Corporate Investigations
Corporate Investigator Front Runners for External and Internal Investigation Services 
Our longtime corporate investigator specialty ranges from employee and vendor background checks, to business and employee fraud and theft, to wrongful termination and other employment investigation.  We have performed our result-oriented corporate investigation services for hundreds of private and public entities.
Corporate investigation services are complicated and affected by many laws.  You need an agency not only experienced in fraud investigation, but corporate liability and insurance defense, em ployment law investigation and litigation support.  Our a gency is a front runner for corporate investigation services at a time when employee fraud concerns and due diligence investigation should be priority topics.

ACCOLADE Investigations and Security, Inc also specializes in Piracy Investigations and trademark Infringement cases.

Bar and Restaurant
As in any cash business, there is always the temptation for employees to help themselves to your profits. Bars and restaurants are frequently the victims of employee theft. Most bars and restaurants have regular employee turnover and nearly all establishments end up hiring someone who will steal from them. These employees will steal cash sales, steal inventory and are prone to serving friends your drinks and food without charging them. Left unchecked, this behavior can spread and quickly have a devastating effect on your bottom line. The more people you employ, the greater the risk.

ACCOLADE investigations licensed private detectives, offers you detailed investigations of your employees and what they are doing when you are not watching them. We can enter your place of business and provide you with hidden video evidence of theft that you can use to prosecute the offenders and send a powerful message to your staff.
Our investigators can also help you to identify non-theft related inefficiencies and risk factors like:
Over serving patrons who are visibly intoxicated.
Over pouring drinks.
Was the cash register closed at all times?
Spending time socializing rather than working.
Determining if a receipt is used for every sale?
Did the bar tender bunch sales and ring up several at the same time?
Are people being admitted without paying cover?
If wait staff was paid with exact change, were any funds pocketed?
Ultimately, we can give you proof of what goes on when you are away!

As with any service provided by ACCOLADE Investigations, your investigation is completely confidential.
For more information, please contact one of our investigators at 954-600-7946 or 754 235 9717.

Trademark Counterfeiting Investigations
Our private investigators have extensive experienced with solving economic crime cases regarding counterfeit items such as bootleg clothing, movies, records, cigarettes. Our private investigators combat counterfeit items by working closely with state and Local law enforcement agencies to aggressively pursue counterfeiters. To perform at the highest level, our investigators constantly review the latest reproduction technologies to keep a step ahead of the counterfeiters.
Business Fraud and Employee Fraud and Theft Investigation
Experts in External and Internal Investigation for Fraud and Theft Concerns
At Accolade Investigations and Security, Inc, our white collar fraud successes have been newsworthy and our abilities to expose workers' compensation fraud, high liability identity theft. theft in the construction industry.  
Our surveillance and undercover capabilities have been developed over many years. We incorporate discreet m ethods of investigation when legal and appropriate, and have an outstanding reputation for efficiently getting the best evidence.  We are knowledgeable, thorough and diligent in building successful cases in matters of fraud.

 Workplace Investigations and Employment Law Expertise
 Oftentimes, corporate investigation services by internal security or human resource departments will be considered biased in the eyes of the law. At Accolade Investigations and Security, Inc we've handled hundreds of cases that included claims of employee misconduct, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and discrimination, as well as unsafe workplace issues.   
Our corporate investigator experience extends to workplace investigation outside the corporate setting.  We've monitored construction workers with serious froli c concerns, salespeople who frequently deviated off course during the work day, and even those on extended sick pay while looking for other work.  We have the expertise to provide the legal documentation a successful defense needs and bring these types of cases to a successful closing.
 
Competitive Intelligence and Business Risk Assessments
Enlightening Business Intelligence and Competitive Intelligence Risks Assessment
At Accolade investigations and Security Inc, we know business success comes through hard work and the protection of business interests.  Our corporate investigator services can assess business intelligence risks, such as key employee anticipated departures, and determine the likelihood that your business will leave with them.  Our corporate investigation services can also assess the competition in cases of work slowdown to determine if unfair competition or other unfair business practices exist. 
Our multi-faceted corporate investigators can get what you need through video and photographic evidence, discreet but legal and ethical information gathering, and background investigation that 's relevant to the issues and credibility of witnesses and other parties.  We will work with your legal counsel to assess your damages and legally represent you.
 
