, someone tried to convince me that meeting people in person somehow provides inoculation from being scammed. Wrong. (see our case studies). When you first meet someone; regardless of how you meet, you are only going to know about that person what they want you to know.
The answer is not to sit home alone or background check everyone in your inbox. The best approach likely means striking a healthy balance between opening one's self up to new possibilities & due diligence. Arm yourself with knowledge and then, by all means, go try to find Mr. or Mrs. Right, (or just treat yourself to a new pair of shoes instead).
Happy Valentine's
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/index.html

How a P.I. Can Save Personal Injury Lawyers - and Their Clients - Time & Money

 

1. Re-interview & obtain statements from existing witnesses, (may provide new or different information) 
2. Identify, locate, & interview new witnesses that have not yet provided statements.
3. Accident scene investigation, (documentation, evidence collection and neighbourhood canvassing)
4. Counter-surveillance & surveillance.
5. Due diligence & investigations. Vetting (plaintiff) or records checks re: previous claims or fraud (defendant driver)
6. “Independent” Medical Examination accompaniment & transportation.
7. Our unique Plaintiff Services, (exclusive to Axiom Investigations; details upon request).
8. Process serving; including complex, evasive, or hostile service, (regular process servers are not licensed for interviewing & questioning

How my car crash got a convicted pedophile off the streets.
I am the female driver in this article.
Carhttp://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=1dd76f04-7596-4ffe-9126-dd8ca74e897d

West Coast Women's Show October 24, 25, & 26th. Presenter. Main Stage

West Coast Women's show next weekend. "How Women Can Benefit From Hiring a P.I.". Saturday, @ 12:45 p.m. Main Stage.

Doing a presentation on the benefits for women of hiring a private investigator. Whether it's in regards to marriage, infidelity, divorce, custody, access, dating, or business, there are myriad ways by which the services of a good P.I. can help you protect yourself, your family, & your finances.

Look forward to seeing you there!
(bare with me; it's my first presentation of this type).

Suzanne Edmundson
President
Axiom Investigations Ltd.
604-217-1084

Tips on how to beat the polygraph test

These are some of the tips & tricks people try to use to beat the lie-detector, (but if they're lying, they usually still fail). Being a sociopath seems to work though. http://www.livescience.com/33512-pass-lie-detector-polygraph.html

 Some of our cases are so ridiculous, bizarre, or outrageous that they just have to be shared. This video is a great start:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdSUlpre2S4

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE INTERNET-DATING-SCAM RED-FLAGS?

     ACTUAL ONLINE DATING PROFILE            

 

Admittedly, I was recently on one of the more popular dating sites. I saw a lot of profiles, (still a bit traumatized from the experience), but none screamed scam-alert to me as much as this one.

(Profile name): VERYSUCCESFUL (photo of a middle-aged, Caucasian, male); 5 photos but all of them were taken at one specific outing - at a distance. Self-described as being born & raised in  Vancouver; with an annual income in excess of $150,000

(Copied & pasted):
About me...

I am a "Single white working professional male,6ft,54 yrs,....i am very Succesful,healthy,has a great Athletic built,educated,mature,very fun loving happy personality,active good life style,lives alone,Financially secure,responsible,Drama free,no head games,and plus with a very cheerful positive attitude in my life ! And i am very easy to get along with and getting to know,and who do have a great sense of humor ! I am very well energetic,out going, romantic,affectionate,helpful,sincere,open,Nice,well manner,patience,good nature,respectful,very loving,kind,Fun,Intelligent,thoughtful,very giving,compassion,cheerful,dependable,and also is a very well reliable gentleman as well ! And live very well nice & stable successful life, & has a great successful professional job (Govt ) ! I truly do know how to treat a woman very well and be there for her and also to be very supported toward her ! I am also 100% real,fun,honesty,and in Heart !!! 

About the one I'm looking for...

