Category: Due Diligence

"Solving Legal Puzzles: How Private Investigators Bolster Law Firms' Success"

8/11/2023

EXCALIBUR private investigators helping law firms in Colorado Springs

A private investigator can provide valuable assistance to a law firm in various ways. Here are some ways the private investigators of EXCALIBUR Private Investigation help law firms we partner with:

Gathering Evidence: Private investigators are skilled at collecting evidence that can support legal cases. We conduct thorough investigations, gather witness statements, take photographs, and collect other forms of evidence that can strengthen a law firm's case.
Background Checks: The professional private investigators of EXCALIBUR conduct background checks on individuals involved in a case, including parties, witnesses, and opposing counsel. This information can help our law firm partners better understand the people involved and uncover any relevant information.
Locating Witnesses: Finding and interviewing witnesses is crucial in many legal cases. Our team has the tools and techniques to locate hard-to-find witnesses and persuade them to cooperate.
Surveillance: In cases where surveillance is necessary, such as in personal injury or insurance fraud cases, EXCALIBUR's investigators conduct discreet and legal surveillance to gather information about the activities of individuals involved.
Asset Searches: Our professional investigators help our law firm partners locate and identify assets, which can be important in cases involving divorce, financial disputes, or collections.
Verifying Information: EXCALIBUR's investigators verify the authenticity of documents, statements, and other information that is pertinent to a case. This can help ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information presented in court.
Expert Testimony: Our investigators can provide expert testimony in court based on our investigative findings. With over thirty years of experience in investigations, EXCALIBUR's investigators can easily be qualified as experts. Our professional opinions can lend weight to a law firm's arguments and provide a clearer understanding of complex investigative matters.
Research and Due Diligence: Private investigators can conduct in-depth research to uncover information that may not be readily available through public sources. This can assist law firms in building a stronger case strategy.
Mitigating Risks: By conducting thorough investigations, EXCALIBUR's team of investigators help our law firm partners identify potential risks, weaknesses, or pitfalls in their cases. This allows the firm to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.
Assisting in Criminal Defense: Private investigators can play a crucial role in criminal defense cases by uncovering new evidence, identifying inconsistencies in the prosecution's case, and helping build a strong defense strategy.
Intellectual Property Protection: In cases involving intellectual property infringement or trade secrets, our investigators gather evidence of unauthorized use and help protect a client's valuable assets.

Overall, private investigators can be invaluable allies to law firms by providing specialized skills and resources that enhance their ability to build strong cases, gather evidence, and achieve favorable outcomes for their clients. However, it's important for the law firm to collaborate closely with the investigator, ensuring that all work is conducted ethically, legally, and in alignment with the firm's goals and values which the professional private investigators at EXCALIBUR adhere to on every case.

Need investigative support for your cases? Give us a call today at 719.208.4088 and let us put our experience to work on behalf of your clients. Remember, there is no substitute for experience! And we've got it.

Lee Walters
President - Lead Investigator
Colorado Springs, Colorado

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"Shadow Sleuth: Uncovering the Hidden Truths through Background Investigations"

6/4/2023

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Private investigators are professionals who are hired to conduct investigations on behalf of individuals, businesses, or organizations. They specialize in gathering information, conducting surveillance, and performing background checks to uncover facts and uncover any potential wrongdoing while gathering evidence. One specific type of investigation that EXCALIBUR Private Investigation, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and serving the whole state of Colorado, often handles is what’s known as background or due diligence investigations.

Background, due diligence investigations, involve the thorough examination of an individual's personal, professional, and financial history. These investigations are typically conducted to assess the credibility, integrity, and reputation of an individual before entering into a business transaction, partnership, employment agreement, or any other significant arrangement.

Here are some key aspects of a background/due diligence investigation that our investigators undertake:

Identity Verification: Our investigators verify the identity of the subject of the investigation by checking official documents such as passports, driver's licenses, or social security numbers.

Employment and Education Verification: Our investigators validate the individual's employment history and educational qualifications by contacting previous employers, educational institutions, and professional associations.

Criminal Record Check: EXCALIBUR Private Investigation investigators search criminal databases and court records to determine if the individual has a criminal history. This can include checking for past convictions, arrests, or pending charges.

Financial History: We examine an individual's financial records, including bankruptcy filings, tax liens, judgments, and credit reports, to evaluate their financial stability and integrity.

Reputation Assessment: Our investigators gather information from various sources, such as interviews with acquaintances, colleagues, or neighbors, to assess the individual's reputation, character, and overall behavior.

Litigation History: We search for any involvement of the subject in past or ongoing legal disputes, lawsuits, or arbitration proceedings.

Media and Internet Research: Our social media investigator scours public records, news articles, social media platforms, and other online sources to uncover any relevant information about the individual's personal or professional life.

