• Cell records are vitally important when there is a suspicious auto theft, water loss, slip and fall or even comp claim.
  
  Cell records can determine the location of the user at any one time. Examples of an insured stating they were asleep when their car was taken from the driveway can be disputed if cell records show the insured awake and on the phone or more directly at the site of where the car was found burned.
   
• Social Media has become one of the most useful tools for investigators. Beyond database information, there is now a significant amount of information placed by individuals that impeach their credibility. For instance, claimants who allege loss of earnings may list a company they own. Some claimants place photos, obviously great for fraud surveillance.
   
• Each state has its own guidelines and forms for reporting fraud. Sometimes these are difficult to locate but Schneider Associates has all the states' information stored in their own database. If you need assistance — in any state — call us and we will guide you through the process.
   
• Reporting fraud in California can sometimes be frustrating for insurance companies. Due to a lack of manpower, the vast majority of claims are not opened by the Dept of Insurance. There are now other routes to take. Many County District Attorneys have designated Insurance Fraud divisions. Smaller counties are more apt to open a file than larger ones.
   

Howard Schneider has been a licensed private investigator in California and New York for over 35 years. His efforts have been highlighted on a Los Angeles TV station exposé on Insurance Fraud. He has been quoted in articles and in an insurance trade magazine.

His seminars, "A Common Sense Approach to Identifying Fraud," have been recognized by insurance companies around the nation.

Prior to entering the Private Sector, Mr. Schneider was a Special Investigator for the New York State Legislature and later held the same position with the United States House of Representatives.

SCHNEIDER ASSOCIATES can be reached by phone at 818 419 8140, or 805 494 0370, or by e mail at Hschneiderpi@aol.com.