What Do Fraud Investigators Do?
Securing a company against any kind of fraud is important if it wishes to continue functioning successfully. Workers may try to unrightfully claim compensation for injuries, or a client may be deceiving over certain costs. Fraud investigators are employed by a number of institutes to act as watchdogs. They work diligently to uncover cases of deception and fraud, and provide testimony in court if needed. These individuals possess exceptional analytical skills, where they need to pay attention to detail and uncover instances of fraud.
How Do I Become One?
If you are interested in becoming a fraud investigator, you will need formal training. This can be done through fraud investigation degrees. Educational institutes across the US offer programs which prepare students in the skills needed to excel in this field. These degrees are primarily interested in helping students become better at analyzing data, finding discrepancies, and following proper procedures to obtain information from their clients. Students will take courses in accounting, auditing, and finance. This knowledge is useful to those individuals who want to enter the insurance fraud investigation discipline. In addition to this learning, students will be taken through courses in law, designed to help them understand how to help prosecute a client suspected of fraud in the appropriate manner.
Fraud investigation degrees vary in their coursework, depending on the kind of field students eventually wish to enter. Some will emphasize training in the legal aspect over accounting, while others will go the other way around. Before you choose a program, you should be sure of what your professional goals are, in order to make a well-informed choice.
Online Fraud Investigation Degrees
In order to facilitate student access to education, many educational institutes are now offering fraud investigation degrees online. Whether you are interested in entering the field, want to improve your skills in a particular area, or are looking for a qualification to advance your career, these degrees are highly recommended. By enrolling in an online degree, you will be given access to the materials via an internet-based system. You can work through the materials at your own pace and from anywhere you wish. The freedom afforded to students is excellent for those individuals who currently hold part-time or full-time jobs and cannot quit these for educational pursuits.
What Kinds of Jobs Are Available?
Upon graduating with a degree in fraud investigation, you will be able to enter a number of fields. Insurance companies are always looking for professionals who can evaluate claims and vet them for legitimacy. Even other companies may require professionals in the legal department, who will evaluate employee claims and provide due compensation where necessary. Corporate investigators will work with various company departments and function much like auditors, ensuring that all financial statements are accounted for and there are no discrepancies. In each of these areas, your expertise will be equally viable, and allow you to excel. O Net Online reports that fraud investigators earned a median annual wage of $61,160 in 2012.