With the current economic conditions experts predict an increase in fraud such as, disability claims, unemployment benefits fraud, commercial / financial fraud and civil lawsuits[1], which have historically been the main business of private investigation companies. Insurance crime costs exceeded 4.2 billion dollars in 2008 according to Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada.[2] This increase in claim costs combined with the increasing trend of litigation in Ontario[3] is going to increase the demand for services of Private Investigators and Private Investigation firms. Successful investigations results in the company saving 60% of the cost of the investigation in additional disbursements.[4]

[1] Draz, Dan M.S. C.F.E “The Fraud Factor – Fraud skyrockets in a Depressed Economy” PI Magazine Sept/Oct 2008 pp. 10-13. [2] Kupics, Laura – Claims Canada June/July 2008 pp. 13-18. [3] Bianci, Irene V.P. Claims & Corporate Services Royal & Sun Alliance “High Noon – Given the current legal environment insurers should be extra vigilant in avoiding disputed claims and lawsuits” Canadian Insurance October 2007 pp. 30-32. [4] Carlson, Daryl-Lynn “Busting Fraud – Investigators Leverage Their Resources to Uncover Fraudulent Claims” Canadian Insurance January 2007 pp.9-11