I am seeking a very Special woman who would like to become my Soul mate and also to become the very "Best friend to one another in this life together ! And also to share a very happy meaningful LTR with one another as well ! And she also should be very nice,sociable, has a very fun loving happy personality ,Humor,Honest,open,mature, healthy, and also has a very cheerful positive attitude ! She also should be very romantic, affectionate, good nature,very loving,energetic,devoted,and loves to laugh and is ready for a true wonderful man to be there for her and in her life together as well to be very loving,reliable,supportive,caring,affectionate,fun and to bring out the best of one another !! 

I'd just like to add...

I do enjoy the outdoors,dancing,white water rafting,horseback riding,long walks,swimming,Dinning our,traveling,music,Cooking,movies,Candlelight Dinners,fun social events,sports events,hiking,wine tasting,boating,sailing,working out,the beaches,the mountains,the Ocean,sailing,etc..and plus i am also very well family oriented,and i really do know how to treat a woman & her lovely family very well and to be very supported ,loving, reliable,and very well respectful toward her !! I am also very reliable, outgoing,affectionate, down to earth and someone who is a true animal lover as well ! I been told i am a great Dancer and is a great cook,and i do love to cook ! And i also do enjoy a very Good glass of wine and so love long walks together ! I I also like to keep myself very fit and very healthy ! And I also do have a CHEERFUL HAPPY POSITIVE ATTITUDE as well !! I am not all into any head games or any drama's in my life at all ,i do have good morals , values,respect,trust ,and heart in my life to offer and much more ! To me,a woman happiness is very important to me in my life and also to be very loving & very supported toward her ,always! 

 

The first thing that struck me: there are a lot of arrogant folks out there but this is the first I've seen who calls himself VERYSUCCESFUL(sic); (& he spells successful incorrectly); he has 5 photos; however, it is obvious that they were all taken on the same afternoon with NO close ups. Who describes themselves as "white" in the body of a dating profile? He claims he is from Vancouver; however, English is most definitely not this guy's first, (or second) language, he refers to himself in the 3rd person, his grammar/ punctuation are not in keeping with an annual income of that level, (what government job pays over $150,000?) Ridiculously long list of interests. He over sells himself, repeatedly using key words he thinks women want to hear. He states that he likes all types of women & seems to be trying to cast as wide a net as possible; as long as she is kind, compassionate, trusting, & loyal. He says he knows how to be "supported", (Freudian slip perhaps?) & is loving, reliable, and very respectful. 

 

Unfortunately, they are not usually this easy to spot but it definitely highlights things to look out for. 

 

If I missed any, or if you have a comment, let me know!

 

 

 

Times & technology have changed. Even the way people cheat in some cases has changed. But the motives, causal factors, & emotions tied to infidelity are constant. The new signs are not that difficult to spot if you know where & how to look. 

 

Another one of my clients has had to endure the nonsense so, (as it, most definitely, is a huge sign of cheating), its worth mentioning again.  1 A). Some women will accidentally/ on purpose leave/ plant their personal items for the wife to find, (typically in the vehicle) (previous blog post with photos of such items). Especially if she is growing increasingly impatient with his promises to leave his wife. The other woman may hope that when the wife finds the items, she will kick her husband out - leaving him vulnerable & up for grabs, ( it sometimes works - especially when the wife kicks him out, he'll - at least temporarily), go to the mistress. Women cheat just as often as men do, (for different reasons), but men don't typically leave items for the husbands to find.

 

Just because you can check off a number of the following signs, doesn't necessarily mean that your spouse is cheating. But you should be extra aware of - & willing to listen to - your gut.

He or she:

1. (1.B). Has a cell phone but no bill (may be a new "work" phone)
2. Has two phones; seems to keep them very separated. When he's at home, the second phone usually isn't around.
3. Has a separate credit card from you but no bills come to the house.
4. You stop seeing or receiving bills for existing credit cards or cell phones.
5. Starts putting passwords on email accounts
6. Changes passwords for Facebook or online bills & accounts.
7. Erases the browsing history on the computer after use.
8. Quickly exits the screen when you walk in (cheater sites have emergency exit buttons).
9. Allows calls go to voicemail or ignores texts for no reason. 
10. Increases time spent on computer or phone. Wants privacy doing it.
11. Becomes moody; picks fights; & storms out.
12. Finds excuses to leave the house.
13. Increase in work hours, not reflected in pay.
14. Suddenly very interested in your schedule.
15. Requests for you to try new clothes; hairstyle; sex acts.
16. Jealous or possessive of you.
17. Sudden change, improvement, or interest in appearance (loses weight)
18. Change in music (radio stations); hobbies; interests.
19. His or her family & mutual friends start acting "weird" around you. 
20. Time that can't be accounted for.
21. Most affairs are with co-workers; may bring the other person up in conversation.
22. Money in joint accounts unaccounted for. 
23. Finding items (mistresses have been known to "mistakenly" drop an earring in the car).
24. The radio station; passenger seat, or mirror position changed.
25. If your GUT tells you!  Listen to your instincts