Deep Background Checks and Due Diligence Investigation
Employee, Vendor and Corporate Background Checks and Due Diligence Investigation
Corporate stability includes background checks by experts in deep background checks.  Our corporate investigation services offer information from the most current databases we can find, and we have a network to uncover timely and difficult-to-find information, backed by solid evidence.  Our background checks may be customized to provide an in-depth profiling, as in employee integrity or potential business partners and vendors. 
We also offer standard to in-depth employment screening.  Don't fall into a trap of using your usual human resource (HR) companies, whose legal rights to=2 0investigate in your be half is limited by law and also by training and experience.  The public record and court record systems vary from state to state and county to county, and our knowledge in that respect is only a start to our background investigation capabilities.  It's always a wise choice to use a professional background investigator of our caliber.

Theft & Fraud Investigations 
Theft & Fraud in the workplace costs employers in excess of $400 billion annually, with 30% of all business failures attributed to employee theft. This creates a large area of exposure for employers and investors. 
Did you also know...
95% of all businesses experience various degrees of on-going employee theft, often without the knowledge of management. 
 
1/3 of all bankruptcies are caused by employee theft. 

A majority of employee theft goes undetected.

3 out of 10 employees engage in employee theft. 

Theft of proprietary information alone cost 186 companies $151 million in 2000.
 
2 out of 3 employees would consider theft if they observed others stealing and getting away with it.
 
It takes $20 in sales to offset every $1 lost to employee theft. 
 
A majority of honest employees will not report theft by co-workers.
Many employers and employees are under the mistaken belief that when an employee is caught stealing from the company it was the first time. This is often not the case. Studies indicate that the average employee is responsible for at least ten (10) times the initial discovered loss.
 
ACCOLADE Investigators are trained in all facets of Theft & Fraud Investigations. From the simple case of taking money from the cash register to more sophisticated refund schemes to the complicated embezzlement cases, Accolade Investigators are fully trained to detect and investigate these issues.

Businesses spend millions of dollars developing new products, services, processes, tools, software, etc. only to20have them stolen, pirated, counterfeited or become victim to other forms of economic espionage. Accolade investigators have successfully investigated these matters. From cases of an employee stealing trade secrets to international criminal organizations count erfeiting products to fund their organized crime activities, Accolade investigators have the experience, contacts and tools necessary to fully investigate these matters. Many of these cases have court ordered restitution and/or judgments to offset the economic loss and cost of the investigation.  
Counterfeiting and piracy annually robs the U.S. of $200 billion20and $4.5 billion respectively. It is a highly profitable tax-free cash business and it's lining the pockets of the same criminals involved in murder, drug trafficking, gun running and extortion.
 
What's more, incidents of dangerous fake products turning up in the U.S. have spiked since the mid-1990s. Authorities found counterfeit baby formula at retail stores in 16 states, bacteria in fake shampoo and faulty knock-off aircraft parts used on airplanes. 
 
The size and scope of product counterfeiting and piracy has mushroomed in recent years. The U.S. economy is losing hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues, and tens of thousands of jobs because of counterfeit goods. The computer software, automobile, apparel, and recording industries have been particularly hard hit by counterfeiters, although many other businesses are financially impaired by the sale of knock-off merchandise. To read the updated Federal Laws regarding these issues, click on the respective links: Anticounterfeiting Consumer Protection Act of 1996 and The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. 
 
Theft of Trade Secrets and other Intellectual Property cost businesses an estimated $44 billion. Many of the these ideas, products, a nd services often have yet to be brought to market and are incalculable losses. The United States Government has re cognized the seriousness of the problem and passed The Economic Espionage Act of 1996 (18 U.S.C. §1831 & 18 U.S.C.§1832). Increasingly many instances of Economic Espionage involve computers, learn how High-Tech Investigations can uncover these crimes.
 
This act now creates federal trade secret rights. Although there is no private cause of action for trade secret misappropriation under the Act, the federal criminal penalties imposed for the misappropriation of trade secrets are generally more severe than criminal violations of other intellectual property rights. Persons engaged in trade secret misappropriation can no longer be assured that liability will be limited to civil remedies and damages imposed for such misconduct.
 
