In a day and age where technology is vital in finding the truth, surveillance has become fundamental to insurance fraud investigations. We are Top Tier Investigations Inc., and we use the latest in surveillance technology to assist insurance companies, attorneys and corporate clients with revealing dishonesty for their bottom lines.
For claimants attempting to deceive, the stakes can be high — whether through faking an injury, inflating a loss or staging their thefts — but surveillance technology helps insurers get at the truth. In today’s post, we’ll be taking a closer look at how surveillance functions in contemporary insurance fraud investigations — and why it makes such an impact.
Understanding Insurance Fraud
Fraud often is a person receiving an ill-gotten financial gain that one should not have received. Common examples include:
- Falsifying injuries after a car or workplace wreck
- Inflating claims on household or home insurance policies
- Falsely claiming disability to work elsewhere
- Staging thefts or vehicle arsons
These practices result in the insurance industry losing billions of dollars annually, with honest policyholders ultimately paying more as premiums are raised.
Why Surveillance Is So Effective
Scammers don’t usually feel they’ll get caught once a claim is made. Except that this false sense of security is precisely what surveillance takes advantage of. A subject is unlikely to know when they’re being monitored. It is therefore also less likely to act as though he’s aware of it, allowing for a more honest and unfiltered collection of that person’s behaviour.
Surveillance can verify or debunk suspect claims with photographic or video evidence that is valid in legal proceedings and for negotiation.
Types of Surveillance Technology Used
At Top Tier Investigations Inc., we harness the power of many cutting-edge technologies to conduct practical, covert and lawful investigations:
Covert Video Surveillance: We employ hidden video surveillance to film a claimant’s physical activities in the community. For instance, an individual alleging back injuries may be caught on video lifting heavy objects, jogging or playing sports. These recordings can easily refute that assertion.
Mobile Surveillance: We can follow a subject without detection, utilizing unmarked vehicles and long-range lenses. This kind of surveillance is made to keep an eye on the subject’s daily activities and see if he is unable to work or travel.
Drone Surveillance: Drones are being employed more and more in capturing overhead shots of properties, accidents or restricted areas. They are an ideal solution for a farm or a construction site surveillance where broad-area coverage is needed.
GPS Tracking: In some places and jurisdictions (but not where legally prohibited), GPS units track a vehicle’s position. This information can be used to map a subject’s routine or expose inconsistencies in their account.
Social Media Monitoring: Digital monitoring is a similarly central function today. Many share way too much online — photos, check-ins or vacation posts that can undermine disability claims. Our journalists scrutinize public online content in search of potential leads.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The purpose is that there must be nothing about the surveillance considered illegal to void any evidence in a trial. At Top Tier Investigations Inc., we are educated and trained to follow privacy laws and provincial/federal standards when carrying out our duties.
We never trespassed and avoided invasive or immoral methodology. We are trying to gather facts, not violate rights.
Conclusion
Insurance fraud impacts us all—from insurance companies being overburdened with false claims to decent policyholders who end up paying more for their coverage. Investigative technology provides the means to get at the truth rapidly, effectively and legally.
With Top Tier Investigations Inc., we merge experience with state-of-the-art technology for results you can rely on. If you think something isn’t adding up, stop imagining—allow us to solve.
Need an investigation?
Get in touch with Top Tier Investigations Inc. to set up a confidential consultation and find out how we can help you preserve your rights.