Suggestion: Usually, there is no point in asking directly because you won't get the truth. It may actually make it worse because they will now cover their tracks better & be far more careful about evidence. If you suspect your partner may be cheating, as hard as it is (& I know how hard it is), don't confront them - YET. Get evidence or hire a private investigator. The TRUTH is the most important thing & you will likely never, ever, get it from your spouse. You need the truth in order to protect yourself, physically, (STDs/ STIs), financially, & emotionally. There are many resources & support systems so you definitely don't have to do it on your own.

GPS Tracking Devices

GPS Tracking Devices; Do's & Don'ts

We are not lawyers. The following is not legal advice & should not be taken as such.

The fact that GPS Tracking devices are now commercially available has resulted in a lot of confusion, broken laws, & wannabe/ DIY-P.I.s. There are specific laws in Canada limiting the use of these devices & they are not open to interpretation, (ignorance is no excuse for the law & can not be used as a defence). The specific laws pertaining to GPS tracking devices can be explained by a lawyer but it's actually fairly simple: you can not put one on someone else's property without permission or a warrant. 

You can place a tracking device on your own property or with the owner's consent. Police can put them on vehicles as long as they have a warrant.  Reputable private investigators will only use them under legal circumstances.

If you drive a company vehicle, your boss can - and likely has - put a tracker on it. They have proven to be invaluable for fleet, (and personnel), management.

Putting one on the family car can protect, (& keep tabs on), a teenaged driver - as long as they're not the legal owner.

If you are married, your spouse's vehicle is fair game if it's marital property. You're out of luck if you want to put one on your boyfriend's, (or girlfriend's), car though.

GPS tracking devices are no longer limited to vehicles. Small GPS devices are now used in cell phones, worn around the neck, in backpacks, or even in shoes.

GPS tracking systems have a number of positive applications. They can be worn around the neck, in backpacks, and even in shoes. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/6-questions-about-gps-trackers-in-cars-1.1162142), to protect children and the elderly. They can be attached to valuable property, such as boats or ATVs to assist in recovery in the event of theft.

Unfortunately, there will always be people who ignore the law and people who use them for nefarious reasons. Micro units can be placed in cell phones or a phone's GPS system can be hacked into with an app.  They can be placed on or inside your vehicle without your knowledge.

There are two main types that are used in vehicles: wired and wireless.  The hardwired units can be left in place indefinitely.  The battery-operated units are typically housed in a weather-resistant, sturdy, casing with a strong magnet and need to be retrieved in order to change the battery. There are two types of wireless trackers. "Live" GPS trackers can be set to specific time intervals, such as 5 or 10 seconds. Even though they can be pricey and need to have a data plan, the same as a cell phone, they have a number of benefits over the "logger" units. In addition to being monitored in real time, they can be located if they were to fall off of the vehicle. The logger types "log" information and need to be retrieved and downloaded in order to get the information from them. They are less expensive and don't require a data plan. In addition to not being monitored in real-time, if they fall off and get lost  - they're lost.  Both types offer reports in a number of formats and come with fairly simple-to-install software and instructions.  Both types can be either purchased or rented.

If you suspect that someone may have illegally placed a GPS tracker on your vehicle, (or property), you should report it to police immediately.

The First Steps After An Accident; Some Traditional & Some Not-So-Traditional Steps To Consider.

Ok, so you got smashed in a car accident. Now what?

