Business Fraud & Embezzlement Investigations

Our licensed private investigators have a wide variety of skills and diverse backgrounds. With 25+ years of experience, we have an excellent track record of providing high quality investigation services. From start to finish, our knowledgeable, discreet, and detail oriented staff goes above and beyond to manage your expectations, remain 100% confidential and update you daily as events unfold on your case. 

We rely on the best investigative technology and techniques, and comply with the industry’s leading standards for surveillance, locating, record search, and process services. 

Numbers that don’t add up. Missing inventory. A partner who suddenly won’t share the books. When money is disappearing from your business, you need answers quickly and quietly, without tipping off the person responsible. LA Undercover conducts confidential business fraud and embezzlement investigations for owners, partners, boards and the attorneys who represent them.

Warning Signs of Internal Fraud

• Cash flow problems even though sales look strong
• A bookkeeper, manager or partner who won’t take vacation or let anyone else see the accounts
• Vendors you don’t recognize, or invoices for goods and services you never received
• Missing inventory, equipment or cash
• An employee or partner living well beyond their known income
• Customers being diverted to a competing business
• Records that are missing, altered or kept “off the books”

Cases We Investigate

Embezzlement and theft by employees. Skimming, payroll fraud, expense fraud, fake vendors and cash theft.

Partner and shareholder misconduct. A business partner diverting funds, self-dealing, hiding income or running a side business with company resources.

Vendor and kickback schemes. Shell companies, inflated invoices and employees receiving kickbacks from suppliers.

Theft of clients and trade secrets. Former employees or partners taking customer lists, contracts or confidential information to a competitor.

How We Investigate

• Background and asset investigations on the people involved, including property, business filings, liens and lifestyle indicators
• Corporate and vendor research to identify shell companies and hidden ownership
• Surveillance to document meetings, side businesses and the movement of goods
• Interviews of employees, former employees and witnesses
• Coordination with your attorney and accountant so our findings support recovery, a lawsuit or a criminal referral

We work with your attorney so the investigation is structured properly from the start and the evidence holds up. If you have a business dispute heading toward litigation, our Asset Searches can locate funds and property that may be recoverable.

Before You Do Anything Else

If you suspect someone inside your business, avoid confronting them or changing their access until you’ve spoken with an investigator and your attorney. A premature confrontation often leads to deleted records and lost evidence.

Why LA Undercover

• Licensed California private investigators (CA PI #188895), 25+ years of experience
• Background in case management at a top Los Angeles criminal law firm
• Confidential, discreet handling that protects your business and reputation
• Clear, documented findings for your attorney, accountant or law enforcement

Where to Begin 

We are here to assist you in answering questions you may have during this difficult time in you life.  To begin please call, email or submit a request form below.

Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Ventura County, Sacramento County, and others upon request