Are you about to enter into a new financial arrangement, business deal or other important agreement, including a romantic one? The experienced investigators of EXCALIBUR Private Investigation can find all the skeletons that may exist out there or can verify the information you’ve been given is true. Call us today at 719.208.4088 or fill out our contact form, and one of our helpful private investigators will discuss what we can do for you. We cover the state of Colorado and beyond.

Lee Walters
President - Lead Investigator
Colorado Springs, Colorado

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"Shadows of Deceit: Unveiling Financial Fraud Through Private Investigation"

6/2/2023

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Private investigators play a crucial role in uncovering financial fraud and protecting the interests of individuals, businesses, and organizations. With their specialized skills, knowledge, and resources, they assist in detecting fraudulent activities, gathering evidence, and presenting a strong case for legal action. In this article, we will explore the role of private investigators in investigating financial fraud and how they contribute to maintaining the integrity of the financial system.

Financial fraud encompasses a wide range of illegal activities, such as embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading, Ponzi schemes, and identity theft, among others. These acts can cause significant harm to individuals and businesses, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even bankruptcy. Private investigators, such as those who are part of the EXCALIBUR Private Investigation team, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado and serving the state of Colorado, are often hired to identify perpetrators, collect evidence, and help victims seek justice.

One of the key strengths of our private investigators is their ability to conduct discreet and confidential investigations. They have the expertise to navigate complex financial transactions, analyze records, and follow the money trail. They employ various techniques, including surveillance, interviews, background checks, and forensic accounting, to uncover fraudulent schemes and trace the flow of illicit funds. By utilizing their networks and resources, private investigators can access information that is not readily available to the public, which can be instrumental in unraveling financial fraud.

EXCALIBUR’s investigators also collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and legal professionals in financial fraud cases. They work hand-in-hand with these entities to share information, provide expert analysis, and strengthen the overall investigation. This collaboration ensures that all relevant aspects of the case are thoroughly examined and that the evidence gathered meets the required legal standards. We often act as liaisons between victims and law enforcement, bridging the gap and facilitating effective communication.

In addition to their investigative skills, our Colorado-based investigators bring a unique perspective to financial fraud cases. They possess a deep understanding of human behavior, motivations, and patterns, allowing them to anticipate the actions of fraudsters and identify potential vulnerabilities in financial systems. Their expertise in risk assessment enables them to provide valuable recommendations to individuals and organizations to prevent future fraud occurrences. By conducting comprehensive due diligence and implementing robust internal controls, private investigators help mitigate the risk of financial fraud.

Moreover, private investigators are adept at presenting their findings in a clear and concise manner. They compile comprehensive reports and, if necessary, testify in court as expert witnesses. Their ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a way that is understandable to non-experts is crucial for legal proceedings. Their testimony often serves as a critical component in securing convictions and ensuring that justice is served.

In conclusion, private investigators play a vital role in investigating financial fraud. Their specialized skills, resources, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies contribute to the detection and prevention of fraudulent activities. By diligently following the money trail, conducting thorough investigations, and providing expert analysis, private investigators assist in safeguarding the financial system and protecting the interests of individuals and businesses. Their efforts in uncovering financial fraud are essential in maintaining the integrity of the financial sector and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Have you been a victim of financial fraud or are you about to enter into a financial arrangement and want to make sure the other party doesn’t have any skeletons in their closet? Contact EXCALIBUR Private Investigation and let us put our 30+ years of federal law enforcement (FBI) and private investigation experience to work on your case. We’ll find the answers you need. Call us today at 719.208.4088 or fill out our contact form and a professional private investigator will be happy to discuss your case with a no-obligation, free consultation.

Lee Walters
President-Lead Investigator
Colorado Springs, Colorado

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10 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK BEFORE HIRING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

11/28/2022

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10 Questions to Ask a Colorado Springs Private Investigator

There are many instances where you may need to hire a private investigator. No matter what you're trying to accomplish, it's best to interview multiple investigators to see who is the right fit for you before giving one the assignment. We developed ten questions you should ask any professional investigator you're thinking about hiring:

1. How long have you been conducting investigations?

Note that this question will give you a good sense of how long the investigator has actually conducted investigations and if they have law enforcement experience where they've actually received training in all aspects of conducting an investigation. If they respond with "5, 7, ____ fill-in-the-blank years, be sure and ask if all those years of experience are only as a private investigator or not. At EXCALIBUR Private Investigation, we have over three decades of law enforcement (25 years) and private investigation (10 years) experience and have received ongoing training during the entirety of that time.

