Investigator and Fraud Fighter Guidebook: Operation War Stories

Praise for Investigator and Fraud Fighter Guidebook: Operation War Stories Experience is the best teacher. And Charles Piper has it in spades. Investigator and Fraud Fighter Guidebook: Operation War Stories shows the good, the bad and the ugly from the trenches. Yes, fighting fraud is a war. This book belongs in the investigators stockpile of weapons. Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, Founder and Chairman, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Charles Piper is one of the most experienced investigators I know. But like most good investigators, he learned more from his mistakes than he did from his successes. This book walks you through his amazing career and allows the reader to learn some of the lessons Charles learned the hard way. His stories are entertaining and informative. Investigators of all levels will improve their skills by following his lessons. James D. Ratley, CFE, President CEO, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners I worked with Chuck Piper when I was a federal prosecutor. He was one of the smartest, hardest–working and tenacious federal investigators I ever met. Chuck has the ability to think outside–the–box which is an important quality because fraud schemes are constantly evolving in both creativity and complexity. Chuck is, without doubt, one of the best! Paul S. Padda, Partner, Cohen Padda, LLP, Las Vegas, Nevada This book is must reading for all those who want investigations to be thorough and complete. Charles Piper has a rare combination of investigative know how and street smarts . His unique shared approach to investigating combined with his own investigative War Stories will help investigators and fraud fighters worldwide solve more cases, catch more criminals and better combat fraud, waste, and abuse. Bruce Durbin, Senior Special Agent, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Retired)

Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1 The Successful Investigator The Basics Investigator If You Have The Pig, You Have It Made Investigation Success Chapter 2 The Case Initiation Juristiction, Venue, And Purview Believable, Reliable, Or Credible Source Of Information Dollar Loss Seriousness/Harm Case Load Resources Funding/Finances Investigators’ Desire Investigative Priorities Projected Remedy Prosecutor’s Perogative Media Or Public Interest Political Interests Chapter 3 Conducting Thorough Investigations Questions To Answer Seven Questions – The Five Ws And Two Hs Before, During, And After Chapter 4 Expanding Investigative Efforts Comparisons NCIC Resources Seven Questions: The Five Ws And Two Hs Plus “Else” Currently, Previously, Or In The Future Thinking Like Others Three Investigative Exploration Approaches Follow The Same Blueprint Chapter 5 Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Systemic Weaknesses Examples Of Suggestions For Improvement Chapter 6 Summary Reports Types Of Investigative Reports Official Files And Working Files Other Reports Preparing To Write Length Of Reports Attachments And Exhibits To Reports Reports Should Stand Alone Report Formats Common Report Writing Mistakes Chapter 7 The Investigator’s Toolbox: Resources, Tools, and Techniques Investigative Resources Organizations Other Professionals Public Records Investigative Tools And Techniques Search Warrants Subpoenas Interceptions And Tracking Devices NCIC Mail Covers Trash Covers Undercovers Photogrpahy, Video, And Audio Recordings Laboratory Analysis Informants Polygraphs And Deception Detectors Analysis And Audits Other Case Files And Police Reports Ask Chapter 8 Interviewing Interviews And Interrogation Rapport Listen And Then Talk Note Taking Corroboration Word Choice Planning Body Language Props Finish The Job Empathy Statement Analysis Pronouns Partial Truths Equal Deception Specifity Minimizing Can’t Recall Think Plural Interview Notes Interview Room Skteches And Photographs Chapter 9 Case Planning Plans Change Murphy’s Law Private Investigations Administrative Responsibilties Case Files Electronic Case Folder Working File Official File The Investigative Plan In Summary Juggling A Case Load And Time Management Time Management Chapter 10 Large Scale Investigations Communication Planning The Interview Log Re: Strategy The Final Summary Report Attachments And Exhibits Post Draft Report Report Distribution Investigative Notes And Evidence Chapter 11 Making Presentations Grahics, Charts, Visual Aids, Photos And Videos Investigator’s Appearance And Voice A Copy For The Prosecutor Presentations To Supervisors Indictments, Convictions, And Dollar Recoveries Chapter 12 Providing Testimony Dealing With The Opposing Counsel Visual Aids In Court Make Sure You Understand The Question Chapter 13 Closing the Case Old Case Files Evidence Recommendations For Improvement Suspensions, Debarment, And Improvement Plans Chapter 14 Personal and Professional Growth Training Networking Physical Fitness Morale Insurance And Representation Preparing For The Future Teddy Roosevelt Conclusion Appendix Samples of Case Presentation Visual Aids About the Author Index

CHARLES E. PIPER, CFE, CRT is the owner of Charles Pipers Professional Services located in West Tennessee. Hes had a distinguished 30–year career in law enforcement including 20 years as a Special Agent–Criminal Investigator with the Department of Defense (DoD) where he received numerous awards and recognition. Piper has provided training to law enforcement officers, investigators, fraud fighters, businesses, and others. Hes also written feature anti–fraud and investigative articles for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Fraud Magazine. Currently serving as a private investigator, consultant, and trainer, Piper also enjoys helping others fight against fraud while sharing his personal and unique investigative war stories.