As a private investigator I investigate motor vehicle accidents, (on behalf of the injured). As of September 2013, I also joined the ranks of the injured. The facts in my accident transcend the bizarre so I strongly doubt that you will have to deal with similar circumstances.  There are; however, some universal first steps one should take following an accident.

I got hit with a severe impact & I instantly knew it had caused significant damage to both my vehicle & to me. I’m a considerate person by nature so I cleared my vehicle out of the heavy afternoon traffic & pulled over – as did the other guy. It is so frustrating when people are involved in a minor accident yet refuse to move their vehicle. Ever been stuck for hours on Hwy 1, genuinely concerned about “those poor people” in the accident, only to finally pass the “scene” to realize it’s a minor fender-bender? Irritating. Of course, it’s not that I wish they’d been more injured; I just wish they’d been more considerate. But I digress.

After taking stalk & ensuring that I wasn’t too injured to exit the vehicle, I gathered my wallet, insurance papers, anything I thought might assist with documenting the situation since my phone was dead, (recorder, disposable camera), & my keys.  It’s a good idea to take the keys out of the ignition & lock your doors while you’re dealing with an accident. As unbelievable as it may seem, both victims & good Samaritans have had their valuables stolen from accident scenes.

As obsolete as keeping a disposable camera in your vehicle may seem; it’s still worth doing. As was the case with mine, cell phones can be unpredictable & die.

My case was a bit unusual from the start because the other driver displayed signs of impairment even before I exited my, (obviously totaled), car. Because of this and the severity of the accident, I called 911 - from his cell phone. Hopefully, if you find yourself in an mva, witnesses might actually stop, which wasn’t the case with my situation, so his cell phone was my only option. At least I didn’t have to fight him for it. 

While waiting for police, we exchanged information, including insurance documents & driver’s licenses. According to The Motor Vehicle Act, anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident must remain on-scene; render assistance, & exchange registration and license information, (with everyone involved). The Act states that if the damage exceeds $1,000, ($600 for motorcycles), the accident must be reported to ICBC within 24 hours, (48 hours in rural areas). It’s usually best to err on the side of caution & report the accident to Police, who may or may not attend the scene. Never leave the scene without exchanging info or calling Police. Even if there is no other driver, (i.e.: single car accident), don’t leave without calling Police first. If you do so, ICBC may conclude that you left because you’d been drinking which could void your insurance and cause them to come after you for any money they pay out.

 ICBC lists the following first steps one should take after being involved in an accident:

1. Obtain the names, addresses, phone numbers and driver’s license numbers of all parties involved in the accident, regardless of who is at fault for the accident and how minor the accident is;
2. Have a look at the insurance of each of the motor vehicles involved in the accident so as to get the names of the registered owner and the insurance details;
3. Look at the other parties’ driver’s license to avoid being given false information;
4. Write down the plate numbers, including Province, of all the vehicles involved in the accident by looking at the license plates and registration;
5. If a motor vehicle involved in the accident is registered outside British Columbia make sure you get the name of the insurance company;
6. Find out the names and contact information of any witnesses;
7. Take some pictures of the vehicles and their resting positions; and
8. Take some notes about how the accident happened and draw a sketch of the accident scene.

 

So, what happens if you are a lone driver, (especially a female), & you are involved in an accident in a rural area or late at night? I have taught my daughters to never leave the safety of their vehicle in such situations.

If the vehicle is drivable: I have advised them to continue driving & immediately call 911 & advise them of the situation, (of course, ensure that the doors & windows are closed & locked). I have advised them that if their phone is dead or they have no service to drive to the nearest Police department if they know where it is. If not, then to head into a busy, well-lit, area or gas station. Lay on the horn to get people’s attention. If the other driver has bad intentions, there is a good chance this would scare him off.

If the vehicle is not drivable: make sure the windows & doors are closed tightly & locked; engage the hazard lights, (& signals, & high beams…) & call Police immediately. If your cell phone is dead or there is no service coverage, lay on the horn, especially if other vehicles pass by in the hopes they will stop or at least call Police.