ACCOLADES Investigators have investigated some of the largest and most complicated of these cases. The aggregate estimated Economic Loss to clients involved in these cases is in excess of 10 billion dollars.
 

ACCOLADE investigates those claims which, upon review or subsequent to an initial investigative finding, require examination by an experienced fraud investigator. Intervention is typically warranted where findings indicate the potential for referral to and / or intervention by State Fraud Bureaus or where the potential for civil redress or criminal prosecution is indicated.
Examples of referred investigations:
 
 
 Plaintiff Care Provider Fraud subject to civil / criminal RICO.
Rate Evasion / Premium Avoidance.
Fraud Ring Investigation
Property / Auto Loss where reasonable suspicion exists that a clear fraudulent act has been committed.
Medical / Disability / Bodily Injury Claims where reasonable suspicion exists that a clear fraudulent act or "professional claimant" profile is identified.
Investigative findings where, after consultation with the carrier / self-insured, a claims denial will be exercised and an aggressive plaintiff - initiated response to the denial is anticipated.
Claims moving to litigation
 
 
Fraud
Research studies have indicated that fraud and related crimes cost U.S. business more than $400 billion each year. Insurance claims fraud is a key contributor to these staggering losses. The persistent, pervasive, and costly problem of fraud in its many forms is one of the fundamental reasons for security programs. For example, the fili ng of false workers' compensation insurance claims on one of the most common economic crimes committed in the U.S. 
 
Psychologists hold that anyone can be a potential thief and that it is impossible to recognize one. So whether your case involves workers' compensation, disability, property, casualty or product liability claims, Accolade has the state-of-the-art equipment, experience and20 proven techniques to unearth the facts of the claim and provide detailed, reliable reports, timely follow-up and admissible evidence. As an Accolade client, you'll have access to a pool of highly experienced investigative personnel to investigate your questionable insurance claims. Our investigators are aware of the sensitive legal requirements regarding surveillance and will ensure that your desire to use the information during litigation is not jeopardized. 
 

Claims Investigations & Surveillance
Accolade  Investigations & Security, Inc services are designed to help insurance companies and self-insureds fight fraudulent insurance claims. Our proven techniques of gathering information of include:
 
Activity Checks
Claimant and witness interviews
Surveillance that provides admissible evidence
Disability management calls
Medical and autopsy reports
Public records searches including: court and administrative records, driving history, employment history, professional credentials and licenses, workers' compensation claim history, neighborhood checks, etc.
Property & Casualty Claims

We have the specialized experience and techniques to investigat e effectively any type of claim. We begin with a thorough preliminary investigation, followed by surveillance documented with admissible videotape. Accurate and timely reports, and expert, credible testimony protect our clients against fraudulent claims of all types, including:

Workers' Compensation
Research studies have indicated that fraud and related crimes cost U.S. business more than $400 billion each year. Insurance claims fraud is a key contributor to these staggering losses. The filing of false workers' compensation insurance claims on one of the most common economic crimes committed in the U.S. These "Red Flags" can assist in identifying fraudulent claims.

Accolade investigators have the experience and proven techniques to unmask the facts of the claim by obtaining positive identification of claimant, investigating eligibility and restrictions compliance, conducting activity checks to determine post-accident activities, and doing surveillance. As an Accolade client, you'll have access to a pool of highly experienced investigative personnel to investigate your questionable insurance claims.
 
Malpractice
We conduct interviews with all individuals connected with the alleged malpractice including professionals and character witnesses. 
 
Theft/Burglary
Psychologists recognize three factors which, often motivate individuals to be come dishonest:
1) need or desire, 2) rationalization, and 3) opportunity. Whether a specific incident or an ongoing problem, these problems can be solved with an exposure and vulnerability assessment, asset tracking, development and application of procedural safeguards, tracking and recovery procedures.
 