2. Are you licensed, insured and bonded?

In the state of Colorado, Governor Jared Polis vetoed ongoing licensure of private investigators effective August 31, 2021 and the industry is full of people who couldn't get licensed in the past due to a variety of reasons. Make sure to ask if they've ever been licensed in any state and inquire as to what insurance they have and if they are bonded. An uninsured, unbonded, private investigator is a train wreck looking for a place to happen. At EXCALIBUR we're insured and bonded and have held state issued private investigator's licenses in California, Virginia and Colorado.

3. What hours will you work on my case?

Never, never, never hire a private investigator who only works banker's hours, i.e. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If you've already hired them and can't seem to get in touch with them after 5:00 p.m. fire them. Immediately! Many cases require the investigator to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and can require much more than an 8-hour day. Our investigators work when the case requires it, no matter when that may be. Private investigation is not a 9-5 job!!!

4. What type of training have you had?

Many investigators will vacillate and stumble when you ask them this question and will try to generalize their training. They'll try to tell you how many years they've been doing this kind of work, what they did in the military, etc. If they can't answer with specifics, you can assume they aren't qualified, or equipped, to handle your case. At EXCALIBUR our investigators have trained at the FBI Academy, the DOJ Advocacy Center, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Military Police Academy, to name just a few places our investigators have trained. Training is ongoing as there's always something new to learn.

5. What kind of report will you provide?

No matter what kinds of evidence a private investigator collects, if it isn't properly documented, via written reports, chain-of-custody recorded, videography, photographs, etc., it does no one any good. Many times a case has been defeated at trial due to shoddy or incomplete reports. Unless the private investigator has been trained in how to properly document evidence, they'll fail every time. A good professional investigator will give you frequent updates on all investigation conducted including what they've discovered, and what remains to be discovered. At EXCALIBUR Private Investigation we update all clients any time there's activity in a case and we provide a detailed, written report, that references all audio, video, photographs, surveillance activity, GPS tracking, etc. collected during the investigation. We hand deliver our reports with all of the collected evidence and take the time to go over our findings with the client.

6. How should we communicate with each other?

Many times in an investigation the client may still live with the subject of the investigation. If the private investigator you're interviewing doesn't have alternative communication methods in mind, find another investigator. We use a variety of apps and burner numbers untraceable to our firm as any investigator worth their salt should.

7. Can you recommend a good lawyer?

This question will let you know immediately if the investigator is respected by those in the industry. All good investigators should at least have a few law firms as clients and should be able to recommend which lawyer would be the best for your particular matter. Our firm has worked with law firms all over the country and can recommend the right firm no matter what type of case you need help with.

8. Are you willing to testify in court?

Any private investigator should be willing to testify in court. If the investigator you're interviewing hesitates, even momentarily, that's a huge red flag! Individuals who have presented themselves as PI's may have something in their background that they know will come out in any trial, such as criminal convictions. Without licensing even an individual with a criminal past can claim to be a private investigator. The investigators of EXCALIBUR Private Investigation have all testified in federal, state and local courts numerous times.

9. Will you guarantee your results?

If an investigator tells you they can guarantee the outcome of an investigation they are either lying or have never worked an investigation. An investigator with any experience whatsoever, understands that you never know where an investigation will lead. We guarantee we'll work your case with all available tools and expertise, but we can never guarantee a particular outcome. If the investigator tells you they guarantee their results hold on to your wallet and be suspect of any information they provide.

10. Do you have references?

Any private investigator with a level of experience should be able to provide references when requested. Most reputable PI's will have plenty of clients they can't provide as references due to confidentiality, but they should have some, such as law firms and other professionals, that can speak to their work product. Another red flag if the PI you're interviewing can't, or won't, provide references.

I recommend printing these questions out any time you are thinking of engaging a private investigation firm. I'm sure our competitors will be practicing their answers should one of our readers call them. If we can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Lee Walters
President-Lead Investigator
EXCALIBUR Private Investigation
719.208.4088

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THE HOLLYWOOD CON

11/28/2022

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Colorado Springs, Colorado

Having worked more white collar fraud cases than I can count, I'm always intrigued that new con men are able to convince people to part with hard earned money. The one common denominator that I've found is present in every one of these cases are the "friends and family" hook. The guy above, Zach Horowitz, also known as Zach Avery, used that hook to scam money from a variety of people under the guise that he was buying the rights to movies and then leasing those rights to HBO, Netflix, primarily, and other streaming services. Needless to say none of these services had ever heard of the guy which a little due diligence on the part of the victims could have figured that out early in the con. This guy ran a typical Ponzi scheme that caught up with him as all Ponzi schemes do.

What is a Ponzi scheme? The dictionary defines a Ponzi scheme as:

"a form of fraud in which belief in the success of a nonexistent enterprise is fostered by the payment of quick returns to the first investors from money invested by later investors".