Someone with bad intentions may likely be scared off & anyone else may likely just see it for the safety precaution it is. Of course, I am not advising other people or their kids to do this; these are simply things I have taught my children to do, (as well as keeping pepper spray handy).

It is sad to have to tell them to not rely on the assistance of strangers - especially since I have raised them to always be of assistance to other – but the reality is, (for whatever reason,) people don’t always come to the aid of others. Their safety, & that of yours & your loved-ones’, is paramount & as long as you make it clear that you were not trying to avoid reporting the accident, everything else can be sorted out later.

In my case, the Police arrived on scene & were great throughout. After conducting a search of the other driver’s vehicle, they arrested him. This guy turned out to be the worst-of-the-worst type of offender & needed to be stopped that day. Fate works in mysterious ways.

WHY MEN & WOMEN CHEAT. REASONS & MYTHS ABOUT INFIDELITY

WHY MEN & WOMEN CHEAT: REASONS & MYTHS ABOUT INFIDELITY

 

 

WHY MEN CHEAT:

Men & women cheat for very different reasons.  It is generally assumed that men cheat for sex but this isn't the reason, (i.e. excuse), they have given for straying.  It's also a myth that the mistress is sexier, skinnier, kinkier, or makes better chicken parmesan.  Men who have had affairs report that their wives are actually more beautiful, have better bodies, and are nicer than the "other woman". Whuhh? So guys are cheating with fat, ugly, bitches?! The men explain that they missed the little "gestures".  They say they no longer felt appreciated, needed, or noticed.  Men show their love by being the protector & they love it when their woman notices & appreciates it.  Great news ladies; no more over-priced lingerie, just let them renovate the bathroom, (but don't forget to say you really, really appreciate it).
 SOME MYTHS ABOUT CHEATING:
1. Men & women cheat for the same reasons.
2. Mean cheat for sex.
3. People don't cheat if they have a fulfilling sex life at home.
4. The other woman is sexier than the wife.
5. Men cheat more often than women.

According to leading experts like Dr. Gary Neuman, maintaining an active and fulfilling sex life does not reduce the likelihood of cheating because it is not causal in the first place. Men reported to Dr. Neuman that their sex life at home did not play a role in why they cheated.  Oddly; however, sexual fulfillment and lack of intimacy does play a role in why women cheat.
WHY WOMEN CHEAT:
A myth about female infidelity is that they don't cheat as much as men do.  Gender no longer plays a large role in the likelihood of infidelity.  Probably the biggest myth about why women stray is that they are looking for emotional  fulfillment.  While this may once have been the case, their reasons for looking outside their marriage for sex has changed with the times.  Increasingly, women who have been unfaithful report that they did so simply for the excitement of it - and the sex.  They report that they were bored with their lives and that the affair made them feel sexy and exhilarated.  These women were generally, unsatisfied with their marital sex-lives.  Many women admitted that they have done so more than once and may have had a series of short affairs - often with married men.
One similarity for both women and men, was that the most common place they met the other person was at work.

Infidelity can threaten one's health, family, finances, & even professional reputation.  The strongest protection is in knowing the truth.

Please see our previous post or our website for some NEW SIGNS OF INFIDELITY 

THE BAD (& THE UGLY)

The vast majority of my experiences with male P.I.s have been positive & there are a lot of really good ones out there.  I love being a female & I love being a P.I. but the two, together, aren't always sunshine & roses.
 
Some things can be categorized as, no-harm-intended, (albeit inane & misguided), "Good Ol' Boy" stuff but others simply can't be explained or excused as such..

I believe in not taking myself - or others - too seriously & in picking my battles. Some comments are made without malice & aren't meant to cause harm, (like calling me, "P.I. Barbie", or, "Barbie - P.I."; which - I have to admit; is pretty funny).  As I once theorized to a teenaged niece who was being harassed by some catty girls at school - being called "Barbie" can actually be seen as a compliment. She's a strong, intelligent, beautiful, woman with tonnes of awesome stuff. (Divorce-Barbie even comes with half of Ken's stuff).

On the other hand, there have also been sexually inappropriate remarks; namely about my - or other females' - anatomy. 