Due Diligence Research
When making decisions regarding relationships, financing and acquisition of companies, principals, venture capitalists and underwriters turn to the experienced professionals at Accolade Investigations. Exhibiting the attention and care legally expected in examining information can be an important, but time-consuming, responsibility. Our sophisticated Electronic Search System  and immediate access to numerous information services enable us to perform the most comprehensive checks efficiently and in strict accordance with the law. Our investigators can verify deeds and tittles, prior or existing litigation, outstanding liens and personal or corporate reputations in order to minimize the risks involved in lending or underwriting. We can also utilize our resources to track, uncover and identify hidden or undisclosed assets on our client's behalf.
For fidelity bond cases involving forfeiture for theft or employee embezzlement, Accolade investigators will collect information from public records on attachable assets while maintaining absolute discretion and secrecy.
 
Services are available for investigating burglary, robbery, and theft under Fur & Jewelry Floater policies and Jewelers' block policies. We look for fraud in Mercantile, Cargo Theft, and Bankruptcy cases. 
 
Life, Accident & Health Claims
Contestable Death Claims are investigated by checking health history prior to policy issue, personal habits, status of beneficiary and alleged dependents. Experts in the field investigate absentee cases where the presumption of death exists.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Claims require Accolade full documentation from all available sources-witnesses, police, public records-plus investigating contributory health factors or possibility of suicide.
 
Disability Claims require the development of information covering financial background, other policies in force, and current activities determining the circumstances and extent of injury or loss. 

Undercover Operations & Personnel
Undercover assignments are cases in which an investigator is employed by a client to document activity within or effecting the workplace. Theft, fraud, substance abuse, sexual harassment, morale, supervision, and training are just some of the broad areas reported upon during an undercover assignment. A good undercover report also details what is going well within the organization so the client has a complete picture as to the inner workings of the business.

The process involves an investigator going to the business and applying for a position. Often times, the local business or hiring representative is unaware of the investigator's true purpose. This is what is commonly referred to as a "cold hire". During this period, the investigator is noting questions asked during the application and interview process. 
 
The investigator follows up the application as a normal applicant would. Documenting each conversation and/or visit with the hiring representative. Once hired, the investigator documents the orientation process, training, and general introduction into the company. This provides objective insight on how employees are introduced into the company.
 
The investigator then spends the next few weeks developing relationships and mastering his new position. While observations are being made of the general environment, the investigator gradually makes inquiries of any activity that is contrary to the client's interests. These inquiries are not first made when the investigator is hired as not to arouse the suspicions of employees.
 
Assignments continue until such time as the client decides sufficient information has been gathered. Often times, formal interviews by Accolade Investigators are conducted. The interviews independently document the information gathered during the Undercover Assignment.
 
Undercover personnel report daily to their manager to review the day's events. Detailed daily notes are written which in turn are complied into a weekly formal report. Any instances of major policy violations or illegal activity are immediately communicated to the client.

In today's dynamic business environment, businesses are susceptible to internal and external threats. Given the tragic recent events of September 11, 2001, security is more important than ever. Security & Loss Prevention are no longer a line item expense. Employees now expect a company to protect them from harm. Without an effective prevention program, your business will experience recurring losses to crime, financial trauma, employee turnover, lower productivity and liability exposure. 
 
Fortunately, vulnerabilities can be identified by our Professional Security Consultants. Accolade provides Risk Management services and cost-effective solutions to minimize threats. Our services include:
 
Crime/Risk Analysis - Before security or crime prevention measures can be implemented, the nature of the property's crime must be understood. To define the problem, we conduct a Crime Risk Analysis which determines the property's overall crime risk by analyzing each crime's frequency, temporal characteristics (time and day), and spatial attributes.
 
Quality Control - Accolade provides both overt and undercover quality control i nspection services to security service providers and their clients. Our experienced  Inspectors visit each site and review the state of guard=2 0operations. Quality Control reports are sent to you weekly or monthly and may be tailored to meet your specific needs.
 
Risk Assessment - Accolade evaluates existing Risk Management Programs to ensure that management is operating within a cost-effective budget and maintaining an adequate protection level for company assets. We identify your program's strengths and weaknesses, help you understand the risks, and provide you with the information needed to make decisions on managing those risks.
 
