How do OIG investigators prove fraud?
Fraud investigations use both overt and covert techniques to obtain evidence. Regardless of the fraud scheme, essential steps to proving a crime include interviews, document examinations, and observations. OIG special agents sometimes employ technical equipment and sophisticated techniques to capture and document critical information via covert photographic and video surveillance, clandestine electronic monitoring and recording, and vehicle tracking. Many techniques are particularly effective when fraud is ongoing and subjects are unaware of any investigation. If the “bad guys” had advance warning of a criminal investigation, they might destroy documents, purge electronic records, and “get their stories straight” — actions that could easily derail an investigation. An example of more overt investigative techniques includes compelling the production of documents and electronic data using subpoenas and search warrants. OIG special agents receive their basic training at the Federal Law En