I've also had my abilities doubted, simply because of being female.

I've worked cases where things were progressing well yet a male was sent to accompany me (against my protests) for no reason other than to act as an unneeded bodyguard; resulting in a subject being so put off by the guy's presence that they simply shut down & refused to communicate further.  The male boss at the time was a nice enough guy but he just couldn't seem to get past his, (outdated), beliefs.

Women are actually perfectly suited for this type of job.  (Women's), intuition is relied upon often, as are creativity, the ability to think outside the box, problem-solving, multi-tasking, & sensitivity/ empathy.  These are typically female traits & there are even recent medical studies, (one studied 50,000 brain scans), that show no activity whatsoever in some of these areas of the male-brain)

One difference - on a lighter note; twelve-hour surveillance stretches are not out of the ordinary; of course, we are usually equipped with coffee/ tea.  Women face certain logistical challenges in this regard that men simply don't & a quick trip to a gas-station is out of the question - especially when working solo.  This is one of those instances where creativity & ingenuity are relied upon.

With this all being said, I believe that this industry is changing, in the right direction, and that male & female investigators can learn a great deal from one another.

Being a Female P.I. in a Male-Dominant Industry: The Good; The Bad; & The Ugly

The GOOD

The obligatory disclaimer: This is not an editorial on girls vs. boys or about who makes a better investigator.  There are plenty of great male p.i.s out there and I've been fortunate enough to have learned a lot from the best of them,

 

That being said; however, women tend to be more analytical, empathetic, creative, and able to multi-task. We use language and reasoning better than men and are faster and more accurate at identifying emotions*.  Women are generally intuitive and have a "sixth-sense" about people and situations. Granted, men would likely fair better than women in a physical altercation; however, (unlike t.v.), ass-kicking is not one of our general duties.

 

Undercover assignments:

 

Women don't just think differently than men; we look different than them as well, (ideally).  The significance and benefit of this can't be over-stated. Physically, I don't fit into the stereotypical mould of what a p.i. looks like which is a great advantage, especially with covert assignments

Many p.i.s are retired cops - and they look like it.  In my experience, this can be a major hindrance - especially when working on covert assignments.  Women are intuitive, analytical, and are good at remaining calm and in control under stressful situations. These are all integral qualities of a good covert agent.  Plus, on a physical level, we don't automatically arise suspicion, (and we have virtually limitless options for costumes, props, and cover-stories).  I am an independent, contemporary, woman but; at the risk of being accused of setting the woman's movement back, I admit that I have capitalized on a little flirting in the line of duty.

 

Interviewing & witness statements

Of course, interviewing is different from undercover work for myriad reasons.  I have witnessed both men and women react differently toward a female interviewer than they do toward a male.  It has been my experience that this is particularly so when both the interviewee and the interviewer are male. Males may change details that they believe might make them appear less manly to another guy or just refuse to speak with him at all.  I know that being a female has helped me, (and my clients), immensely when interacting with male and female victims, interviewees, and witnesses. There is an entire science about why people are more comfortable with, and more likely to divulge information to, a female - even when incriminating themselves.

 

Case study: Personal-injury; Client: Plaintiff

Catastrophic injuries arising from a pedestrian motor vehicle accident, (to be precise, the client would be the Plaintiff's Attorney).

Defendant driver stated to police that she had not been drinking on the day of the mva. She then disappeared. After locating her and a lengthy conversation, she admitted that she had consumed alcohol throughout the, (sunny), day - including right up until a few minutes before driving.

 

Another defendant had provided an alibi as to his whereabouts. When I showed up on is doorstep, he invited me in for tea and admitted that he had lied in his initial statement.  I had produced I.D. and identified myself  as representing the other side yet he completely incriminated himself and tanked his case. 

 

Divorce, child-support, hidden earnings/ assets, and infidelity cases:

 

At risk of sounding bitter, I can personally relate to, (both male and female), clients in these types of cases.  My own, prolonged, experience included all of these things. FMEP was fully aware of the fact that the ex earned over $100,000 per year yet on the day they attached a judgment, (finally, after 6 years), his income suddenly, (and fraudulently), decreased to $50,000 per year - for the same job, company, title, duties, and hours.