Security Program Design - Accolade develops proven security programs which reduce these risks in a cost effective manner with minimal effect on productivity and employee morale. These programs are designed to directly support the goals of key company functions including operations, internal audit, and human resources. Accolade will help you manage your security resources and allow you more time to manage your business. Three components of our Security Program Design are: 
 
Policy & Procedure Development and Evaluation - Since policies and procedures are the least expensive security measure, we begin our design/evaluation analysis at this stage and work to maximize effectiveness and streamline security operations to enhance the overall program and bolster physical security measures and personnel responsibilities. 
 
Physical Security Surveys/Audits - Choosing the appropriate physical security measure (CCTV, access control, lighting, key control, policy & procedure) is paramount to an effective program. Once the nature of the problem on a given property is known, we select the correct tool to reduce the threat and evaluate it's effectiveness. 
 
Security Personnel Selection, Evaluation, Monitoring - The critical decision to place a human element on the property is carefully evaluated based on the property's actual needs, industry standard, and local standards. Once this decision has been made, we personally interview candidate companies to ensure high quality service and an appropriate contract price. Once the security officers are in place, Accolade independently audits the company's performance and makes contract renewal recommendations. Individual security officers undergo bi-annual Performance Evaluations.
 
Liability Analysis - Our consultants evaluate your company's security program with an eye toward reducing liability exposure from claims of negligent or inadequate security. This analysis is State-specific as it is based tort laws and court rulings. A detailed review of foreseeability of a crime occurring on the property based on a statistical analysis of property and neighborhood crime data. Reasonable cost-effective secur ity measures are developed to reduce the opportunity for crime and the protection of employees, visitors and guests. 
 
Personal Protection/Workplace Violence Training - All Accolade instructors are certified in their respective specialties. We are available to train management and employees in crime prevention and security. Courses include executive protection, preventing crime, and proper security procedures. We can provide specific training to meet your company's needs. Contact us for information meeting dates or for more information on private classes.
 
Litigation/Expert Witness Support - Premises security litigation is one of the fastest growing types of personal injury lawsuits. A recent study suggests that verdicts in favor of the Plaintiff in premises security cases range from $1 million to $2.1 million, while the average settlement amount is more than $500,000. Premises security lawsuits are being filed against every conceivable type of business establishment. Given these facts, property owners and managers should recognize their liability exposure. Beyond the inherent premises security defense provided by a Crime Analysis Report, you will be able to demonstrate to a jury that the risk of victimization at each property was reviewed and considered in making crime prevention decisions. We are available to assist you should a lawsuit arise. As expert witnesses, we will provide you with case preparation, on-site security surve ys, risk assessments, and testimony as required.
 
Accolade consultants have over 100 years combined experience in the Security & Loss Prevention fields. A majority of our consultants maintain internationally recognized designations as  a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and/ or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Our expertise and combined backgrounds in the government and private sectors provide a comprehensive resource to our clients. 
 
Our highlighted areas of expertise:
Workplace Violence
Physical Security Audits
Corporate Compliance
Policy & Procedure Audits
Internal Controls Review
Sexual Harassment
Retail Loss Prevention
Executive Safety
Skip Tracing
Asset Protection
Fraud
Corporate Investigation Services and Information Services Checklists
Corporate Investigation Services Checklist
Corporate Investigation Services Include: External Fraud and Theft
Internal Fraud and Theft
Assumed Identity and Identity Fraud
Corporate Liability Investigation
Personal Injury Investigation
Insurance Fraud Investigation
Discrimination and Harrassment
Unsafe Workplace Investigations
Alleged Wrongful Termination
Employee Frolic and Deviation
Business Investigation and Intelligence
Due Diligence Investigation
Competitive Intelligence
Deceptive Business Practices
Financial and Asset Investigation
Surveillance and Undercover
Photography and Videography
Witness Interviews and Pre-trial Preparation
Witness and Expert Testimony Locates
Workers' Compensation
Corporate Information Services Checklist
Corporate Background Check Services Include:
Assumed Identity and Identity Fraud
Employee Integrity Investigation
Credibility Profiling
Citizenship Profiling
Financial Profiling
Executive Background Checks
Vendor Background Checks
Bu siness Background Checks
Due Diligence Investigation
Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal History Checks
Competitive Intelligence Checks
People Locator
Asset Search and Profiling
Deep Background Checks
Due Diligence
Call ACCOLADE INVESTIGATIONS for a free Consultation!