Once Zach Horowitz got those first investors on board, all family and friends, promising returns of 42% after 9 months (a red flag if I've ever seen one), he would repay the initial investors with money coming in from new investors. I'm always bewildered that people think there are investments that pay 42%, or more, in a short period of time with no risk. In the end over $600 million was scammed in this Ponzi scheme with some $200 million still unaccounted for.

Don't think that schemes such as these are ongoing here in Colorado? Don't be too sure. In the last three weeks I've been introduced to individuals, who didn't know my background, pitching investments that are too good to be true and will, ultimately, lead to loss of investment funds. In both instances I gathered as much information as I could about the principles and shared with a local detective I know so that she could be on the lookout for potential victims.

If someone approaches you with an investment that just seems too good to be true, contact me or one of my investigators and let us conduct due diligence on your behalf.

Lee Walters
President
EXCALIBUR Private Investigation
719.208.4088

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SKandal! Bringing Down Wirecard

10/22/2022

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As someone who's worked literally hundreds of white collar crime fraud cases, bank fraud, wire fraud, con games, you name it, whenever I come across a documentary of that type of crime I'm drawn to it. Often times the documentary doesn't do the investigation justice, but over the last two days I had a chance to watch Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard on Netflix and it's an excellent treatment of how a long-running, fraudulent business, was a German FinTech darling when it was actually a fraud scheme all along.

I have to admit, I had never heard of Wirecard until watching this but, for those of you not familiar with them as I wasn't, they were selling themselves as the PayPal, Zelle, etc of Europe. Not to give away too much, but there's all kinds of intrigue. Spies, lots of private investigators, at one point the company had 28 PI's on their payroll looking into reporters and others writing negative articles and short selling their stock, and foreign agents from numerous countries.

As with all cons, even people who think there's something fishy going on, will dismiss their doubts under the misguided thinking that this government agency or that government agency is surely monitoring the company. When I hear that I laugh and promptly think of Bernie Madoff and how the Securities and Exchange Commission wqw asleep at the wheel for years. And take my word for it, there are still fraudulent companies operating as we speak even though our investigative agencies, who should be on the lookout for these, seem to be more interested in solving everything but true crime these days.

If you have Netflix I can strongly recommend this one as it will have you on the edge of your seat the entirety of the film.

About to enter into a large investment, partnership, or other business arrangement? Invest a few dollars and have a background investigation completed of all the principles and have some business intelligence conducted to see if everything that's being presented is really as it's being presented. Our Colorado based professional private investigators will either verify what is being presented as true, or save you from making a large financial mistake that could be devastating. We also have a forensic accountant on staff who can dig through those financials to see if they are a true reporting of the financial health of the company. Call us today to discuss your needs.

Lee Walters
President
EXCALIBUR Private Investigation
719.208.4088

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Are you Penny Wise and Pound Foolish?

9/22/2022

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Colorado Springs Private Investigator Penny Wise Pound Foolish

Many of us have heard the phrase "penny wise and pound foolish", but have you ever thought about it in the context of due diligence? Not to provide a history lesson to everyone, but this phrase has long been attributed to Benjamin Franklin when it was actually coined by Robert Burton in his 1621 work, yes that long ago, The Anatomy of Melancholy.

This phrase popped into my head when reading an article recently about a businessman who lost over $2 million dollars to a con man, for lack of a better term, who had a long history of defrauding his business partners. After the money had been lost, the defrauded businessman hired a professional investigator to see if any of the funds could be recovered, kind of "closing the barn door after the horse has bolted" to quote yet another well known phrase. The professional investigator discovered a trail of previously defrauded business parters this con man had taken to the cleaners over the years and that the $2 million dollars was long gone.

Every time I read a tale of someone losing their hard earned money in a fraudulent scheme, my first thought is "I wonder if they did any due diligence?" In most instances I'd bet good money that they didn't. Otherwise smart business men and women try and save money when a small investment into a due diligence background check by a professional investigator could have found any red flags that exist. In the example above, by spending $3,500, the average cost for a due diligence background investigation, less than 1/4 of 1% of the $2 million lost, the defrauded businessman would still have their $2 million dollars and would have had a lot less sleepless nights that I guarantee they suffered through and probably continue to do so.

Are you in the process of entering into a business deal or other investment of any size and think you can't become a victim of fraud? Think again. Even individuals you may have known for years can be capable of defrauding you. Spend a little time, and money, and reach out to a professional investigator as a trusted adviser to make sure you don't become a victim. My firm and our team of Colorado Springs-based professional investigators have conducted numerous due diligence investigations and would be happy to discuss your needs. Just give us a call or send us a quick email and someone will respond as soon as possible.

Lee Walters
President
EXCALIBUR Private Investigation
Colorado Springs, Colorado
www.excaliburlegalsupport.com
719.208.4088

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