The fact that I can relate so closely is actually of benefit to clients because, in addition to being able to empathize with them, I have the first-hand experience and information to draw upon in order to help them with their case.

Access Supervision:

Being a woman and a Mom has been a huge benefit in this highly sensitive and specialized area of child-protection. Children seem to be more comfortable - and comforted - with a woman supervisor. Custodial parents advise that they feel that a woman/ Mom understands their anxiety and that they are comforted in knowing that their child is with another Mom.  Non-custodial or supervised parents, (men and women), also seem to feel less anxiety, challenged, and alienated. Being a woman, (and a Mom), allows the ability to pick up on the smallest  and most subtle of non-verbal queues from both the child and the parent. 

 

 

I love being both a woman and a private investigator; however, it's not all cake and ice-cream - but I'll leave that for my next post

Divorce: Child Custody, Support, and Access, (including Access Supervision).

Over the past 6 years or so, there has been a noted increase in divorce and custody-related investigations & services. These can involve child or spousal-support, custody, and access, (including access supervision). The breakdown of a marriage or relationship can be devastating but when it is compounded by the breakdown of communication and respect, it can also become extremely contentious - especially when child custody is involved.

We provide a number of vital Divorce & Custody-related investigations & services involving:          

• Unreported & under-reported income
• Hidden employment         
• Child-custody & access
• Access Supervision *
• Child safety & protection
• Infidelity 
• Exit-strategy & lifestyle analysis
• Hidden or misrepresented assets

*Access supervision or supervised access

Every child has the right to develop positive and nurturing bonds with parents, (custodial and non-custodial). 
Supervised access involves a concern for a child's safety and an Order stating that visitation between child(ren) and a parent must be supervised. 

Supervised access may be ordered if:

• the parent & child haven't had contact for a long time - if ever - & may need help establishing a relationship.
• there is a concern, or history, of substance abuse
• the parent has questionable or limited parenting skills  
• there is a concern regarding abduction 
• there is concern, or a history, of an unfit or unsafe environment or third party
• there is a concern, or history, of non-adherence to Court Orders.
• there is a concern, or history, of neglect, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

Child Support is calculated and based on income level.  Family maintenance does not investigate; they simply attach judgment, (garnish), based on reported income.  If you have not already done so, you can find out how much support your child(ren) is due, per F.M.E.P. guidelines, @ F.M.E.P. Child Support Calculator.

There are a number of ways by which a payer (the person ordered to pay support) may fraudulently hide or reduce earnings or assets in an attempt to avoid or reduce assessed support.

The Payer may: work under the table or off the books, work on a contract basis, reduce hours, report fraudulently reduced hours, fail to report bonuses or other taxable income, obtain the assistance of an unscrupulous employer, or even by getting paid under someone else's name.  .

People may also attempt to misrepresent, hide, or transfer ownership of assets in an attempt to avoid a division of said assets in a divorce. 





 

Romance Scams & Online Dating Scams



Both In-Person Romance & Online Dating scams can leave your heart, your finances, and your life in ruins. These scams can also cause emotional damage and embarrassment for victims, which also leads to underreporting of the crime.

In both cases, the scammer generally takes months to groom the victim.

With the growth of online dating and social networking sites, incidents of romance scams are on the rise. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians lost almost $15 million dollars to romance scams in 2012. 

The In-Person Romance Scam:
The victim is led to believe that they are entering into a legitimate relationship. 
The relationship will usually "progress" quickly; with the victim feeling as though they've been swept off their feet. The scammer, (male & female), professes to be in love with the victim very quickly.  They usually give a convincing story explaining their current, temporary, living arrangements and are vague about details involving employment and family, (whom the victim will likely never meet).  The scammer may seem very helpful and may offer to run all of the victim's errands, including purchases with the victim's debit or credit card. Within a very short time, the victim ends up supporting or "helping out" the scammer.  The scammer will then disappear with the victim's belongings, funds and resources.

A Client's case: the new "boyfriend" was allowed to stay with the victim after losing his temporary living arrangement. Shortly thereafter, he lost his job but swore he would quickly find another. Within a couple of weeks, the victim was "temporarily" paying for everything as well as making a number of purchases for "their" home while he looked for employment. Soon after, the victim returned from work one day to find her home cleaned out.  Gone was the scammer and all of the items she bought, (t.v. electronics, laptop...).  Also gone were here debit and a credit card, (he'd offered to pick up her prescriptions with her debit card & she hadn't discovered her credit card missing ).  By the time she called her bank and credit card company, they'd pretty much been cleaned out or maxed out.  Her bank was unsympathetic because she had given out her PIN, contrary to her banking agreement.  The credit card company was more sympathetic but she was out thousands of dollars in a few short months. On top of it all - she was broken-hearted. Once she hired us, we discovered that this guy had been unemployed all along, had convictions for theft, and had a history of scamming women, (plus a number of lawsuits).  If she'd only known how cheaply, quickly, & easily we could have run the background checks.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/mcs/en/Pages/Scams_romance_scams.aspx

http://www.obj.ca/Canada%20-%20World/2013-03-28/article-3209358/Romance-scams-top-digital-fraud-complaints/1

Online Dating Scams: the No. 1 consumer fraud for the last three years in terms of money lost, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says.

Scammers prowl legitimate online dating sites "like vultures" waiting to strike, said Daniel Williams, a supervisor at the anti-fraud centre in North Bay, Ont.

It can take months of relationship building before the scammer asks a trusting person for money to get out of a jam, Williams said.

The scenario can be that the partner is working overseas and needs some short-term cash, or there's been an accident and needs to pay hospital bills, he said.

"Would you be a dear - we've already fallen in love - and send me $1,500 to tide things over until I get back," said Williams, describing the pitch.

"As long as they think there's another dollar to be had, they will drain you dry," he said.

And the impact can go beyond losing money.

"The emotional toll is beyond belief. We've had suicides in all of the various fraud types."

Williams said the perpetrators of fraud scams are members of organized crime worldwide.

How Romance Scams Work

In a romance scam, scammers trick victims into believing they have romantic intentions. They gain a victim’s trust, and use that trust to commit fraud or cheat victims out of money.

A romance scammer will use dating websites to find targets. They communicate with potential victims using fake photos and profiles, often claiming to be in a foreign country. For several months, scammers communicate with their victims, sharing phoney details of their lives and intentions.

Once they have gained a target’s trust, scammers will make up a story in order to ask for money. They can claim to need money for a medical emergency or to cover the expenses of a civil court case. Or, they may claim to be making plans for a visit and ask for money to cover travel expenses.

Other times, scammers don’t ask for money directly. They can ask for help cashing a cheque, for example. In this case, they will forward a counterfeit cheque to a victim in an effort to get him or her to send back cash via a wire service

Warning Signs

• Scammers often tell victims that they are from Canada or the United States but living in a foreign country
• They ask victims to quickly leave a dating site and communicate another way, usually by cellphone, instant messages or email
• Scammers often claim to have fallen in love with a victim after a very short period of time – often a couple of weeks – and without ever meeting in person
• A scammer may try to isolate a victim from family for friends, saying that others may not approve of the relationship and try to break it up
• A scammer may also ask for provocative photos of the victim, which they may attempt to use later on to extort money
• Before asking for money directly, a scammer may ask for a small gift. This is a test to see if they are dealing with an ideal target
• Requests for money to be wired to another country or for cheques to be cashed are the number one sign of a romance scam.

Protect Yourself

• Inform yourself on the warning signs of a romance scam and use a reputable online dating service.
• Don’t send cash through the mail or wire service and don’t cash cheques for a person you have never met.
• Use your computer to your advantage. Check a person’s name, the company they work for and their address, and question if things don’t seem right.
• Be wary of anyone whose phone number is not from the country they claim to be from or living in. Check country and area codes online or with your telephone service provider.
• Ignore or block anyone with whom you do not want to communicate.
• Keep all emails, instant messages and receipts. Reporting agencies may need copies of these as evidence.

If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police.